Hello,

I have a 2007 Mini Cooper and would like to tackle the lack of heat before the winter rolls around here. So essentially during the winter when I use the heat it can take 20-40 minutes to get actual heat out of the vents instead of ambient temperature air while driving in the city. The temperature varies with the RPMs so at idle I usually turn the fan speed down and during acceleration or while on the highway I turn the fan back up. The Mini also has a radiator leak that comes and goes as it pleases (often goes months without leaking) and the AC does not blow cold air. I doubt these are related as the heat issue has been around for longer than the others but possibly worth mentioning. A couple people have suggested to me that the issue is the thermostat malfunctioning as during the summer if the vehicle runs for more than 20 minutes in 25 degrees celsius the engine fan consistently turns on for 5-10 minutes after shutting the vehicle off. I've gotten quotes to have the issue inspected and to change the thermostat (if it is in fact the thermostat) and it's quite expensive.

So if anyone has suggestions on how to remedy or improve this issue I'd appreciate it. It can get colder than -35 degrees celsius here in Alberta and I'd like to have some heat (although I don't drive the vehicle at these temperatures because unfortunately it's known to freeze up. Apparently I can't get a block heater installed in it either.)

 

take care of the leaks. if the thermostat is stuck open, you'll always run the engine cold. the job isn't too bad for a DIY. Check newtis.info for how tos.