Ones any body else have poor heat on a R50 non s cooper, if I set the temp to high it still blows out cold air. Mini said it could be the heater core, any suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

 

I had the same symptoms in my '03 S. The thermostat was changed by my independent shop, but no joy, then the heater core- problem solved. They showed me my old core which was badly blocked- and I had religiously changed coolant at the correct interval. Although the thermostat didn't really need to be changed, the whole cost for both repairs was still less than what the dealer wanted for just the core.

 

+1 thermostat, then check the heater core.

Thermostat housing & thermostat Cooper ( NON S ) : 11537829959

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...hermostat.html







Heater core : 64111497527

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-in-cabin.html

 

Whens the last time you flushed your cooling system? One often neglected task on many cars is the maintenance of the cooling system. In general, it's recommended that you flush and clean out your cooling system once every 36 months, or approximately every three years. If you haven't, I'd highly suggest doing so. Be sure to use 50/50 MINI coolant here. If there is no difference you may need to replace it. Heater core here, mounting kit here and a DIY with information here. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I had it flushed last week by Mini, I guess this car has had poor heating from day 1, the car was purchased new by Dad and Neilo have tried to diagnose it a few tunes but never found anything wrong. I'm guessing the heater core could need replacing though.

 

Sound like a plugged core. Sometime back flushing will not work. Items listed above in our link, get the install kit also.

 

Ok, thanks. Is it a hard job to do?

 

Not too bad, it working in the footwell is a little awkward. Here is a video someone posted up. Gives you an idea,

 

Looks very easy to replace, I replaced an o ring once on a 01 Range Rover, took about 8 hours to do.

Will I have to drain all coolant fluid out before I replace?

 

Makes it easier to drain all the coolant and do a flush while you are at it. MINI Blue coolant , mix 50/50 with distilled water and refill, bleed , and GTG. Know you had it flushed by MINI before, might get by with the a drain till some of the coolant stops, and refill. Just make sure nothing form the plug get back in the lines, keep it clean.

 

So the same coolant that an X5 uses?

Oh, mine doesn't have a temperature gauge, is there a way of showing the temp on cluster?

 

Pretty much, just has to be the BMW / MINI Blue coolant.

 

The DIY I posted gives some good suggestions at post #11 for cleaning out the system. Just be sure to use the coolant and a 50/50 mixture that I linked as well. Good luck and let me know if this resolves your issue. If you need anything I am here to help.

 

Thank you all for the input and help, I'm going to call mini as this car has had poor heating from day 1, they have always said that can not find anything wrong with it and that's just how the heating system works.

 

I replaced the heater core today, works great now. The dealer wanted $750.00 to replace it so I decided to do it my self. Total cost was $160.59 for parts and 2 hours of my time. Really happy with the results, thank you all for your help. Merry Christmas.

 

Nice glad I could help.

Merry Christmas.

 

Great to hear! Thanks for the update to let us know that was what was needed to resolve your issue. Hope you had a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Years!