Heater/defrost control problem
 

I just came into possession of a2002 Mini. I noticed today that my feet were cold (its 35 degrees here), and I hit the button for the vents to open to the floor. The defrost vents started throwing air. Also, when I hit AUTO on the controls the AC starts up, regardless of the temperature? Do I have a bad temperature control module or am I missing something here?
Also, my door grab bars (for a lack of a better term)have lost a lot of their paint. Other than covering them with leather, is there any other option? I wanted to try to repaint them, but they are plastic welded to the panel. Can't be easily removed.