On a 30°F morning, my Mini takes about 15 minutes (3 or 4 minutes warm up, the rest driving moderately) to warm up enough to blow warm air from the heater.
I have checked the coolant level several times and plenty of coolant.
Is this normal? If it is a malfunctioning thermostat, does the entire housing have to be replaced or is it possible to just replace the thermostat?
Thanks, Bill

 

I'm thinking it is pretty normal. If you have the heat on all the way and the fan on it will take longer to warm up.

 

I have warm air blowing out of the heater in two minutes or less in a 30°F morning. If the temp is down in the -15°F like it was the other day, it takes about four minutes to really feel it.

Sounds like you have a problem. Air trapped in the system or a bad water pump or thermostat are the likely causes.

 

+1 same here

scott

 

I timed how long it took my heater to blow out warm air after starting my MINI at a temperature of 26F. I have a manual heating system set at maximum heat, outside air (not recirculation), a low fan speed, and started driving right after the engine is running as MINI recommends. It took about 6 minutes before the air coming out of the heater felt warm. If I had the recirculation on it would probably have warmed faster. The coolant in the radiator will warm much faster with the car moving. If you drive the car gently until it has warmed up, it warms up much quicker than idling it.

Morris, 2011 MC, PW/B