Ok, here are my Mini problems...

#1 I am getting a buildup of condensation on the inside of the windshield now that the temperature changes to cold at night and warmer during the day. The more the temperature fluctuates, the worse the problem is. I will get in my Mini after work and literally have to dry the dripping moisture from the inside of my windshield.

#2 When it rains (or sometimes from the morning dew) I always wind up sitting in a puddle of water because the water from the roof and around the door/window seals drips onto my seat as I open the door to get in.

Is anyone having these same difficulties and if so, how have you combatted it?

 

If you are haveing that much moisture, you are having a serious leak into the inside of the car. You really need to have it looked at, soon. Do you have a sunroof? The drain for the sunroof might be clogged and causing water to get into the interior.

That much moisture could effect the electronics.

About the drips from the door molding, I find if I run my finger along the underside of the moulding before I open the door seems to solve this problem.

 

No sunroof but the windshield was replaced just prior to my buying the Mini last year. I was thinking a leak too but it is all over the inside of the winshield, not just in one area and it doesn't happen when it rains, only from teperature changes. Perplexing.

 

That is NOT normal!
It sure sounds like you have a leak somewhere.
Ditto what Bilbo said; get this fixed ASAP before you start having electrical problems.

 

If you have that much condensation on the inside of your windshield (not normal, right, everybody?) then my guess is that something in your car is wet enough to hold all that moisture, in storage, and keep the humidity in yur car really high. It has to come from somewhere, after all. I hate to say it, but you need to start taking stuff out until you find this moisture, and dry it up. Of course to keep it dry, you are going to have to find the leak. Maybe sit in the car and have someone spray it with a hose.........

 

if you live in a climate where the temperatures fluctuate greatly like here in Maine. They are exaggerating about a puddle of water from opening the door, but they do get some on the seat (enough to wet your clothes). I get that moisture build up too and combat it with defrost, fan on high, a.c. on and recirq on (I think that's right as it gives the system a chance to get the moisture out of the air and then you can take it off recirq.)

We get temperature fluctuations from early a.m. to full sun up of 70 degrees sometimes and this will soak the inner windshield especially when you add moisture from breathing to it. Patience and planning ahead is key. Personally I find parking it in the garage at night helps tons, but if I take it to work then all bets are off. At night the temp differential flips the other way and the same problem occurs.

Yes it can be a normal condition and it can be combated successfully. It's rather unfortunate that everyone prior to my post only sees the worst. Start with the simple solution first. Then if that doesn't work move on from there. Oh and don't exaggerate about having a puddle on the seat from moisture running from the door trim when opening. Sure you have some as I get it too on occasion, but peoples imaginations run away with what you say and take the word "puddle" to the extreme never considering that fact that 1/4 cup of water seems like a lot when you sit in it.

 

Sounds to me like a botched windshield replacement - perhaps they did not seal it correctly. I'd have it looked at by the dealer, and if they say it's a windshield leak, go back to the company that did the repleacement.

 

I have to agree with fred3... I've had interior windshield condensation happen in a few cars. The problem is typically related to the fact that cars today are so air-tight. If there is moisture in the air in your car, temperature changes outside will create condensation and/or frost depending on the season.

I live in WI; this usually affects me in the winter when my car is sitting outside on a very cold day... I have gotten into the habit of leaving my windows open a crack, or popping my sunroof open if I'm sure it won't be raining or snowing. The humidity in the air between inside and outside can balance out before condensation forms. That typically solves the problem.

The problem with water coming in the window when I open it or the door happens to me upon occasion. It's a little annoying...

 

Exactly! I do not have trouble with interior moisture when it rains or when I wash the car. It is only when the day starts out cold and then warms up quickly so I know I do not have a leak. While I am working, the cooper is sitting out in the full sun and warms up inside the car. Then it cools down again by the time I am ready to leave and the windshield starts dripping. I work up in the mountains so there is often rapid temperature changes. I also live on a lake so I experience the same thing at home. When the wind comes off the water, my windows will frost up. Othertimes it is fog. There is always morning dew from the increased moisture inthe air.

Unfortunately, it isn't a very good idea for me to leave my windows open a crack as it leaves the mini vulnerable. Well, maybe this is my OCD kicking in anyway but I have this horrendous fear of spiders and I just know if I leave a window open and the car unattended, a spider will climb into my car.

Anyway, I carry papertowels for just this sort of thing. But sitting in a puddle of water (agreed, a teaspoon feels like a cupful when you sit in it) can be be very uncomfortable. So, my question is, if this is a common problem for other mini owners, why doesn't Mini make some kind of rain channels or window guards? You can't even crack your window for ventilation when it is raining or when your roof has moisture on it because rain pours in the window every time you turn the wheel.

 

Leave your window cracked a tiny bit, see if that helps.

 

Spiders in the winter? In CT? That's one hardy spider!

Just a small crack in the window really shouldn't compromise security. Little critters should be kept at bay. I suggest giving this a go your next cold morning and see if it helps. It might be worth the risk!

 

Try blasting the heat with the A/C and circulation on and let it run for an hour or two. I'm betting it's built up mosture on the inside of your car, not a leak.

I ALWAYS have the windows open if it's dry and warm or the A/C running if it's cold or wet out. You've got to keep the inside of your car dry. It helps it stay smelling nice too.

 

amg6975 beat me too it.

Use the AC and defrost. Also make sure you're not on recirculate, you want to let the fresh air in.

 

Just so you sleep well tonight, insects are more likely to enter through your fresh air vents.

 

Maybe sit in the car and have someone spray it with a hose.........

As quoted above.....don't forget your umbrella...!!!...Just kidding...
yes...does sound as tho the windshield replacement was not done
properly since you indicate that the greatest amount of moisture
is mostly on the inside of that item...!!!
!!!