We own a 2006 Mini Cooper S with manual air contitioning. Here's what the manual says the Air Distribution Contol **** is supposed to do:


But when we set the **** to "footwell", we still get a lot of flow blowing onto the windshield (the defroster vent). My wife doesn't like air blowing on her face (it drys out her eyes and nose). We have tried all the settings, and haven't found a way to get it to blow only in the footwell.

Is there a problem with our HVAC system? Or is this how they all work?

 

We have the auto AC unit, (and wished we didn't), but the buttons correspond to your dial with the same functionality. I don't think the windshield gets air unless the up arrow is selected. Have your SA take a look. The "diverter" is probably either stuck or not moving into the correct position all the way. Most cars have a little bit of air "leakage" to other outlets, but it should not be noticeable.

 

It does sound like your diverter is stuck. I had this issue in a previous car, where my AC would only blow at my face, on full-blast, or not at all. When the diverter broke, I actually heard it make a "ka-chunk" noise as I turned the ****. It was a pretty easy fix though. I'd definitely call your SA; they should be able to fix it.

 

My manual AC car has had this since day 1. There is no way to avoid having air blowing on the inside of the windscreen.