R56 Two Cold weather climate questions

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Jan 3, 2010 | 02:34 PM

#26

BoxedUp

Thread Starter

2nd Gear

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 84

Likes: 0

From: Long Island, NY USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by isthar

Here's a question, mostly on the topic of cold-weather (since arguably it matters more?)

Why do minis NOT have a engine-temperature guage? I generally use that as an indicator of when you can stop babying the car on a cold morning. Is it the engine-size that means it doesn't matter? Is it so modern it regulates itself?

E90's don't come with them either but my E92 has one. Without the temp gauge, we have to look to the oil level indicator. If it gives a reading, the engine is at operating temp. I thought the MINI might have the same but lucky you guys, you get a real dipstick and therefore no oil level indicator. I did find this in the MINI manual regarding when normal operating temp is achieved for when you're supposed to check the oil level:

With the vehicle's engine at normal operating
temperature, i.e. after uninterrupted
driving for at least 6 miles/10 km, park the
vehicle on a level surface.

Hope this helps.

Jan 3, 2010 | 02:41 PM

#27

Wolfeee

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 17,379

Likes: 0

From: New Yawk

Quote:

Originally Posted by todoubled

im having problems with the heat after 20 min it will sometimes still be to cold for really cold days

I ve noticed the same... the car could be warmed up for 20 mins at least and its still blowing cold air... once I start driving it warms up.. I am bringing to dealer for engine light tomorrow.. I will have them check the heater too...

Jan 3, 2010 | 08:10 PM

#28

Robin Casady

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 7,578

Likes: 5

From: Paradise

The ScanGuageII is what I use for coolant temp. However, oil temp is a better indicator as to whether the car is warmed up enough for spirited driving. Someday, I may add an oil temp gauge.

Jan 4, 2010 | 12:16 PM

#29

torobud

4th Gear

Joined: May 2007

Posts: 402

Likes: 0

From: Lombard, IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by schatzy62

My seats heat up to over hot in about 30 seconds.

Now for the Heat. Last year it heated up in about 2-3 minutes even with outside temps of 0-10F. This year it is taking about 8 minutes for the heat to start up. I have taken it into the dealer and asked them to check it and they tell me the thermostat is is working fine. I am taking it to private mechanic next week to have it checked as i do not think it is correct.

I will post back after I have it check again.

EDIT: I do not beleive that you can get a heated sterering wheel on the MINI, or at least i have not heard of one.

Let us all know how that goes for you... having a ScanGauge this winter I can literally watch my water temp drop if I am sitting at a stop light... this concerns me because on my normal work commute I might breifly hit a 150F water temp... only on longer trips nights/weekends do I get it fully warmed up 200-220...

Jan 4, 2010 | 02:29 PM

#30

Robin Casady

6th Gear

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 7,578

Likes: 5

From: Paradise

Quote:

Originally Posted by torobud

You might want to consider adding an oil temp gauge. If that stays warm, it doesn't matter much that your coolant temp drops. CravenSpeed has an adaptor that doesn't require drilling or tapping.

Jan 4, 2010 | 05:16 PM

#31

Wolfeee

6th Gear

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 17,379

Likes: 0

From: New Yawk

Took the mini in today... I had an intergrated fault memory codes 2F07 and 2F22 Thermostat was stuck open. thermostat was replaced..bled the coolant system..and now everything is fine...