I started a similar thread in the NAM forums and thought I should start one here as well.
Many '07 MCSm owners are not aware that their bonnet area just above the scoop can reach temperatures of 235F. This was measured with an IR temp gun. I have also used a temperature probe to verify the temperatures just inside the scoop. It has reached 280F .
Some owners have begun experiencing warped/melted/deformed scoops due to this extreme heat issue. I am experiencing the weeping washer jets issue. Both of these problems are being caused by the ridiculous amount of heat under the bonnet after the car is parked.
The bonnet gets hot enough to cause second degree burns. It is important to follow all the steps outlined below. Here are the conditions and how to test you MCSm:
Drive you Mini for 10 minutes or more.
Park your Mini, turn off the engine.
Remember to exercise extreme caution when touching this area of your bonnet as you can be BURNED.
Initially check bonnet, 1/4 inch above the center of the scoop (where the scoop ends and bonnet begins again.) It will only feel slightly warm at this time.
Wait 5 minutes and check the same area again, it will be hot.
Check again each subsequent minutes after that.
The temperature continues to increase until peaking as high as 235F.
I don't know if this is only affecting US MCSm's or other countries as well. Mini/BMW has been aware of this issue, as it was reported on NAM 7 months ago. Yet they have done nothing to resolve it.
The cause of the weeping washer jet is easy to identify. During a drive, use your washer jets. When you park, verify there are no fluid stains on your bonnet. By the time you get to step 6, from the steps outlined above, your washer jets will have begun weeping down your bonnet. Water boils at 212F. The temps under my bonnet are reaching 200-300F. The water is expanding (or steaming) out of the washer lines due to this heat.
The Mini/BMW techs I have spoken with indicate that Mini/BMW will most likely come out with a check valve to resolve the weeping washer jet issue. That does not address the heat issue.
All that is required is for Mini/BMW to update the ECU software to run the coolant fan and turbo water pump longer after the vehicle is shut down. A check valve may also be required for the washer jets, but not by itself.
'07 MCSm owners need to start making more noise regarding this extreme heat issue.
Any family member, adult, child or passerby that may happen to touch your bonnet in the “hot zone” will surly burn themselves.
Please bring this problem to you service advisor's attention and demand that Mini/BMW fix this problem.
i hear you. but sad to say, i'm confident in saying that BMW will not be doing anything about this issue. This hypothesis came about from my ownership of a BMW E46 325i for 4 years.
Issues which affected 90% of the cars didn't even warrant a recall. Those who complained (within the warranty period) for the faulty control arms replaced. Those that didn't had to fork out the cash for replace 2 control arms!
Many other issues too arisen from the cars, esp the regular breaking of the window lifters. Never a recall or an improved replacement. Complaints went unanswered.
Sad to say i will never purchase another BMW. But i do feel like a hypocrite since i replaced the BMW with a Mini.
Just putting my name on the list . I took it in to be looked at and they said it was normal even thoug he could'nt keep his hand on the hot spot for more than a few seconds .
Basic drill with my old Impreza was to back off for the last five minutes of any journey, park up with the engine running. Take in the scenery for two minutes, then switch off the engine. Of course the Scooby didn't have a post-switch-off turbo cooling pump so the two minute pause was basically essential. But the point remains that just as warming up at the start of a journey is important, so is cooling off at the end.
The Turbocharged prince engine has problems, no wonder BMW will be dumping it
Reading about these heat management problems in Turbocharged equipped MINIs has effectively put a damper on my desires about ordering a new Clubman S. Heat is the number #1 of engine durability. Turbos run hot but skin scalding temperatures not only in the engine compartment but the footwell are simply ridiculous!
I think I am going to save a few thousand $$$ and get the normal aspirated Cooper Clubman instead.
I was sat outside waiting for my wife to come out of work a few weeks ago and it was raining, even with the engine off and after only a three mile journey there the amount of steam coming out of the scoop was daft. It looked like the engine had boiled...
It looked like a race horse after the Grand National...blowin' steamy breath
I have to say that I have more things to worry about than the fact that my bonnet may get a bit hot. Unless the paint blisters or the scoop melts I don't think it matters to me. And after about 7,000 miles in my R56 MCS that has yet to happen.
I have noticed that area of the hood (bonnet) does get a little warm, but after checking it after my daily 20 mile commute, it's never been hot. I can feel the warm air from the turbo coming out of the hood scoop while it cools down (who said the hood scoop was fake )
R56 MCS DS/B w/ stripes
DSC, Web Spokes, Xenons, Heated Seats, Mirrors & Washers Jets, LCD, MFSW, SAT/NAV, Cloth, GG interior door, PB dash, White Indicators, HiFi sound, Auto AC, Rear Fog
Ok,
I think these IR scanners belong in the wife's kitchen for checking the Turkey. The bonnet is hot to touch. The engine is hot to touch. The turbo is close to the hood which makes it hot. We all bought a PERFORMANCE car.
The engine will be hot, the turbo will make it hotter. The exhaust tips will burn you. Should we have the GOV step in and place big yellow warning stickers next to these? Please keep your children and loved ones away from these areas.
I live in South Korea. I don't appreciate people "touching" my vehicles. Mostly because we get a lot of dust and when "touching" they tend to leave a mark. Requiring cleaning on my part.
I have a motorcycle here. The engine and exhaust is exposed, and will likely burn your skin off. I have had many Koreans (they love to touch things ) burn thierselves "touching" my exhaust tips, and then complain. My friend has an 07S and recently burned his ankle on the exhaust tips. Guess what. It's very hot. Suprise.
Sorry......Is any of this in the MINI Owner's Manual? If not, common sense should direct you...........
How are you going to "FIX" a turbo from getting hot? The thing will get (literally) red hot under extended heavy foot. There are gases that were on fire a split second before going through it. The turbo is only a few inches from the hood.
Oh I know. Either trade it in for a turboless cooper or drive easy the last couple miles. The only time time I have excessive heat is right after an autocross run and then I open the bonnet.
Seems to me that you are getting paranoid about something that might never happen.
Sure the bonnet area near the scoop gets hot, and the windscreen washers will leak (but only if they are almost full). Also steam around the scoop area will appear ....if it's raining while stationary. There have been many threads on this topic, but not one case of damage to any part of the bonnet as a result of excessive heat.
I can't see BMW modifying/changing the design if there are no specific cases of damage.
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Blazing Bonnet Problem Mini won't fix! ! ! 
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Please keep your children and loved ones away from these areas.
) burn thierselves "touching" my exhaust tips, and then complain.
My friend has an 07S and recently burned his ankle on the exhaust tips. Guess what. It's very hot. Suprise. 
