First,if you don't know what a block heater is,you don't need one,and can just read this and later make fun of us that live were we need one
I had a new MINI block heater installed last week.Not sure if this is a MINI part,or an aftermarket that they approved.I did not use it until last night,as it had been "warm"here for a few days.But last night the temp.got down to -5F.This is my second winter with Poco,and starts in all temps.like a champ.
Even at -47C[-52F] on the outside temp. guage.But he was not happy about it,and made lots of rattles,groans and shrill belt noises.At those cold temps. I would have to help him idle,and let the clutch out slow as the tranny fluid was thick, he stalled once,as I let the clutch out to fast.Took forever to warm-up.
This morning I got in the car to start him up,when I turned the key to the first position,outside temp. was reading -5F,and the water temp. guage was not buried,but close to an 1/8th,with 1/2 being normal operating temp. this is GREATCar started like it was mid-summer,and slightly warm air was blowing when I turned on the heater,more GREAT
This heater is not like most that heats the oil pan,no need with syn.oil,but is tied into the water jacket and heats the coolant,so the whole block is keep warm.

The heater has its own temp. gauge,so it turns off when things are warm,then turns back on as they drop down again,so unlike oil pan heaters should use less power to run:smile:
I'm glad MINI finally is offering this heater,they should have had it right from the get go.Sure it's a small engine,balanced well,uses syn.oil

But if your going to try and sell a car up here,and promote it as a winter car,most of our ads stress this point,and you have a market that has no problem having a plug sticking out the front,and EVERYONE I know thought it weird it did not have one,ya better offer one

Sorry if this was kind of long,but I'm very HAPPY now

 

I hear your pain.

I had the 'California block heater' installed - I pay for it every day, but the car starts like it was summer all year 'round.

Glad to hear there's a little more joy up in the Great White North. :smile:

 

Having lived in ND I know just what they are and always wondered if they had one for the MINI.

 

Ya know I'm just happy the little guy does not have to work so hard to get going to give me joy

 

The times I have been to Canada (eh!) I have noticed that many cars had cords poking out through grills and around bumpers, even in the warm weather. I figured it would be an option for you Great White Northern types.

 

Finally,eh.Geez it to em long enough.Sure the car starts without one,but it is a block of ice with syn. oil that does not get thick,big deal.
And Greatbear maybe you have only been to eastern Canada,but out here on the Prairies,EVERYTHING,has a cord hanging out the front somewhere.
When we go on tour with 5 ton deisel trucks in the winter,we don't turn them off,ever

 

Thanks for the rundown. I figured it'd make things better.
From your description, it sounds like a soft-plug device. And it sounded from the other thread like it's a bear to install. Watch for an antifreeze leak, and enjoy that soft, warm breeze at 40 below F!

 

I'm hyper sensitive to any leaks right now.Had a tranny go,and a slow leak from the water pump.
They gave me a new water pump,under warrenty.I start the car,turn on the xenons,back up a few feet,get out and look at the snow.I know if this car pisses anythingThings seem tight again now,but I'm all over it,and they know it.I can phone in problems,they order parts,and I get it done when they show up,and I'm ready to come in.Great service,to bad I have to use it so much.I have no problem with the dealer,but why does MINI CA let a known problem with tranny seals going in extreme cold go till they fail,then have to replace the tranny for $3000.00+++ for a $35.00 part that takes less than an hour to replace.I guess thats why we pay for service up here,and your regular service is free.
If MINI is watching this thread,good on ya

Sorry,yeah it is a bear to install,normal up here is $260 CAN. The part is worth $86 CAN.I got it done for about $175CAN as my whole front end was pulled apart getting the tranny done.