In my Japanese cars (Lexus/Honda), even if you leave the fan off, and all hvac system off, the vents provide fresh air from the outside. Thus even with windows up, the car isn't stuffy.

I find that in most american cars there is a "off" button, that stops all outside air coming in. So you have to constantly run the fan to get fresh air

In the MINI is it the same thing? If I have everything off, I put my hands in front of the vent, and I get nothing.

Or do you guys run your fans constantly?

I live by the beach, so AC isn't a necessity, but its nice to get some air in, when windows are up.

Thanks for info, in advance.

 

Turn your "snowflake" button off, and your fan on to it's lowest speed, you'll get plenty of fresh air.....

 

Yup AC is off. That is my question, so the fan still needs to be on (even if lowest setting), to get fresh air?

 

correct

we dont really have the inside recirc. / outside option like those Toyotas and stuff.

 

Thanks IWASH. Poor design :(

 

Unless you're doing 70 on the highway.

....Les

 

Even on the hiway, the fan needs to be on......at least the lowest speed setting.

My Lexus and Audi are the same way....

 

INteresting, my Lexus is not the same way. We have two in the driveway, SC and a LS, and both with everything off, at highway speeds, plenty of air comes in. Our Accord and S2000 is the same as well.

Thanks for the info guys.

 

Any time I have ever wanted this I just turn off recirculate mode and then turn off the HVAC. I'm fairly certain this is how it's worked in every car I've ever had.

 

I don't run the re-circ mode. So with that off, full HVAC off, there doesn't seem to air coming through the vents at 75mph+

Thus was making sure if something was wrong with mine, or that is how they all are?

 

I'd have to test, but I know the other cars currently in my stable all vent fresh air into the cabin. I know this because it's obvious in the winter when there is cold air blowing on you .

 

Yeah you won't feel the air blowing out of the vents like when the fan is on. There is fresh air coming into the car as you drive. It's more noticeable on the highway. I'm not certain but it may be coming in more by your feet than the vents on the dash

 

Oops.

I am an uninformed non-Gen2 owner.

Please disregard my previous Gen1 related comment.

....Les

 

Yes my 03 MCS gets fresh air inside, with no fan on. I should have specified the 2010 is the one I was talking about.

 

The MINI is not a Japanese car.
If you want a Japanese car, buy one.
You want fresh air?
Roll down the window.

 

With such helpful answers, should have never started a thread, instead should have sent you a PM

 

Just very tired of people complaining that their MINI doesn't do this or that like their Honda or Nissan did.
A MINI is not for everyone.
It is a combination of British mentality and German perfectionism.
It has quirks.
Didn't mean to rain on parade.

 

It was a valid question. 1st gen MINI didn't behave this way. I was surprised that they changed it for 2nd gen MINI.

 

Nah....you're ok.

I should have looked at what forum we were in.

....Les

 

Pretty sure you still get a little fresh air even with the fan off, but I can't see why you'd want to run with the fan completely off. At the lowest setting it makes almost no noise. If you turn the vent selector all the way clockwise it spreads the airflow around enough you'll get fresh air but won't feel it blowing on your face (if you don't like that).

 

I don't like the fact that things have to be "on" to get fresh air into the cabin. I also think it's poor design. I have the same problem in my Dodge Challenger...everything on or not at all.....

 

I have 3 Minis, and am the original owner of my 1967 Cooper S, so I have been around long enough to know their quirks

If you are tired of the complaint, don't click on the thread link.

 

Thank you, that is exactly what I was talking about. The office recently rented me a 2011 Caravan, and it was the same, all on or not at all.

Well appreciate the insight.

 

The ac on my Mini was a real disappointment. I just figured something like the energy-saver ac that my wife's cheapo 04 Scion had would be standard technology by the time I got a new car in 09. My next mini will have a sunroof.

 

Hi Bob, my MCS has a full sunroof (glass), and the 2010 MC has a solid roof (like yours).

Here in CA, my 2010 W/o sunroof actually stays cooler in the summers.

But if you are the open roof/open windows type, then yes the sunroof model is the best