Howdy. First mini, first convertible owner. Today it was 96 in So Cal. I'm wondering if my AC works right. It was cool, not freezing. Running full blast the interior cooled down some but it was never "cool". I would guesstimate it was maybe low 80's in the car.

Is that normal? Is that because of the cloth top? Or is my AC low and I should have it looked at? Just wondering what I should expect from it. Thanks

 

The 4th speed on the fan takes away the cool air faster than the compressor can replace it - use speed 3.
A $15 recharge can with a gauge might well help.

 

I just did a check of the center air temp on mine and it could be a little colder, blowing 50 degrees when it should be around 40-45 degrees. Same as you it gets cool on the inside but not as good as my 2003 R50 hatchback. Make sure your cabin filter is clean and use the recirculate button. It's easier to cool off 80-degree air than 96-degree air.

 

Yeah, the black top is like a heatsink. But after recharging the ac, mine cools the interior down in about 10 minutes. It's been hotter here though - up to 103, so ymmv.

 

Where do you get a recharge bottle? Is it easy to do yourself?

 

Actually, the garage recharged mine for free when I had my transmission replaced. But I've recharged our other cars and it is pretty easy. You can get a recharge kit with bottle and gauge at just about any auto parts store (I usually go to autozone - about $40), and it only takes a few minutes. Be sure not to overcharge it though, that can make it worse. There are videos on YouTube that show what to do, but honestly there's not much to it.

 

Well I got a bottle, and it seems like the AC is charged fine. I guess it just is not very effective on hot days with the black fabric top. It takes like 15-20 min to cool down the front seats. My kids in the back were frying the entire time.

 

If you haven't yet, you might try cleaning the AC radiator.
Also, if your low-speed fan resistor is out (your car seems to heat up and cool down, and the high speed fan whirrs after the car is turned off), you should get that replaced also.