I bought a used MINI a couple of weeks ago so I'm kind of new with this kind of car. It's a 2002 with 62K miles. I noticed that the car slightly shakes, RMPs decrease and headlights dim when the airconditioning is turned on, it only does it for a couple of seconds and then it goes back to normal state. I could say it is really when the radiator fans activate. Anyone have any suggestions why this might happen? Could it be alternator? battery? motor mount? I'd appreciate some kind of information.

 

Engine having to work harder until the increased inertial load is overcome.

I haven't noticed my headlights dimming, but I get all the rest.

Normal as far as I know.

- Matt

 

Perfect, I needed to know something like that so my wife does not freak out for repair costs with a just bought car

 

If you lights dim and stay dimmed awhile before the inertia gets the alternator going again, it might mean your battery is getting close to needing replacement. If your car is 2002 and it's the original battery, that would be likely. Most original batteries last between 3 to 5 years.

 

Concur.

 

Mine does this every once and a while, asked my dealer when I had the MINI there for other things and they said this was normal.

 

yep it's the norm, be sure and turn off the AC 30 sec before trying to pass anyone on a two lane road. I love my Just-A-Cooper, but hate what the AC does to the Motor.

 

I will check with a multimeter how the battery behaves with the voltage and ask the seller if he ever changed the battery to make sure. Thank you for all the suggestions. I will replace my breaks this weekend with the help of all of these posts found. Nice community!