Need everyone's help: blazing HOT bonnet problem MINI/BMW won't fix!
Hi everyone,
I started a similar thread in the Mini2 forums and as suggested by others, thought I should re-start one here with concise directions on how to test your MCSm for the problem.
Many '07 MCSm owners are not aware that their bonnet area just above the scoop can reach temperatures of 235F. This was measured with an IR temp gun. I have also used a temperature probe to verify the temperatures just inside the scoop. It has reached 280F
.
Some owners have begun experiencing warped/melted/deformed scoops due to this extreme heat issue. I am experiencing the weeping washer jets issue. Both of these problems are being caused by the ridiculous amount of heat under the bonnet after the car is parked. My scoop is the newer model grill that has every other column open.
The bonnet gets hot enough to cause second degree burns. It is important to follow all the steps outlined below. Here are the conditions and how to test you MCSm:
My temporary solution, until Mini/BMW acknowledges and resolves this problem, is to use a desk fan in the garage to keep the temperatures from breaking 200F.
I don't know if this is only affecting US MCSm's or other countries as well. Mini/BMW has been aware of this issue, as it was reported on NAM 7 months ago. Yet they have done nothing to resolve it.
The cause of the weeping washer jet is easy to identify. During a drive, use your washer jets. When you park, verify there are no fluid stains on your bonnet. By the time you get to step 6, from the steps outlined above, your washer jets will have begun weeping down your bonnet. Water boils at 212F. The temps under my bonnet are reaching 200-300F. The water is expanding (or steaming) out of the washer lines due to this heat.
The Mini/BMW techs I have spoken with indicate that Mini/BMW will most likely come out with a check valve to resolve the weeping washer jet issue. That does not address the heat issue.
All that is required is for Mini/BMW to update the ECU software to run the coolant fan and turbo water pump longer after the vehicle is shut down. A check valve may also be required for the washer jets, but not by itself.
'07 MCSm owners need to start making more noise regarding this extreme heat issue.
Any family member, adult, child or passerby that may happen to touch your bonnet in the “hot zone” will surly burn themselves.
Please bring this problem to you service advisor's attention and demand that Mini/BMW fix this problem.
Also, please report this safety issue to NHTSA if it affects your Mini.
Thank You, and be careful.
RESOLUTIONS
10/12/07 - Regretfully had a check valve installed to stop washer jets from weeping.
10/12/07 - Dealer ordered new fender trim due to permanent cosmoline stain.
.
I started a similar thread in the Mini2 forums and as suggested by others, thought I should re-start one here with concise directions on how to test your MCSm for the problem.
Many '07 MCSm owners are not aware that their bonnet area just above the scoop can reach temperatures of 235F. This was measured with an IR temp gun. I have also used a temperature probe to verify the temperatures just inside the scoop. It has reached 280F
.Some owners have begun experiencing warped/melted/deformed scoops due to this extreme heat issue. I am experiencing the weeping washer jets issue. Both of these problems are being caused by the ridiculous amount of heat under the bonnet after the car is parked. My scoop is the newer model grill that has every other column open.
The bonnet gets hot enough to cause second degree burns. It is important to follow all the steps outlined below. Here are the conditions and how to test you MCSm:
- Drive you Mini for 10 minutes or more.
- Park your Mini, turn off the engine.
- Remember to exercise extreme caution when touching this area of your bonnet as you can be BURNED.
- Initially check bonnet, 1/4 inch above the center of the scoop (where the scoop ends and bonnet begins again.) It will only feel slightly warm at this time.
- Wait 5 minutes and check the same area again, it will be hot.
- Check again each subsequent minutes after that.
The temperature continues to increase until peaking as high as 235F.
My temporary solution, until Mini/BMW acknowledges and resolves this problem, is to use a desk fan in the garage to keep the temperatures from breaking 200F.
I don't know if this is only affecting US MCSm's or other countries as well. Mini/BMW has been aware of this issue, as it was reported on NAM 7 months ago. Yet they have done nothing to resolve it.
The cause of the weeping washer jet is easy to identify. During a drive, use your washer jets. When you park, verify there are no fluid stains on your bonnet. By the time you get to step 6, from the steps outlined above, your washer jets will have begun weeping down your bonnet. Water boils at 212F. The temps under my bonnet are reaching 200-300F. The water is expanding (or steaming) out of the washer lines due to this heat.
The Mini/BMW techs I have spoken with indicate that Mini/BMW will most likely come out with a check valve to resolve the weeping washer jet issue. That does not address the heat issue.
All that is required is for Mini/BMW to update the ECU software to run the coolant fan and turbo water pump longer after the vehicle is shut down. A check valve may also be required for the washer jets, but not by itself.
'07 MCSm owners need to start making more noise regarding this extreme heat issue.
Any family member, adult, child or passerby that may happen to touch your bonnet in the “hot zone” will surly burn themselves.
Please bring this problem to you service advisor's attention and demand that Mini/BMW fix this problem.
Also, please report this safety issue to NHTSA if it affects your Mini.
Thank You, and be careful.
RESOLUTIONS
10/12/07 - Regretfully had a check valve installed to stop washer jets from weeping.
10/12/07 - Dealer ordered new fender trim due to permanent cosmoline stain.
.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,026
Likes: 2
From: Florida
I had weeping washers for a week or so after I picked up the car. I haven't seen them since. The only possible explanation that I can think of is that the lowered fluid level keeps the fluid from boiling over and out of the jets.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,743
Likes: 5
From: Hot Springs Village, AR
I think it's a good car/bad car kind of thing.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
I have cosmiline dripping in four places from the hood onto the fenders. I looks like my cars is crying, actually; very odd.
It doesn't come off in the wash and I have had to polish it out once already on the front and haven't addressed staining on the fender skirts yet. THe dealer couldn't wash it off either and hed to run it to the detail shop for a second work over. Still there though.
With 2700 miles, the service advisor's reply was to 'hope it stops pretty soon, there's nothing they can do." They did write a warranty ticket, though, to make sure BMW pays them for not being able to fix it. I suppose the solution is to steam clean it in some way, but if the real source is a red hot turbo, that might be a worry.
Curious though, are cars with hot running turbos having different fuel economies than once that aren't experiencing a problem? I expect mine to improve as I approach 4k miles, but I am getting numbers that seem a little low compared to others and I wonder if a hot turbo might be related. I am getting 28.6 with almost all highway driving and the Sport button off. Fast highway driving, to be fair; it is California.
It doesn't come off in the wash and I have had to polish it out once already on the front and haven't addressed staining on the fender skirts yet. THe dealer couldn't wash it off either and hed to run it to the detail shop for a second work over. Still there though.
With 2700 miles, the service advisor's reply was to 'hope it stops pretty soon, there's nothing they can do." They did write a warranty ticket, though, to make sure BMW pays them for not being able to fix it. I suppose the solution is to steam clean it in some way, but if the real source is a red hot turbo, that might be a worry.
Curious though, are cars with hot running turbos having different fuel economies than once that aren't experiencing a problem? I expect mine to improve as I approach 4k miles, but I am getting numbers that seem a little low compared to others and I wonder if a hot turbo might be related. I am getting 28.6 with almost all highway driving and the Sport button off. Fast highway driving, to be fair; it is California.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 37
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Curious though, are cars with hot running turbos having different fuel economies than once that aren't experiencing a problem? I expect mine to improve as I approach 4k miles, but I am getting numbers that seem a little low compared to others and I wonder if a hot turbo might be related. I am getting 28.6 with almost all highway driving and the Sport button off. Fast highway driving, to be fair; it is California.
I know this is something MINI should be addressing (and paying for), but if just want to fix the problem yourself, take a look at the WMW turbo heat shield.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...cat=329&page=1
Besides improving the turbo's efficiency, it also traps most of the radiant heat coming off the turbo after the engine is off so that the circulating coolant can do it's job.
Way demonstrated it to a few folks this weekend by grabbing the turbo while the car was running and leaving his hand there after the car was turned off
The shield stayed within a few degrees of ambient.
If you're going to MOTD, my car will be at Way's tent when we aren't out playing, and you can see (feel?) it in action
Hopefully MINI will implement a similar solution soon.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/product...cat=329&page=1
Besides improving the turbo's efficiency, it also traps most of the radiant heat coming off the turbo after the engine is off so that the circulating coolant can do it's job.
Way demonstrated it to a few folks this weekend by grabbing the turbo while the car was running and leaving his hand there after the car was turned off
The shield stayed within a few degrees of ambient.If you're going to MOTD, my car will be at Way's tent when we aren't out playing, and you can see (feel?) it in action
Hopefully MINI will implement a similar solution soon.
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: Canton, GA
I can't wait to really look at what Way has done to Sputnyk; it looks/sounds awesome so far!
But they did think dremmiling holes in the closed one was a good idea and drilled a few more while it was out .
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 895
Likes: 1
From: Canton, GA
Terry's car has all the closed honeycombs dremmelled open for the DDMWorks track CAI. It's the coolest (temp-wise) R56S bonnet I've touched. He also has Way's doo-hickey on the turbo, of course...
I can't believe I didn't take a picture of it. Dang.
I can't believe I didn't take a picture of it. Dang.
2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Well after driving over 800 miles from atlanta to ohio, I stopped and my brother was joking how cute it was and patted the bonnet right above the turbo. It was COLD to the touch. I paniced at first yelling out the window to NOT touch it he would get burned.
Son of a gun, it was normal to the touch. even a few minutes later it was still nothing horrible.
Not sure if I lucked out and have a modified version, but I am not having this problem.
Son of a gun, it was normal to the touch. even a few minutes later it was still nothing horrible.
Not sure if I lucked out and have a modified version, but I am not having this problem.
1st Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
I've recently had the same problem with the weeping washer. And the fluid did seem to stain my bonnet strip. However after a couple of hand washes (that I do myself) the mark went away.
Thanks for the info on this because I had no idea what was causing this problem. I'll definitely ask at the dealership.
Thanks for the info on this because I had no idea what was causing this problem. I'll definitely ask at the dealership.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,735
Likes: 0
From: South Orange County
From Mini 2 forum .
vbrep_register("3432783") 
Got a call from BMW today and they advised that they have a new part number for a vent with holes in it to offer more circulation when the car has stopped.
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Yesterday, 09:39 AM #MINI2 Newbie
Join Date: Jan 2008
Local Time: 01:37 AM
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Posts: 13
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vbrep_register("3432783") Got a call from BMW today and they advised that they have a new part number for a vent with holes in it to offer more circulation when the car has stopped. BMX have ordered this new black vent, and a new scoop as mine has started to warp. All under warranty. All i'm gonna do is put some heat relecting material on the underside of the boot once the work has been completed.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Is there an actual fix at the dealer for the weeping washer issue? I have a nice stain across the hood from this on both sides. Having a heck of time getting it out and would like to keep it from coming back if there is a fix (unless just not using the washers takes care of the issue).
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 6
Is there an actual fix at the dealer for the weeping washer issue? I have a nice stain across the hood from this on both sides. Having a heck of time getting it out and would like to keep it from coming back if there is a fix (unless just not using the washers takes care of the issue).
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento, CA
Thanks Minidrivr.
So, what is the latest word around the scoop deforming due to heat? Obviously, folks have taken their cars in to have a new scoop ordered, but did the Mini dealerships due anything more then change out the mesh and the deformed scoop? I have the mesh with the open holes and I can tell that the hood scoop is starting to get deformed. Would like to see if the dealers have done anything further to rectify the problem before I take it in for a new scoop. Thanks
So, what is the latest word around the scoop deforming due to heat? Obviously, folks have taken their cars in to have a new scoop ordered, but did the Mini dealerships due anything more then change out the mesh and the deformed scoop? I have the mesh with the open holes and I can tell that the hood scoop is starting to get deformed. Would like to see if the dealers have done anything further to rectify the problem before I take it in for a new scoop. Thanks
Last edited by taskmaxter; May 18, 2008 at 06:28 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Huntington, NY
The turbo on your VW is located 6" off the ground behind the engine, that's a little different than having it so close to plastic trim pieces.
Thanks Minidrivr.
So, what is the latest word around the scoop deforming due to heat? Obviously, folks have taken their cars in to have a new scoop ordered, but did the Mini dealerships due anything more then change out the mesh and the deformed scoop? I have the mesh with the open holes and I can tell that the hood scoop is starting to get deformed. Would like to see if the dealers have done anything further to rectify the problem before I take it in for a new scoop. Thanks
So, what is the latest word around the scoop deforming due to heat? Obviously, folks have taken their cars in to have a new scoop ordered, but did the Mini dealerships due anything more then change out the mesh and the deformed scoop? I have the mesh with the open holes and I can tell that the hood scoop is starting to get deformed. Would like to see if the dealers have done anything further to rectify the problem before I take it in for a new scoop. Thanks
Yeah, any update? I just noticed this last week the center of my scoop is deformed.
I thought it wasn't snapped in all the way but after checking it, it seems it is deformed.
Even if Mini gave me a new one, the thought of tinting that stupid Laser Blue makes me want to leave the one in there...
Mark