Can't find many posts on this one. I checked real OEM and the actual control unit looks like it's a direct swap. The automatic unit has a 2nd piece that goes with it that appears to plug in the back, and the manual one does not.

I know automatic climate control units usually rely on some additional sensors, but it's hard to figure that out on Real OEM. Anyone have any definitive information?

 

I'm also curious about this....bump...anyone?

 

I believe there's an interior temp sensor up where the maplights are somewhere... I actually wanted the manual temp controls on mine, they're a ton more straightforward, but I don't think I'll be tearing into the dash anytime soon since they work great and are under warranty still... I do notice my fan speed varies with temp and speed or some other parameter(s), I just noticed it varies and the variations in speed seem to make sense as regards interior temp, road speed, exterior temp, and a few other variables - I'll have to pay more attention to which one directly affects it).

 

If it helps, I'll tell you about our two MINI's.

I have a 2003 MCS with auto climate controls. After spending 3 years constantly pushing buttons to try to trick the computer into blowing the right temperature air where I want it, we ordered my wife's 2006 MINI with the standard controls.

Having just a few logical ***** to turn is so much nicer and easier than pushing a bunch of buttons to trick the system. If you lived nearby and would pay for the labor to do the swap, I would give you my auto climate control system in exchange for your's.

 

Yucca: +1 on your commentary, well worded and I agree.

 

This link to Mini2.com gives some good info on auto climate control as a retrofit:-

Auto Air Con Retrofit

 

Isn't the blower motor different? I thought the auto climate control had more fan speeds.