Really? I can honestly say my A/C rocks. But perhaps I was just lucky.

 

Maybe its only the 1st Generation MINIs. My 08 Clubman's AC is great.

 

Yargh... it irks me a bit when old, old models post in problems of the R56s. I'm sorry... I don't know why. It's a last-gen car. Yikes!

Anyway... the test-drive model at the dealer blew cold air on a 100 degree day in San Antonio. So if it isn't satisfactory there, you either live in Death Valley or have a problem.

 

Took a road trip this past weekend using the auto-recirculating function exclusively and the AC worked quite well.

 

The AC is inadequate in our new Cooper. Yesterday while it was only 72 outside, the AC didn't make cool enough air to even feel chilly on my hands. The car only has 2500 miles on it, but it will have to go back for this, as well as poor fuel economy. We've hand calculated 32 mpg over the past 1500 miles, with lots of that being highway. Out 06 MCS got 32-33 in similar driving with tons more pep.
Maybe the two issues are related. I'm hoping both issues can be resolved. I like the car otherwise.

 

I just got my new 08 MCS and i cant say the AC is cold,but it does keep it cooler then outside temps.I keep mine on auto at 72*

I have 350 miles and see i get 39.6 MPG with AC on

 

this one doesn't have the auto function (our last one did) but clearly something isn't right with either of my issues.

 

Mine's fine. Picked it up at an airport parking lot (used my car cover) in Phoenix at 4:30 yesterday (106 deg) and the car was cooled off within about 5 minutes after I got out of the lot. I was impressed.

 

Perhaps 'cold' is just too subjective of a term?

 

By now it should be obvious to anyone with an R56 Air Conditioner that is not doing its job, that you need a Warranty Fix.

Little Thermometers are cheap; check for at least a 40f drop in temperature on max cold & fan, at outlets.

If you don't see that, something is wrong
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ __

Disclaimer: Now I am not an Auto Air Conditioner expert or tech, the above is just one test and if the air blower system
were the problem, you could see a 60f drop, but still need repair. Point is; MINI's have great Air Conditioners
if yours does not, something is wrong.

 

I hope you are right because we just ordered a '09. I did test drive a '08 mcs. Granted it was close to 100 deg., but the A/C was definitely NOT blowing real cold air. When we left the dealership in my Honda, I could immediately tell a huge difference. So, my two experiences with mini's leave me to believe air conditioning is not a strong point. I hope it's different with our '09.

Scott

 

Our Japanese built car blows out air that is ice cold, even when its set on 75 degrees and the temp outside is over 110 degrees. The Mini is O.K., cool but certainly not ice cold. Love this car but it is disappointing that the A/C is weak!

 

I'm excited!! I just drove the Mini and used the recirculating fan and what a huge difference it made. My A/C is now COLD. Thanks to those that suggested doing this as I would have never thought about it.

 

One other thing. With the auto A/C and when it is over 100F outside, I find setting the temperature to 66F does the job. I pretty much ignore what the temperature setting is in favor of getting me comfortable as soon as possible.

The auto A/C also automatically goes into recirculation mode when the interior temperature is much higher than the ambient is.

I also keep Romi's sniffer in auto mode which keeps obnoxious fumes from getting inside. Does a rather admirable job, I must say.

 

After 5 minutes of driving my 08 clubman blows 54 degree air from the vents on recirculate with an outside temp of 85 degrees. Is this within normal range?