I just bought a used 2003 MINI this spring with only 19k miles, my first car of my own yaay! But I've been experiencing problems with my A/C. It will come and go intermittently, I'll have it on the coldest setting and sometimes it'll be nice and cool and comfortable and others it'll be pumping out luke warm or warm "outside" air. And it'll usually cycle between these temperatures. Is this a common problem, is it fixable with a cabin air filter swap, or some coolant? Or do I need some professional help? I've been surfing the forums and read about a low speed radiator fan problem, perhaps it's that. I'll have to keep diagnosing on my end. If I do need a service department to look at it, does anyone have a recommendation for the jersey shore area, or is Morristown my best bet?

 

Since it is an 03'....it could be lots of different things...
It could be low in coolant...134A...can be DIY with a kit (usually with passable results)...Kits are pretty cheap. This needs to be redone every 4-5 years on many cars.
It could be a Bad compressor or clutch on the compressor....$$$$
It could be wiring, pressure switch, or even the valve/orifice is partially clogged.

 

Thanks for the quick reply Zippy, I think I'll just head into the Autobahn here, they come recommended by a few other members. My half *** coolant addition probably wouldn't do much good anyway.