[Cheap Sunglasses]

Hello. I'm interested in the Mini Cooper SE but I've noticed a possible overheating issue in some of the reviews I've read.

For example, from carbuzz.com: "While the Mini uses the upgraded electric motor from the i3S, it uses an older battery pack. It's worth mentioning that some reviewers found that sustained hard driving will eventually overheat the engine". Also, from motortrend.com: "Remember those little LEDs alongside that power gauge? Just five were lit, meaning the Mini was only delivering half its available power output. (Testing director Kim Reynolds encountered a similar issue after two laps of our figure-eight course.) Allowing the powertrain a moment to cool down restored the power cap by the time I reentered the road, but I can't call this car a hot hatch if it gives up half its grunt after less than a mile in the twisties."

Has anyone noticed this issue? I'd really like to make sure it's not a problem before moving forward with a purchase.
Thanks!

 

[MichaelC]

I have not experienced this issue, but I also don't race my SE on a track. Nor do I plan to.

I have had some spirited drives, but apparently not the kind of "sustained hard driving" that results in reduced power. That just isn't feasible (or safe or legal) on public roads where I live.

I have seen reports by a couple people who have participated in autocross events in their SEs and did not have any overheating problems. But autocross courses only take a couple minutes to complete, with more than enough time between heats to let your car cool down.

I have also seen some people report reduced power when their SE is cold-soaked - sitting outside overnight in freezing temperatures. After driving for about 15 minutes, things warm up enough for full power to be restored.

And I have seen reports by some people who live in hot climates, but have not experienced overheating or reduced power.

As long as you don't plan to use the SE as a track car, you probably won't run into this problem.

 

[Cheap Sunglasses]

I have not experienced this issue, but I also don't race my SE on a track. Nor do I plan to.

I have had some spirited drives, but apparently not the kind of "sustained hard driving" that results in reduced power. That just isn't feasible (or safe or legal) on public roads where I live.

I have seen reports by a couple people who have participated in autocross events in their SEs and did not have any overheating problems. But autocross courses only take a couple minutes to complete, with more than enough time between heats to let your car cool down.

I have also seen some people report reduced power when their SE is cold-soaked - sitting outside overnight in freezing temperatures. After driving for about 15 minutes, things warm up enough for full power to be restored.

And I have seen reports by some people who live in hot climates, but have not experienced overheating or reduced power.

As long as you don't plan to use the SE as a track car, you probably won't run into this problem.

HI Michael

Thanks for the reply. I suppose it's nothing to be too concerned about.
Do you experience much loss of battery range when using the a/c or heater?
I won't be using the heater too much as I live in a fairly warm environment but I can see using the a/c for at least 6 months out of the year.

 

[MichaelC]

Do you experience much loss of battery range when using the a/c or heater?
I won't be using the heater too much as I live in a fairly warm environment but I can see using the a/c for at least 6 months out of the year.

There is some reduction, yes, but I rarely need to drive far enough on a single charge for that to be a problem.

Winter weather is the worst for range reduction. In addition to the additional energy to heat the interior, the cold air is more dense and requires more energy to push through--as does any snow & slush on the road. And if you use all-season or snow tires, they will be less efficient than the low-rolling resistance high-performance summer tires installed at the factory.

By comparison, using the A/C has a much smaller impact on range.

This video offers a nice discussion on the SE's range:

And this YouTuber is recording a series of range tests in their SE using the same route:
AndysComputer - Range Tests