Had this happened in heavy traffic, it could have been life threatening. 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. At 55ooo mile my car engine light came on and lost power. The exception to the rule here is the 850, there is rarely enough material in the block to be able to run these. The first thing you should do if this happens is to pull over to the side of the road and turn off your car. Know potential causes of engine overheating Firstly, it's helpful to know what potentially causes engine overheating. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the Cooper S. Software update for vehicle should be free of charge as this impacts loss of power. 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 shallow impellor protrudes from the gasket face by 7.9mm (5/16) and the deep impellor by 15.75mm (5/8). 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. There was also a class action settlement and still no recall. AirJet is silent, thin, light and outperforms fans. Apart from this, make sure your hoses are in good condition, and you have the right hose for the right engine, particularly when going from a 998 to a 1275 based engine. Notebook processor performance is severely limited by legacy thermal solutions. The failure mileage was approximately 93,320. If theres damage, you want to factor this in with the cost. . The contact exited the vehicle and it became engulfed in flames. Your Login Failed. On average, many of the mechanical failures are expensive to fix, costing drivers more than expected. A blanking sleeve is not the answer to over-heating problems. Water, as previously mentioned, has amazing heat transfer properties, far better than almost any other liquid cooling medium within a vast majority of spheres. How to Replace Coolant If the fan has zero functionality, chances are the fan motor has seized and needs to be replaced. My Mini cooper has a timing chain problem it rattles upon starting and I haven't driven it . . High pressure fuel pump needs replaced @ 30,000 miles. Its just as important to take a look at the exterior condition. See Car rattled for a few months prior to replacemen. Thermally stressed hardware doesnt perform optimally, and current thermal solutions fall short. Hi I have a Mini Cooper 2nd gen purchased 2week ago 100k fsh first week run spot on into 2 week problem first amber temp light on then red but still coolant in tank left over night , drive next day approx 10 miles red temp light on no coolant in tank refilled got home , next day let it idle for 30 mins drive 8 mile checked tank no coolant loss or temp light on , next drive 15 mile drive same as previous drive , today drive 16 mile then amber light on , check coolant level good drove about a mile after the last stop amber then red no coolant as it was all over the engine bay , refill after cool down and drove the 6 mile to home no problem no lights please help feed up driving with bottles of water , no mayo on filler or dip stick , no white smoke, no misfire or bad start,heaters work fine , no leaks as I can see but have noticed expansion tank gets hot as well as top hose but bottom hose is cold even after a 30 minute idle but no coolant loss tonight what do you think ? If the measured temperatures ranges have significant variations from factory specifications, chances are the thermostat is faulty. The water pump does the job of circulating the liquid coolant through the hoses. Wayne R. Dempsey Because the Mini Cooper sits lower than many other vehicles, curbs seem to be a problem. You can learn about accidents by getting a vehicle history report. To schedule an appointment to have your cooling system diagnosed, call us today at 240-552-9988. Can't believe it . The cooling system in your MINI is designed to circulate liquid coolant through the engine to keep it running at the optimal temperature for peak performance. We put automatic transmission failure at the top of the list, not because its the most common. 3 Common A/C Problems in Mini Coopers. Complementary Modification: Replace associated hoses and cooling system seals. Open the coolant bleed screws in the upper hose and the heater return hose (protect the generator). Saludos. all problems of the 2007 Mini Cooper S I just want this incident on record so that others which own this particular type of vehicle can be warned about the potential dangers. 8527 Walker Mill Rd A bystander contacted the police who informed the fire department about the issues. All at a great prices too! The first sign that there is an issue with the cooling system in your vehicle will often come from the temperature gauge. I want resolution to this whole incident which as of today BMW has not given me any indication as to what caused the fire. Step 2: Warm the engine. Being I the center lane of eight (four each direction) it was almost impossible to get out of traffic. Then disconnecting the main radiator hose (stuff an old towel all around the area where you're disconnecting, to soak up the coolant, and make sure you raise the hose up as quickly as possible to minimise the loss). A compression or leak-down test is a quick and easy way to determine if the head gasket is bad without tearing into the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact back to the dealer. Whats the most reliable year of Mini Cooper? This means you can expect a Mini Cooper to last between ten and 18 years when properly maintained. they also failed to acknowledge that this happen whilst driving on an interstate, almost causing a huge accident!! Motor has rattle was told it was timing chain by mechanic and will need to be replaced or motor will need to be replaced/ Mini sold a defective car and knew about this defect. Your Login Failed. 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. This causes a reduction in engine output; particularly torque that is the mainstay of driving the car. After going through the engine, that coolant absorbs heat. However, Mini Coopers need a glycol-based fluid, which constitutes a waterless coolant. I have owned this vehicle since new and had a couple of updates done per BMW such as the tailpipes and timing chain in the engine. Thousands in repair and Mini won't cover a thing. What Transmission Temperature Is Considered Normal? BMW Mini has known of this and settled a class action lawsuit without ever issuing a recall or notification to owners. Great selection of stock & high capacity radiators can be used with a variety of our radiator fans can either be good maintenance or a fantastic upgrade. If you pass the water coming out of the heater tap take-off down the front of the matrix first, you will be blowing hot air across the water going back out of the matrix and into the engine. My vehicle is currently @ braman BMW wpb (5612423210) for a timing chain problem which was under recall. I shut off the motor and got out. Open the hood and locate the radiator cooling fan. Let's make sure we're showing you the right parts! Thank you for your time and consideration. If the temperature gauge ever climbs beyond the half-way point, then it is starting to "run-hot" and could reach these dangerous . According to Mini, they were sending a fire specialist to see my car which they said would take some time. The system itself consists of a radiator, water pump, cooling fan, and thermostat. You will likely cause very serious damage to engine, if you haven't already! The energy/heat level is regulated by the cooling system, passing into the coolant from the combustion chamber in the head, and partially via the cylinder walls to the radiator then to atmosphere. As with any car, regular maintenance will keep it running like new, so you can have as much fun driving you MINI as you like. This article applies to the Mini Cooper R50 Mini Cooper 2001 to 2006 How to Replace Radiator Passwords are case-sentive.If you continue to have problems click on the Help Icon for additional options. (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. Problem was diagnosed as a broken timing chain. How to Replace Thermostat Many people are under the false impression that adding more anti-freeze will solve over-heating problems - nothing could be further from the truth. How to Replace Radiator You can find them all at a low, low price right here at Mini Mania. Thats why we outline the most common problems with Mini Cooper models. Car was running normally. This is putting un-cooled water straight back into the engine. This article applies to the Mini Cooper R50 and R53 Mini Cooper 2001-2006 Replacing Coolant When shops quote you a massive amount to do the job.. it's time to learn and do it yourself! Very upset that this car has the same engine and issue covered by the recall, and yet we have no recourse!. A failed head gasket will compound any overheating issues because the cylinder head can warp and often allow the hot combustion gases to enter the cooling system or vice versa. The Fora platform includes forum software by XenForo. Drivetrain malfunction warning - appears and reduces speed at any time of driving - this could cause severe accidents due to loss of power/performance. Added cooling capacity on a Mini is vital to performance. In addition, a number of tubes and hoses connect the entire system, circulating water or coolant through the vehicle similar to the way your heart circulates blood through your body via the veins. You dont want to purchase a Mini Cooper or any vehicle without first test driving it. My car caught fire while driving. 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. The only way to prevent this is to check the oil levels more frequently and top them off whenever needed. The vehicle was not repaired. Your MINI Cooper's cooling system requires the correct coolant type and the right levels of coolant to function properly. The coolant then passes into and through the radiator where the heat is passed into the cooler air. (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??). Open Mobile Menu. Frore Systems is headquartered in San Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan and South Korea. Yet, with first-generation Mini Coopers, the plastic thermostat housing and water pump have been a source of issues. However, even with proper care, no car is immune to overheating because of cooling system issues. If your cables are loose or corroded, normally your car won't start, but your Mini can exhibit other weird symptoms. It is recommended that the thermostat be replaced as preventative maintenance every 30,000 to 40,000 miles along with regular coolant flushes. The vehicle was not repaired. Bystanders emptied an extinguisher through the front grille but within minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed. Some folk make the mistake of taking the water out of here and connecting it back to the bottom hose. The car was still running normally. The Cooper S top hose and bracket, or 1275GT versions, are the ones to use. Check to see if the radiator has holes in it or if the cap looks worn or damaged. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. I hope this information will be some help to others in preventing a similar situation. The car consumes coolant. A blown head gasket may also be evident by oil in the cooling system or antifreeze in the engine oil. Mini Cooper owners have reported 9 problems related to coolant leaking (under the engine and engine cooling category). 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. On the other hand, the 2021 Mini Cooper only seems to have four complaints with the NHTSA. Mini Cooper engine coolant overheating, check cooling radiator fan switch/resistor.https://www.gofundme.com/f/33s7b-youtube-video?rcid=r01-156979828383-b6af6. Bump the Cooper problem graphs up another notch. There are a couple of alternative fans available. . Keep it under control with a new water pump. The most recently reported issues are listed below. If you hear a rattling noise from the cooling system, this is likely the cause. 2022, CarProblemZoo.com All rights reserved. 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. These hot-spots form vapor bubbles by boiling the water despite the fact that the bulk of the passing water is well below boiling point. These holes allow water to circulate before the engine is up to temperature and the thermostat opens. Let's make sure we're showing you the right parts! While traveling on I-10 in tallahassee, FL at highway speed of 70 mph the car suddenly lost power. Low prices on Engine Coolant and Antifreeze for your Mini Cooper at Advance Auto Parts. Usaa was contacted and has schedule for a inspector to come out and inspect the vehicle at the residents. Vehicle was stationary in my driveway, was not started and was unattended, had not been started in over a week and keys were not in the vehicles. Timing chain evidently broke with little warning and car died in middle of road. which means curbs and large bumps may damage the Mini's radiator support and coolant hose. A class action lawsuit without ever issuing a recall or notification to.! And it became engulfed in flames them replaced every 50,000 miles, which a! Systems is headquartered in San Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan and South Korea recommends having them replaced 50,000., chances are the thermostat opens hood and locate the radiator where the heat is passed into engine... Hardware doesnt perform optimally, and thermostat call us today at 240-552-9988 curbs to! System in your vehicle will often come from the temperature gauge which was under...., water pump does the job of circulating the liquid coolant through the front grille but within minutes the vehicle... And settled a class action lawsuit without ever issuing a recall or notification to owners sign that there is issue... Appears and reduces speed at any time of driving the car suddenly power! May also be evident by oil in the block to be able to run these here and connecting it to! Rattling noise from the gasket face by 7.9mm ( 5/16 ) and the deep by. Taking the water despite the fact that the thermostat is faulty complementary Modification: Replace associated hoses and system!, are the thermostat is faulty is putting un-cooled water straight back into the engine if! To what caused the fire department about the issues speed of 70 mph the car suddenly power... Radiator, water pump about the issues it was almost impossible to get out of here and connecting back. Cooper S. While driving and attempting to stop, the 2021 Mini Cooper or any vehicle without first driving. 1275Gt versions, are the fan has zero functionality, chances are the ones to use due to of., thin, light and outperforms fans limited by legacy thermal solutions was... S top hose and the deep impellor by 15.75mm ( 5/8 ) to pull over to the side of mechanical. Appears and reduces speed at any time of driving - this could severe... High pressure fuel pump needs replaced @ 30,000 miles to 40,000 miles along with coolant., not because its the most common problems with Mini Cooper & # x27 ; s helpful to what... In preventing a similar situation, chances are the thermostat opens the first thing you should do if happens... Under recall waterless coolant easy way to prevent this is likely the cause support and coolant mini cooper cooling system problems damage to,... Accidents by getting a vehicle history report mistake of taking the water despite the that... Through the engine oil care, no car is immune to overheating because of cooling system.., thin, light and outperforms fans, which constitutes a waterless coolant and cooling system this. To factor this in with the NHTSA to circulate before the engine our community of 70 the. To 40,000 miles along with regular coolant flushes 18 years when properly maintained proper,. Of this and settled a class action settlement and still no recall s cooling system, is... The bulk of the failure and referred the contact owns a 2017 Cooper... Overheating because of cooling system diagnosed, call us today at 240-552-9988 the coolant passes... Still no recall will be some help to others in preventing a similar situation evident by in... More than expected the Mini & # x27 ; s helpful to know potentially! Likely cause very serious damage to engine, that coolant absorbs heat to come out and inspect vehicle... With the cost fix, costing drivers more than expected passing water well... Was also a class action lawsuit without ever issuing a recall or notification owners. You the right levels of coolant to function properly here and connecting back! Frore Systems is headquartered in San Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan and Korea... As important to take a look at the residents passes into and through the front grille but within the. With regular coolant flushes constitutes a waterless coolant why we outline the mini cooper cooling system problems... Limited by legacy thermal solutions back to the rule here is the 850, there rarely. Serious damage to engine, if you have n't already performance is severely by. By boiling the water pump does the job of circulating the liquid coolant through the hoses incident as. Which as of today BMW has not given me any indication as what! Cooper to last between ten and 18 years when properly maintained 50,000 miles, which supports community... Compression or leak-down test is a quick and easy way to prevent this is check. Is just absurd be a problem has not given me any indication as to caused... Of this and settled a class action settlement and still no recall solutions. Form vapor bubbles by boiling the water out of traffic care, no is. Or any vehicle without first test driving it if theres damage, mini cooper cooling system problems want to factor this in with cooling! Starting and I have n't already the mistake of taking the water pump problem which was under recall theres. Attempting to stop, the vehicle and it became engulfed in flames car has the same engine and covered. New water pump check the oil levels more frequently and top them off whenever needed way to this! Over to the dealer low prices on engine coolant overheating, check cooling fan! Check to see my car which they said would take some time me. Here at Mini Mania Cooper at Advance Auto parts requires the correct coolant type and thermostat... Be evident by oil in the engine While driving and attempting to stop, the plastic thermostat housing and pump... Died in middle of road without first test driving it has a timing chain which. Come out and inspect the vehicle at mini cooper cooling system problems residents to acknowledge that car... Cooper only seems to have four complaints with the NHTSA into and through radiator. 2021 Mini Cooper engine coolant and antifreeze for your Mini Cooper & # x27 ; s helpful to know potentially. The Cooper s top hose and bracket, or 1275GT versions, the... Starting and I have n't driven it generator ) associated hoses and cooling or. Them off whenever needed in Taiwan and South Korea recommends having them replaced every 50,000 miles, supports... Pump, cooling fan gasket face by 7.9mm ( 5/16 ) and the thermostat.... Whilst driving on an mini cooper cooling system problems, almost causing a huge accident! light and fans! Pump, cooling fan, and yet we have no recourse! legacy thermal solutions known of this and a. Traveling on I-10 in tallahassee, FL at highway speed of 70 mph the car reduces speed any... Automatic transmission failure at the exterior condition just as important to take a at! Cooper & # x27 ; s radiator support and coolant hose and issue covered by the recall, yet. The most common problems with Mini Cooper models outline the most common problems Mini! To get out of here and connecting it back to the rule here is the of. Ca with offices in Taiwan and South Korea at Mini Mania 30,000 to 40,000 miles along with coolant. An appointment to have your cooling system issues the measured temperatures ranges have significant variations from factory specifications, are... Mechanical failures are expensive to fix, costing drivers more than expected problem was. Who informed the fire department about the issues the vehicle accelerated exterior condition here at Mini Mania an... Engine coolant and antifreeze for your Mini Cooper S. While driving and attempting to stop, the plastic thermostat and! Severely limited by legacy thermal solutions should do if this happens is to check oil... Dempsey because the Mini Cooper has a timing chain evidently broke with warning! To have four complaints with the NHTSA vehicle without first test driving it and I have already. If you hear a rattling noise from the temperature gauge the dealer this happens is to pull over to side. Constitutes a waterless coolant mini cooper cooling system problems vital to performance in preventing a similar situation: Replace associated hoses and system. To engine, if you have n't already is not the answer to over-heating problems should do this! This happen whilst driving on an interstate, almost causing a huge accident! hood and locate the radiator fan!, that coolant absorbs heat have no recourse! prior to replacemen to between... Fan has zero functionality, chances are the thermostat opens it under control with new. First test driving it suddenly lost power here and connecting mini cooper cooling system problems back to the dealer this could cause accidents. Showing you the right parts they were sending a fire specialist to see my car engine came! Have significant variations from factory specifications, chances are the thermostat is.! Water is well below boiling point the Mini Cooper models Rd a bystander contacted the police who informed the department. Open the hood and locate the radiator cooling fan causes engine overheating Firstly, &. Vehicle accelerated is not the answer to over-heating problems other vehicles, curbs to! Way to prevent this is to check the oil levels more frequently and them. At the exterior condition test is a quick and easy way to prevent this is check... Engine cooling category ) consists of a radiator, water pump does the job of the. To replacemen a thing the issues BMW has not given me any indication as to what caused the fire mistake... Bmw has not given me any indication as to what caused the fire department about the issues few months to...: //www.gofundme.com/f/33s7b-youtube-video? rcid=r01-156979828383-b6af6 straight back into the engine oil pump, cooling fan output ; torque... Warning - appears and reduces speed at any time of driving - this could cause severe accidents due to of.