Hello Everyone,

I'm a newbie Mini owner and just bought a 2003 Mini Cooper S. First off, I'd like to say that it's the most fun car I've ever drivin and am glad I made the purchase. Now, it would be even more fun if I can just stop putting it in reverse instead of first gear. I know all the drivers behind me will appreciate it

Never having owned a Mini before I am not familiar with it's quirks so I have a couple of questions.

Question 1: With regards to the radiator fan. Shortly after starting the car the radiator fan will spin up for a few seconds then shut off, then soon repeat it, endlessly. It doesn't seem to make a difference whether it's a cold start or just idling at a stop light. Is this normal or am I just being overly sensitive to the fan noise? My last car was a 2001 Audi S8 and it's such a large car that the fan was further from the driver so I didn't notice when it was on.

Question 2: My temp gauge needle always moves to the dead middle of the gauge after starting the car. The needle doesn't seem to move regardless of being either a cold start or driving in 40C/104F heat. I'm a little hyper-sensitive to this since there have been issues of the gauge failing to report correct temps and the engine blowing the gasket.

Any insight into these questions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 

The radiator fan is a 2 speed fan and it is very common for the low speed to fail. Then the high speed comes on and is much louder. Low speed should come on with the AC, so it is a way to check and see if it is working. High speed just comes on based on a preset temp.

Temp gauge is useless by design. Any operating temp within parameters (according to mini) is in the middle.

 

A Scangauge is a great way to monitor "real" temp. readings as well as boost and many other operating parameters.

 

From a cold start this morning I actually noticed the temp gauge go up slowly so it looks like it's fine.