I had my 09' JCW taken in today to figure out why it has been running very poorly and has major check engine lights. After getting towed to the dealer they tell me that the issue is with a frozen intake/throttle body. To alleviate the issue they are installing an upgraded intake that prevents buildup of ice and moisture due to the "cold and moist climate" here in Wisconsin in winter. Although it is an issue with the design of the engine, they are still trying to charge me $700-800 for the replacement and repair. This should be covered under warranty, not make me have to pay for their bad design and not thorough test of the car in colder climates. Is there any cases of people getting this for free or reimbursed for the repair? Would calling Mini USA and talking with someone there make any difference?

 

I would certainly call MINI USA & state your case. IMO no way they should charge you for this. I'd also file a complaint with NHTSA. If you are out in traffic & your car bogs to nothing it sure can be a safety issue.

 

Good luck having it fixed.....and I really mean that.

I had my 2010S in twice last year for the same thing. Apparently they didn't fix it like they told me, cause yesterday it's doing the same thing again.
Last year it happened to me while driving 55 in the left lane...all of a sudden went into limp mode, with a maximum speed of 10mph.
Off to deal with it next week!

 

You could always sing Let it Go.

I know a Bad Frozen Joke

 

This cold weather intake manifold is much like the original except with four 1/4 inch dia short rubber hoses run in series from the top of each intake tube. Problem with this crazy looking design is that I know of more than a handful of cases where the rubber hoses don't hold up just after 2-3 yrs resulting in vac leaks, so not much of a solution. And it's almost $400 for this replacement part.

 

Replace one poor design with another. Wonder if Peugeot did the design work on that. If it lasts over 2 years MINI is off the hook for its replacement. Damn...

 

You folks who have experienced the frozen throttle body, do you have an oil catch can installed?

The reason I ask is that I have an OCC which for me is really a Condensate Catch Can, not an Oil Catch Can. I have had it installed for at least four years and the only time I experienced a frozen throttle body is when I didn't have the catch can hooked up.

I was experimenting last year to see if it effected my oil consumption and I removed the hoses for the OCC. It got bitter cold out and I began experiencing the frozen throttle body. I hooked up the OCC because I know if catches an extreme amount of water(I need to empty it weekly when cold) and the frozen throttle body problem disappeared.

Possibly another solution?