possibly.

 

I think that the new Mini has an electric engine thermostat instead of the old-fashioned thermal/mechanical type. I know that my 2006 VW Jetta GLI with the 2.0T FSI engine did. Whether that has anything to do with the car not starting in extremely cold weather, I don't know. There could be an ambient temp sensor built into the thermostat that will prevent the engine from starting if it's too cold out. You'd think that a simple block heater would prevent the problem from occurring. Why would Mini balk at the suggestion?

 

they don't make a block heater for it yet apparently.

 

So after 21 days my wife got her car back with a new thermostat in it. took off and it ran like crap. turned around and took it back to the dealer. then they called when it was done and said they went through it all flushed every thing and gave it a complete tuneup. Now it runs better but the CEL is still on so its going back again tomorrow. day 23 since it went in the first time. Anyway they told her its fixed for now but will continue to happen. Have to get it towed in everytime it happens again and its covered by warantee and hope they find a solution for it. She's not the only one with the problem. they told her some people are abandoning their mini's b/c of all the hassle. Shes trading hers in on a toyota probably soon. So basically 07 minis cant handle a real winter and theres no solution. one guys she met while waiting at the dealer was in for the 7 time this winter for the same thing. what a pile. oh and the car has 16000 km on it. not a good sign.

 

My R56 will start at -30c....but why?? the damage done can be horrendous....BMW claimed there is too much magnesium in the block making it dangerous (fire)....BS and grow up .....starting any engine a - 30 is JUST PLAIN stew-pid. you will PAY for this in spades ....the N14 in particular is sensitive to .....EVERYTHING.....heat it or beat it.....its a dumb question..

Edmonton Canada ....07..85,000km .....30,000$ in repair invoices....