Is there a problem with excessive heat in the driver's footwell?
The driver's footwell in my 2007 MCS gets incredibly hot. I can't wear flip-flops to drive this car. After 15 minutes my foot is burning up. I took the car to the local dealer (Vista Motors in Ft Lauderdale). They stuffed some padding under the carpet and said that was all they could do. The service tech said that this is “a design flaw” and there is nothing that could be done. He stated that the heater core is located in the right side of the driver’s footwell, and since there is not shut off valve that it will always be hot.
I am trying to see if this is true or just CYA by Mini. Anyone else having this problem?
I called Mini Customer service (Ron @ x7453). They promised to look into it and call back but they never did. This makes me wonder if they are worried about liability and won’t admit to the design flaw.
Thanks
Steve

 

If you do a search you'll find it discussed at length here.
There's a few of us who have begun to report it to the NHTSA, just in case.
And I know a couple of people who have actually burned themselves on the center pillar already. That makes it a safety hazard in two respects: 1) it can cause a 3rd degree burn of bare skin 2) it can startle a driver and cause them to jerk their foot from the gas pedal in an unpredictable manner.

Log complaint to the NHTSA here
Mini won't do anything about it unless forced; that's just how BMW is.

The NHTSA complaint category that I used was "VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL"
I suggest that if anybody else logs a complaint that they use the same category or else it will not reach sufficient numbers.

Related threads:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=106704
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=108615
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=112726

 

Thanks for the information. I logged it, too, but I can't remember exactly how or under what. I did make sure to put that I was indeed burned. I also stated that that was the day it was 108 degrees out, but it's been hot other times, too. I don't notice it much now because it's cooler out.

 

This is why it's so hot in that area...

 

Thats where the flux capacitor is. 1.21 Gigawatts of power baby!

 

That's why we've been saying to line the cover or try to wrap those lines with some kind of heat shield.

I notice some heat there in mine but nothing "hot".

 

2008 Clubman S here (auto) and no problems with footwell heat. Has the problem been addressed in later build cars?

 

Take it apart and tell us please...

If Mini has addressed it, they've done it quietly and without offering to retrofit our foot-scorching hotboxes.

 

Mine is 3/07 MC and no issues to note. Never noticed a problem.

 

I dont have the heat problem that bothers me . I know that it gets a little warm there, but my foot is inches away from the "warm/hot" surface. I guess it depends how you position your foot.

 

This may show my little knowledge of cars, but I wonder if outside temp plays a part in this? When my foot well (thingy) heats up, or when it did, It was above 90 degrees outside. It has not gotten hot, even warm, all winter. I am in Atlanta where it gets hotter than ... most places. lol So I'm just curious if the outside temp and driving on the hot asphalt have any influence in the engine and therefore what ever that thing is hanging down from there.

What is that thing, anyway?

Thanks,
Heather

 

I think this problem is more prevalent on the S.

 

That would make sense, since the turbo charger heats up pretty warm.

 

Outside ambient does matter, Heather.
You'll toast your toes again; just like day follows night.

 

I own a new '08 MCSa and having read this thread prior to driving up to Minnesota from Florida I also began noticing the driver foot well getting really hot and then noticed the gas pedal very hot too which I could feel right through my sneaker that I was wearing.The trip was 1800 miles long and I kept the cruise control on most of the way so I could move my foot away from the heat while driving.

When I return back from my trip I plan on taking my MINI in for warranty work to see what can be done to correct the excessive heat issue in the driver foot well.

 

RE: S model more prevalent

Both S and non-S have thermostats. The water temperature at operating temperature is going to be the same, S or not. The heat you feel in the drivers foot well is coming from the water lines that feed the heater core. Both cars have cooling systems which maintain a certain operating temperature by opening/closing the thermostat and using the radiator/fan. Meaning the water temp is going to be nearly the same once warmed up...unless the S runs at a higher water temp.

Anyone with a Cooper have a temp gauge? My Scangauge II reports 220-225 for normal driving in my S.

I should mention mine gets warm but not hot enough to burn, even in 100 degree temps.

 

I have a non S and mine can sure burn my hand if I try and feel it...that piece is ridiculous to have been designed so close to passengers...tho I can see that originally, this heater was not on the driverside (righthand drive) and I guess they didn't expect the passenger to stretch out his/her feet???

 

Update

I figured I would add another post to this thread since there is now an official fix for the excessive heat in the driver foot well.MINI USA has been keeping track of the complaints from the owner's and as of this past Monday August 4th per my SA at Vista MINI they issued a Service Bulletin which will add insulation around the heater core.(a pic of the heater core was displayed in an earlier post)

My SA ordered it for Scrappy today and should be here some time next week to install.For those that have this problem keep in mind that this will be in strong demand so supply will be limited at first so the sooner you can arrange to have one installed at your dealership service dept. the better.Also keep in mind that it will help to either eliminate or reduce the heat from that area.

 

Any chance you can get the number of the service bulletin? Also post some pictures of the fix once Scrappy has this taken care of.

 

Minidrivr I will try my best to get everyone the info as soon as possible.My SA surprised me yesterday with stating that MINI USA had just issued the fix and I didn't think at the time to get the Service Bulletin number at the time.As others know I filed a complaint months ago when I brought Scrappy in regarding the heat in the passenger footwell so finally getting the answer left me extremely happy.Since reaching him by phone is near impossible I will have to stop in there to speak with him directly.

And pics will come as soon as the insulation is installed.

 

Then they need to install a shut off valve to the heater core like the classic minis had. My MG Midget also had a heater core shutoff valve.

 

My '08 has a panel covering this area.

 

Looks the same as my 07. I think the fix is going to be something to cover those tubes, but we'll see.

 

 

I could be wrong here, but I think you might not be following what they are saying here. That cover is normal. They fix they are referring to is to heat insulate those heater lines under that cover to keep the cover in your picture from getting hot.