I installed a P3 gauge a few months ago and am quite pleased. I usually use the parkway 3-4 days a week going out to the island and the engine temp usually is 215-220 F driving at approx 65-70 MPH. I understand its winter but two times over the last 2-3 weeks my temp was at 185-186 F driving into a heavy head wind. Same thing last Friday but when i did get off the parkway and out of the wind the temp went up to 215 F. Other then that the car runs great. Only 17,000 miles and still under warranty. Is this normal? checked under the car and no leaks and the plastic bottle is fine.

Anyone come across this with their Mini.

 

Sounds like you're simply getting more cooling than your car is heating... Just like you said, the headwind carries away the heat and the heat returns away from the headwind.

 

Many guys who try to optimize gas mileage will partially block the grill in winter to make it possible for the car to get to optimal temperature quickly.

 

I installed a temp gauge too and freaked out when I saw the temp reach 230deg... I quickly pulled over and shut the car off. I called the dealer and they told me the fan doesn't turn on until the temp reaches 230deg.. I suppose these cars run hotter than I'm used to!! Mine drops to about 210 on the highway with outside temps at about 35deg. I'm afraid to see the engine temp in the summer!

 

Unfortunately that's the normal temp. It freaked me out too. That being said, after many miles, time and excessive heat I've seen that many rubber seals and gaskets begin to deteriorate and fail causing many different oil leaks. I'm currently in the process of replacing all of my leaking components and getting a Manic tune. Aside from the performance benefits, the tune will also keep the engine temp at around 180 degrees instead of the normal 220s. Proper cooling seems to be EXTREMELY important on these cars. I genuinely believe that an FMIC plus a tune will prolong the life of these motors.

At 57k miles I've experienced the following leaks which I believe are directly correlated to the engine's high temps:

Turbo oil line
Vaccum pump
Engine oil filter and cooler
Top engine cover gaskets
Plus possibly more, not to mention my warped hood scoop.

 

I'm in the same boat. Just replaced my vacuum pump yesterday. Next will be the turbo lines. No warping of my scoop (yet).... I replaced my vacuum pump mainly as a preventative maintenance - - - I really don't want the vacuum pump blowing my motor up!!!

 

Sounds about normal to me. My customers that get a stage 2 or higher tune, automatically come with thermostat control. A typical Mini S that runs 215F at freeway speeds, will run around 185F- 195F, post tune.

mQubed Motorsport, Manic Tuning Dealer

 

If thats the case, i'm gonna seriously consider a tune soon!!!

Thanks for the info!

 

What a great way to justify a stage 2 tune

 

What year is your mini if I may ask?

 

It's a late build 2007

 

Thanks

 

Spoke with my local Manic Tuner. The temp reduction can be achieved with a FMIC and a stage 1 tune as well if you do not want to go the DP route like me (due to the loud exhaust noise). FMIC may not be required either but it certainly will not hurt.

 

My JCW R58 runs about 215-219 when running down the road, factory JCW tune only. When you hit the sport button, it did down to like ~212 or so after a minute or two.

 

Not mine, I'm always in Sport mode and the temp remains steady at 220 or so. Only when it's pouring rain and I'm driving on the highway does it stay below 200 degrees..closer to 180 actually.

 

Is there some temperature sensor or computer setup that will kick on fan on 185-190? Or as simple solution to install switch to turn on fan manual ?

 

I really don't think you can override the thermostat sensor without a tune, but I MAY be wrong .

 

Turn your a/c blower motor to the max and you will see the temp going to like 185-190.
That`s what i always do and works.

 

Not the case for me. AC doesn't change a thing.

 

It should change, the AC blower motor have to be to the max level, then you will hear the rad fan going faster.
Note this only happen once the engine has reach operating temp.

 

I agree, I've read that in several other forums as well but unfortunately it's not really the case with my MCS. That being said my AC really blow(stinks).

 

MINI has a mind of its own.

 

My 2013 MCS has Marshall temp guage (sensor in radiator out pipe). When first installed, showed temperature when fully warmed at around 260, which was freaky. Installed Ultraguage and was showing consistent running temps around 220, which consistently drops to around 189-190 in Sport mode (stock). Wound up inserting low ohm resistor between sensor and guage to align analog temp reading to OBD reading from Ultraguage. Moral of story:

1. After market guages have wide fluctuations in reported temps.
2. Sport mode does affect thermostat and running temp. (Lots of consistent posts on this site)

 

Interesting. Must be other factors at work than just turning on sport mode, though. I always run sport mode in my 2010 MCS and my Scangauge consistently reads 220 -223 F after the engine warms up. Prior to replacing my thermostat housing it read 218-220.

 

Aren't 2010 and 2013 different engines (N16 v. N18)?