Climate Control

Have E34 535i. Noticed that the A/C stays on all the time. Under the hood the A/C clutch is engaged. The little green light on the A/C button of the panel control does not light or if it does stays on for a second or two and goes out. The recirculation button does not light either, only the rear window defroster button lights. I am thinking that the 3 button switch is bad and found a replacement but have not received. Any thoughts other than the switch that would cause this to happen or do you think it is the switch

Thanks?

When I press the recirc button, I can hear and feel the AC compressor engage. I am pretty sure this is not what is supposed to happen, but how is the recirc connected to the AC?