Mini Cooper air intake valve freezes in cold weather causing starting issues on Mini Cooper

Some Mini Cooper owners report experiencing starting issues in cold weather due to the freezing of the air intake valve. This problem is commonly reported across both "S" and non-"S" models and can result in cold start or cold running problems, including stalling and the activation of Check Engine warning lights. Additionally, difficulties during a cold start may indicate underlying issues with the coolant temperature sensor or the intake air temperature sensor. To diagnose the freezing air intake valve, some owners find it helpful to use an OBD2 scan tool to monitor engine coolant temperature in real-time. Addressing these concerns promptly can help mitigate the impact of this common issue.