So, we got the Convertible '11 yesterday "S" that is, got rid of the '08, and was driving today wiped it down when I got back and MAN was the hood HOT!!!! The '08 never got THAT hot, whew! Hope that doesn't cause any paint problems down the road.

Other than that, the car ROCKS!!!

 

For the '10 models, MINI removed a piece of insulation attached to the hood. That might be a reason for your higher temperatures. I wish they hadn't but I guess they wanted to cut some costs somewhere. You might have a problem with your hood scoop melting because of the heat, so you might want to look into a heat shield. There are a few that are available, but try this one first. It's cheap at $26 and it works. If that isn't enough, you have three other choices: NM Engineering, M7, and WMW. Another option is you could always just melt the scoop a few times, have the dealer replace it, and then after the 3rd or so incident try pushing for a carbon fiber one. Good luck and enjoy your new MINI

 

Carbon Fiber...I like your thinking

 

The hood gets very hot so hot it warped the hood scoop and melted the clear bra I had on the hood.

 

That is NOT a good thing. Did the melted bra hurt the paint? I will be curious to see who (dealer or bra installer) takes ownership of this problem. The hood had to get SUPER hot to melt the bra. That's crazy!

 

Oh it gets hot enough that you can't flat palm your hand on the outside of the hood..

 

Yes the paint is damaged. It's not the bra installer problem as it is the dealer minis problem but they will do nothing. The hood just gets too hot on the turbo S mini. I have had clear bra on my cars and have never had this trouble.
My mini has been at the dealer for seven weeks waiting for a new top it's on it's second top.
To top it off the dealer I bought from is in Las Vegas and I am in Los Angeles so the LA dealer I took it to will not give be a loaner car. I rented a car for the first week and after that well I went to a BMW dealer and bought a 2011 128i.
I just called the mini dealer and they have no clue when I will get get my mini back as the part is on national backorder.
Well, it might be lemon law time.

 

Hate to hear that. Dropped mine off for service tonight (getting the top fixed) and was given a loaner and top fixed tomorrow. I didnt buy the MINI from them (Schomp MINI in Denver) either. I bought it from a broker in Phoenix. It is amazing how difficult some dealers can be. I was a partner and GM at a Lincoln Mercury store years ago....we ALWAYS loved to get the other guys business in service. It was an opportunity to earn future business. I dont understand the attitude of those dealers that are pissed off to service another dealer's car. I learned a valuable lesson a long time ago...>NEVER get mad at your money.

 

The Way Motor Works one is the only one that will cool things down and increase performance too, keeping the heat in the turbo is a real good thing.

Dave

 

So if we put in a heat guard and show up for service, will this give MINI some excuse to void the warranty?

 

Only if there is an issue caused from the turbo overheating.

 

I am taking mine in for the hood scoop warping due to the heat. I am upgrading to the carbon fiber to avoid the issue in the future.