It really wasn’t drastically cold this morning – 13f – but GPMINI didn’t like it!
I loaded some stuff in to the trunk and when I closed the hatch, it didn’t feel properly closed; it rattled slightly and when I re-locked the car, the alarm didn’t “beep” – which indicates that not all doors are closed.
When I started the car, the hood/trunk warning light was on. I had to open and close the hatch quite a few times before I got the light to turn off – basically by giving an almighty slam to it, which is scary! It was fine after re-opening it at work, so apparently it was just unhappy with the cold weather.
The engine & gearbox didn’t like the cold either … the engine turned over really slow and sluggish for the first couple of seconds, almost but not quite stalling; and I had to push hard to get in to first gear, both the cables and the box itself seemed stiff. Again, the gear box was back to normal after half a minute or so.
I don’t remember having trunk hatch issues in much colder weather before (although the engine/gear box has been stiff) – but I suppose I don’t often use the trunk so I’m not likely to notice.
Jason – if you’re reading up there in Burlington, VT … how does your R56 MCS in cold weather compare with your original R50?
M&I / GBMINI 
Isn’t it “the boot”? 🙂
To prevent this you need a garage.
I have one … in Florida 😉
my 92 GTI did that today too.
My Boot closes fine. 😉
You know, my boot closes just fine too. 😉
I’ve been dealing with the flu(?) all week, so I just read this now.
The new MINI is worlds better in the cold than the old one.
Thanks, Jason – hope you’re fully recovered soon
Feeling better today.
The R56 is like a “real car” in the winter. My 2003 Cooper got by because I was willing to forgive a lot of its quirks.
The 2003 would not idle when it was below 30° or so – it would stall the first time I came to a stop. The door handles froze. etc, etc.
The new car hasn’t exhibited any strange tendencies yet. I do miss the heated seats and side mirrors that the old car has. But, the engine will keep running on the new car when I come to a stop, and I haven’t had any door freezing issues.
The black plastic piece below the windshield wipers does like to collect snow and ice…