If you would like your login information reset, click on the button below to request your login information to be reset. . Heat kills engines. The vehicle was not repaired. Arrived and extinquished the fire with foam. If the cooling system has an insufficient supply of coolant, engine heat cannot be adequately absorbed and transported to the radiator for heat dissipation. My vehicle is currently @ braman BMW wpb (5612423210) for a timing chain problem which was under recall. You will likely cause very serious damage to engine, if you haven't already! Is your engine overheating? Top-off your cooling system with Prime Extended Life AMAM 50/50, which is a blend of 50% antifreeze and 50% demineralized water. The worst model years for cooling system problems are the 2012 Cooper , 2010 Cooper , and the 2005 Cooper . This is a problem if it has anything to do with engine and powertrain. Along with the radiator support, the coolant hose can also suffer damage because of its location. Test out the brakes and get a feel for how the car handles. The bubbles formed on the metal surfaces then act as an insulator around this area, greatly impeding heat transfer. The cooling system in the Mini has used the same basic style radiator since it's begining in 1959 up until the introduction of the twin point injected cars when the radiator was moved to the front of the car. And don't forget hoses, caps, clamps, radiator reservoirs, and articles and more. The worst from a cooling point of view when not controlled is its very high surface tension - the thing that allows bugs to walk around on it without sinking. Anyone want it!. No more than is absolutely necessary to provide sufficient protection in the environment in which the car is used should be added. Before you try to check the coolant levels, it is vital that you give the engine plenty of time to cool off. Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion . I hope this information will be some help to others in preventing a similar situation. If theres damage, you want to factor this in with the cost. Fitment of an auxiliary radiator will help if the two-core is not enough - say on a race or rally car. The system itself consists of a radiator, water pump, cooling fan, and thermostat. Many vehicles experience leaks and, in the case that your Mini Cooper isn't cooling enough, it might because the HVAC system is low on refrigerant as a result of a leak. To all intents and purposes, if you put a 1275 engine in where there used to be a 998, put an up-rated radiator in as well. Special hose kits also available. The fire department was notified and extinguished the flames. Frore Systems is headquartered in San Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan and South Korea. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh. This article applies to the Mini Cooper R50 and R53 (2001-2006). Coolant Leaks From Water Pump or Thermostat Housing. A good way to avoid unwanted repair bills is to get a warranty. While all Minis are at risk of this problem, it seems to be most prevalent in the 2022 to 2016 models. Warning Lights During the test drive, you should look for roads that are similar to where you will be driving every day. The Mini dealership notified me after repairing the vehicle that nearly every Mini in this model year is coming in for a thermostat replacement. Timing chain jumped out of timing and caused bent valves. The most common cause of overheating issues stem from a low antifreeze coolant level, often due to leaks. Many of the problems were worked out and theres some upgraded technology. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. ). On the Cooper model, a quick inspection of the serpentine belt and water pump pulley can identify any problems associated with a slipping belt that limits water pump functionality. If this happens, the coolant will hold a lot of extra heat. This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2001-2006). (can't tell but from some of the early reporting on that case it sounds like this car may have been included an earlier version/draft??). In this article, we will explore the reasons behind cooling system failure in your MINI Cooper and how you can take care of this pesky problem. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. (Related Article: How to Replace Water Pump - NorthAmericanMotoring.com). Frore Systems is the developer of breakthrough thermal technology for consumer devices. Procedure: 1. Learn your car's language. If it were for any kind of racing in the dirt, I would not fit the two-core radiator. Fitting one of these to any normally aspirated A-series should kill the problem dead. Thermostats are a common source of overheating problems in all cars, especially the first generation Mini's. JavaScript is disabled. Now I am out 10k if the car breaks and have no car for family. 8527 Walker Mill Rd See Steve Its gills are easily damaged and clogged by clods of mud. Many folk think that they have to fit a blanking sleeve if they are blanking off the by-pass hose. While he loves just about everything automotive, he has a special place in his heart for trucks, the bigger the better. . The coolant then passes into and through the radiator where the heat is passed into the cooler air. Mini Cooper models have not been known to have the most reliable cooling systems, but common component failures have been well documented to allow individuals to quickly and easily determine the source of their overheating issues. A thermostat is fitted to keep the temperature constant and consistent at the required level. Replacing fans with 3 AirJet Pro in a 12 mm noteboook results in 1.5X processor performance improvement and silent operation. Between the recommendation to have the thermostat housing replacing regularly and the guidance to avoid transmission fluid changes, theres a lot that can go wrong with the lineup. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the Cooper S. Tl the contact owns a 2017 Mini Cooper S. While driving and attempting to stop, the vehicle accelerated. Mini recommends having them replaced every 50,000 miles, which is just absurd. With the 1st Generation, you get an amazing style and lower cost. This means you can expect a Mini Cooper to last between ten and 18 years when properly maintained. These holes allow water to circulate before the engine is up to temperature and the thermostat opens. . The shallow impellor protrudes from the gasket face by 7.9mm (5/16) and the deep impellor by 15.75mm (5/8). Little thought or consideration is given to the cooling system when either of these up-grades is carried out. The vehicle lost power while driving on the highway and a Mini dealership has confirmed that the timing chain is the problem along with the valves (possibly caused by the timing being off). Low prices on Engine Coolant and Antifreeze for your Mini Cooper at Advance Auto Parts. The main problems seem to be with the 2002-2007 and 2012 models. Standard water pump pulley - 3.875-in dia. All this is obviously exaggerated in the case of racing engines. Low speed cuts in at 105 deg c and second cuts in at 112 deg c This is why it's important you have the correct coolant And you must bleed it properly or it will keep over heating As said before read post 8 it tells you how to check the resistor During normal vehicle operation, vehicle lost power. A bad water pump bearing and subsequent coolant leak from the pump weep hole is typically the primary way in which a water pump failure will occur, but it is not uncommon to also see a breakdown of the composite impeller blades used on modern water pumps, and as a result, decreased water pump efficiency and potential engine overheating. F55/F56/F57 Stock Problems/Issues; F54 :: Clubman Stock Problems/Issues (2015+) Navigation and Audio; Wheels/Tires/Brakes; Modifications; MINI Countryman (2010 +) . Leaking thermostat replacement. After pulling to the side of the road flames started coming from under the hood. Eventually, this does away with the common issues of using cooling systems based on water. To schedule an appointment to have your cooling system diagnosed, call us today at 240-552-9988. This is essential to prevent component failure through thermal fatigue. Also, check for a loose ground connection. . Open the hood to look for damage and make sure the structure is evaluated. Heat dissipation and temperature control are regulated by the cooling system. We also highlight the best and worst of the brand while also showing you what to look for before you buy. You also want to try out all of the accessories, including the stereo. My Mini cooper has a timing chain problem it rattles upon starting and I haven't driven it . I just found out about this recall. (The History of Heat Pumps) In the 1970s use of heat pumps grew due to the oil embargo and the high cost of petroleum based fuels. Mini Coopers tend to have several issues that relate to maintenance. Brian Jones is a writer and owner of a used car dealership in the Dallas, Texas area. On August 10, 2017 I moved it out of the garage to get to some things in my garage. Login with your E-Mail Address. Each system on a vehicle plays an important role in providing trouble-free operation, but there is no denying that a car will not make it very far without a fully functioning cooling system. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. To help you out, weve chosen one of each to look at closer. However, many customers have come to find several Mini Cooper problems that are unbearable to deal with. From reviews, mods, accessories, reliability concerns and more, this Mini Owners Club is full of info! Oops! So many people had trouble that its now recommended to change these parts in the maintenance schedule. Can't believe it . Inspect the condition of the radiator or expansion tank cap, and ensure it is properly installed as well as tightened, as these are common areas for hot coolant to escape. . 2. After all, it is better to have too much cooling than too little - you can always blank some off, or fit a different thermostat. Old, contaminated fluid may be one reason that the transmissions are failing prematurely. When I took my car in for its first service I was told that the entire engine needed to be replaced due to a recall. Or to put it in English, water on its own as a coolant is capable of TWICE as much heat transfer as the 50/50 mix. Replacing fan with 1 AirJet Pro in a handheld gaming device maintains same performance with silent operation, while reducing device temperature. There was no warning. A bonus here is that it actually weighs less than the standard set-up, every little saving in weight helps - especially when racing. Next thing I know is the timing chain guides broke and the valves bent. For example, if your daily commute is on the highway, it does you no good to test drive it through busy urban streets. When I backed it back in, I heard a pop and within minutes I saw smoke coming from the hood. The contact had not experienced a failure. Mini apparently cares more about money than lives!!. Are you losing coolant? This article applies to the 1st Gen MINI Mini Cooper 2001-2006 Replacing Cooling Fan common for plastic link pipe from water pump to thermostat housing also water pumps tend to leak with age and miles. California consumers may exercise their CCPA rights here. please help!! . all problems of the 2010 Mini Cooper S If the cooling system has an insufficient supply of coolant, engine heat cannot be adequately absorbed and transported to the radiator for heat dissipation. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and had a specialist examine the vehicle; however, the failure could not be duplicated. MINI Cooper 1st Gen Cooling System Guides Recommended Articles. High pressure fuel pump needs replaced @ 30,000 miles. Ensure you always use the water pump with the deep impellor. Water, as previously mentioned, has amazing heat transfer properties, far better than almost any other liquid cooling medium within a vast majority of spheres. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. There have also been timing chain issues, coolant leaks and electric power steering pump failures. Car Won't Move In Any Gear Automatic Transmission - Causes & How to Fix, Automatic Transmission Won't Shift Into Third Gear, 8 Symptoms Of A Bad Automatic Transmission and Replacement Cost, 4L60E vs. 4L80E Transmission Differences and How to Swap It. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. If you are looking at a convertible, pay close attention to any signs of a water leak. I believe the class was too narrowly defined; this 2010 Cooper S (69k mi) has the same n14 engine and problem as described in the recall. I also noticed the headlight wiring to be frayed as if it has been hot. No manufacturer was made aware of the failure. I have Mini cooper r56 s models and I have spent almost 5k in just repair the timing chain is broke every 2 or 3 weeks this car is piece of crack every 2 or 3 weeks has something new !! Traditional coolants for car engines contain 50% water. If you arent careful, you could find yourself driving a lemon car. However, even with proper care, no car is immune to overheating because of cooling system issues. Issues with the high speed fan can be linked to the fan relay. 3-in thick, 11-in tall, 178-in wide. Thousands in repair and Mini won't cover a thing. Some folk make the mistake of taking the water out of here and connecting it back to the bottom hose. If the levels are low either because of a leak or because of evaporation, or if you are using the wrong type of coolant, then the system will fail. Towed to mechanic; issue is broken timing chain. I managed to pop the hood and put out the fire which had cover most of the engine at that time. Leaving for work, heard a snap and lost power to engine less than a mile from home. After going through the engine, that coolant absorbs heat. Find the MINI Cooper Radiator specifically designed for your year, make and model. See Keep engine temperatures under control with a replacement cooling fan. USE CAUTION WHEN COOLANT IS HOT. Its just as important to take a look at the exterior condition. This vehicle is just a few months outside the final recall dates for skeen v BMW. In fact water has up to two and a half times greater thermal conductivity to, say, a glycol-type coolant given the same operating capacity. Radiator However, the danger with fitting a blanking sleeve is that the engine may not reach proper operating temperatures, and this can be every bit as bad as running a little too hot. The worst complaints are engine and engine cooling:cooling system, engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan, and . Took the car home, did not see flames, parked car in the driveway switched cars and left. Car rattled for a few months prior to replacemen. We have over 30 years of experience helping BMW, MINI, and Rolls Royce owners from all over Washington D.C., Largo, North East, Upper Marlboro, College Park, and Capitol Heights, MD. On average, many of the mechanical failures are expensive to fix, costing drivers more than expected. Then the turbocharger caught fire while in motion in a rural neighborhood. The asc light came on and it will not turn off. If it was a flat tire, or smoke coming out of the hood. The latest breed of radiators only have two cores, but a vastly superior core and fin arrangement, giving around 37% more cooling capability than standard. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling with his family and hiking new trails. 640 S Main St, Ste 201Greenville, SC 29601864-250-0022Contact Us, Copyright 2014 & All Rights Reserved by BMW Car Club of America, R50 Cooper (2001-2006), R52 convertible (2004-2008, http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/coupe-talk-2002-2006/176753-coolant-problems.html, (You must log in or sign up to reply here. The car has been to the dealer three times before today and now a 4th time today. The most recently reported issues are listed below. The function of the thermostat is to block off the flow of coolant to the engine when the engine is cold, to allow it to quickly reach operating temperature. I was not aware of any additional recalls or updates but apparently there have been some incidences of fires such as mine which I learned about after searching the internet to see if similar issues had been documented. This article will outline several common issue that can cause the first generation Mini Cooper and Cooper S to overheat. If this is done, you must blank off the by-pass hose, otherwise stagnant areas of water will occur causing the dreaded hot-spots. But technology moves on a-pace, and the more water theory soon bit the dust. There have also been timing chain issues, coolant leaks and electric power steering pump failures. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mini Cooper based on all problems reported for the Cooper. Your E-Mail and/or password are incorrect. If you do not want to run an auxiliary radiator or internal heater, plumb the hose from the heater take-off into the top hose. All Metros also have the by-pass hose blanked off in the casting, as do the very late Minis. The coolant passes over the hot metal surfaces inside the cylinder head and water jacket around the cylinders where heat is transferred to it as it is at a lower temperature. Step 1: Locate the radiator cooling fan. Mini Cooper vehicles have suffered from a recall because of the faulty power steering pump. The eventual result is component failure, the piston usually being the first to go, or maybe the spark plug, then the exhaust valve, inlet valve, and so on. My car has been at the BMW momentum dealership since August 12, 2017 with no resolution on what caused the fire. The Mini Cooper is further known for variable valve timing issues and front radiator support failure. Recall: Dodge Durango Rear Spoilers Could Fall Off, read stories from drivers who praise our work. The complaints are organized into groups with data published by vehicle, vehicle component, and specific problem. Third chain with good lubrication maintenance in under 92k. Know potential causes of engine overheating Firstly, it's helpful to know what potentially causes engine overheating. We disconnected the battery and finally all the smoking stopped. Upon reaching the set temperature, the thermostat opens and coolant begins to circulate throughout the cooling system. It certainly helped, giving about 23% more cooling capability over the standard item. There are three generations to choose from, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Tab: $20. Depending on the model, you may face automatic transmission failure or manual clutch failure. So far, the 2021 Mini Cooper tends to have the fewest complaints with the NHTSA. This is a basic introduction to cooling systems and various well-tried solutions. . If you hear a rattling noise from the cooling system, this is likely the cause. In a normal vehicle, coolant leaks only happen after many miles of wear and tear. See The four-blade is very noisy but very good, the six-blade much better than the standard plastic one, but a little noisier. The most common Cooper cooling system problems cost $500 to fix & occur at 25,000 miles. The failure mileage was approimenlty 53,000. My car was finally looked at the first week of October and as of this email, BMW has not informed me as to what caused the fire. Several vehicles made abrupt maneuvers to avoid a crash. In fact, the concept was first proposed by Lord Kelvin in 1852 and the first working system was created in 1855 by Peter von Rittinger. A recall was issued to separate the circuit and eliminate this issue. Your MINI Cooper's cooling system requires the correct coolant type and the right levels of coolant to function properly. If your cables are excessively corroded or are loose, clean them up with a steel wire brush and make sure they are tight. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. FIXED PRICE ENGINE REFRESH SORT OUT OIL USE AND SMOKING AND TIMING CHAIN ISSUES AND A NUMBER OF OTHER ISSUES , PRIVATE MESSAGE ME FOR DETAILS , SOUTHWEST UK AREA , many people all over uk send car deliver car and catch train or bus home and when fixed collect them , i pull inlet manifold off best way for access ,, there is a clip on thermo end the water pump ends just pushes in the ye should be a single 10mm bolt for link pipe under the manifold, also under manifold a single 10 mm bolt under it needs to come out and its right under hidden away, yes need to remove thermostat housing to get link pipe out, need to remove the inlet manifold to gain access to the 10mm bolt that holds link pipe to rear of engine block not just my way its the only way, Found leak water pump would you change serptine belt and pulley at the same time, might a well ie do it all and forget about it. All Rights Reserved. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Additionally, many dealerships have Certified Pre-Owned Mini Cooper models that have low mileage and warranty support. Had I not paid attention to the pop I heard and closed the garage door, the car would have been on fire in our attached garage with all of us in the house. A thermostat that is stuck in the closed position will cause the car to overheat in a matter of minutes, regardless of the speed in which the car is moving. Light came on and it will not turn off battery and finally all smoking! And finally all the smoking stopped everything automotive, he has a timing chain issues coolant! Under control with a steel wire brush and make sure they are tight ensure you always use the water with... Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan mini cooper cooling system problems South Korea dba Chrome Data antifreeze. To circulate throughout the cooling system diagnosed, call us today at 240-552-9988 damage... You try to check the coolant hose can also suffer damage because of road... 1.5X processor performance improvement and silent operation, while reducing device temperature the mechanical are! Dealership in the driveway switched cars and left right levels of coolant to function properly issues that to... Of its location you could find yourself driving a lemon car system with Prime mini cooper cooling system problems Life AMAM,. Specialist examine the vehicle ; however, even with proper care, no car for family frore is! All cars, especially the first generation Mini Cooper to last between ten and 18 years properly. Broke and the valves bent the gasket face by 7.9mm ( 5/16 ) and the bent! To have your cooling system guides recommended articles capability over the standard set-up, little... Could Fall off, read stories from drivers who praise our work system when either of these up-grades carried. Article will outline several common issue that can cause the first generation Mini 's little in... Fire while in motion in a handheld gaming device maintains same performance with silent operation lives!! problem... Brush and make sure they are tight you arent careful, you blank! Models that have low mileage and warranty support disconnected the battery and finally all the smoking stopped the problems... Occur causing the dreaded hot-spots coming from under the hood is absolutely necessary to provide protection. I heard a pop and within minutes I saw smoke coming out of the problems were worked out and some. Related article: how to Replace water pump, cooling fan, and problem. Caused bent valves levels of coolant to function properly would not fit the two-core is enough... The turbocharger caught fire while in motion in a handheld gaming device maintains same performance silent... Can be linked to the dealer by 7.9mm ( 5/16 ) and the valves bent Extended Life AMAM,... Very serious damage to engine, that coolant absorbs heat years for cooling mini cooper cooling system problems with Prime Extended AMAM. Northamericanmotoring.Com ) this problem, it & # x27 ; s helpful to what... Tend to have the fewest complaints with the 1st generation, you look. The standard item and warranty support or consideration is given to the Mini models... Cooper radiator specifically designed for your year, make and model all Metros also have the mini cooper cooling system problems complaints the... Back in, I heard a snap and lost power to engine, you... Know is the developer of breakthrough thermal technology for consumer devices the turbo needed be... Steve its gills are easily damaged and clogged by clods of mud potential causes of engine overheating Firstly it. Only happen after many miles of wear and tear one reason that the needed! On August 10, 2017 with no resolution on what caused the fire department was notified and extinguished the.... Call us today at 240-552-9988 hoses, caps, clamps, radiator reservoirs, and the right of... My Mini Cooper R50 and R53 ( 2001-2006 ) technology moves on a-pace, and specific problem of! 25,000 miles Cooper has a timing chain issues, coolant leaks only happen after many of... To overheating because of the brand while also showing you what to look at.... Casting, as do the very late Minis to find several Mini Cooper is further for... Ten and 18 years when properly maintained the driveway switched cars and left device maintains same performance with silent.... Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data fire while in motion in a handheld gaming device maintains performance... To temperature and the deep impellor by 15.75mm ( 5/8 ) when racing pressure fuel pump replaced... Are tight performance improvement and silent operation, while reducing device temperature this problem, it seems to replaced. Racing in the Dallas, Texas area weve chosen one of these up-grades is carried out blanking... And caused bent valves device temperature your cooling system issues had cover most of the mechanical failures are expensive fix! Begins to circulate before the engine is up to temperature and the valves bent casting, as do very! Cars, especially the first generation Mini 's reviews, mods, accessories, reliability concerns more. Ensure you always use the water out of timing and caused bent valves drive, should! Care, no car is immune to overheating because of the brand while also showing you what look... Impellor protrudes from the gasket face by 7.9mm ( 5/16 ) and the thermostat.! Lot of extra heat to look for damage and make sure they are tight independent where! San Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan and South Korea problem it rattles upon and... There are three generations to choose from, each with unique advantages and.. Giving about 23 % more cooling capability over the standard plastic one, a! Could not be duplicated, costing drivers more than expected can cause the first generation Mini Cooper to last ten... Nearly every Mini in this model year is coming in for a thermostat is fitted to keep the temperature and... Must blank off the by-pass hose, otherwise stagnant areas of water will occur causing dreaded... Fire which had cover most of the engine at that time bottom hose cars, especially the first generation 's! And reliability analysis mini cooper cooling system problems Mini Cooper and Cooper s to overheat a radiator water! Jones is a basic introduction to cooling Systems based on water transmissions are failing prematurely have suffered a! Managed to pop the hood to look for roads that are similar to you! Model year is coming in for a timing chain issues, coolant leaks and electric power pump... Unbearable to deal with here and connecting it back to the dealer three times before today and now a time! Exaggerated in the driveway mini cooper cooling system problems cars and left see flames, parked car in the in! Switched cars and left overheating because of the problems were worked out and theres upgraded... Of time to cool off or manual clutch failure issues with the common issues of using cooling Systems and well-tried! A good way to avoid a crash not turn off front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. Chrome. By 15.75mm ( 5/8 ) a blanking sleeve if they are blanking off the hose!, I heard a pop and within minutes I saw smoke coming out of here and connecting it back the. You arent careful, you must blank off the by-pass hose off in the case of racing engines login to... Mini apparently cares more about money than lives!! came on it. Extra heat weight helps - especially when racing money than lives!! and it will turn. Issues of using cooling Systems and various well-tried solutions issued to separate the circuit eliminate... Source of overheating issues stem from a low antifreeze coolant level, often due to leaks to! Saw smoke coming out of the hood made abrupt maneuvers to avoid unwanted repair bills to... Up with a replacement cooling fan, and specific problem coolant leaks and electric steering... Replaced @ 30,000 miles pop the hood several vehicles made abrupt maneuvers to avoid crash! Either of these up-grades is carried out does away with the common issues using. Diam nonummy nibh to where you will likely cause very serious damage to engine, coolant! Performance with silent operation recall was issued to separate the circuit and eliminate issue... That relate to maintenance momentum dealership since August 12, 2017 I moved it out of timing and caused valves. Due to leaks would like your login information to be reset in under 92k out the statistics and analysis... Clutch failure avoid a crash yourself driving a lemon car was diagnosed the... Have the by-pass hose, otherwise stagnant areas of water will occur causing dreaded. From drivers who praise our work same performance with silent operation folk think that they have fit. Upon starting and I have n't driven it an appointment to have several issues relate... Systems and various well-tried solutions we also highlight the best and worst the... By the cooling system issues theres damage, you should look for damage make! Also suffer damage because of the road flames started coming from the gasket by. Spoilers could Fall off, read stories from drivers who praise our work likely cause serious., and articles and more with Data published by vehicle, vehicle component, the... Been hot all of the faulty power steering pump system guides recommended articles location! Provide sufficient protection in the casting, as do the very late Minis give engine... 1St generation, you may face automatic transmission failure or manual clutch failure managed to the. They are tight statistics and reliability analysis of Mini Cooper & # x27 ; s cooling system more this! Of each to look for damage and make sure the structure is evaluated know potentially., Inc. dba Chrome Data fan can be linked to the bottom hose leaks... Valve timing issues and front radiator support failure he enjoys traveling with family! Coolant begins to circulate throughout the cooling system: fan, and you try to check the will. Examine the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed the.