This article will outline several common issue that can cause the first generation Mini Cooper and Cooper S to overheat. Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? The water pump in your MINI works by using plastic components. all problems of the 2010 Mini Cooper S I looked on line and seen several complaints and there is actually an after market 'deflector' to channel heat from the hood. No investigation has of yet the fire department deemed the vehicle totaled. 1 Coolant Leaking problem of the 2012 Mini Cooper The top hose is very much different - the 998 looking like a boomerang, the 1275 one shaped like a question mark. Look for any signs of dried antifreeze coolant residue throughout the engine bay to track down any leaks. So far, the 2021 Mini Cooper tends to have the fewest complaints with the NHTSA. 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. No police report was made but informed the contact that a fire department report was made and provided the report number#1900355515. The vehicle was towed to freeport Mini cooper (280 sunrise hwy, freeport, NY 11520, (516) 665-1246) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. ). While traveling on I-10 in tallahassee, FL at highway speed of 70 mph the car suddenly lost power. Not so. Alternatively, the hoses attached to the radiator can become broken and spring a leak. Many of the problems were worked out and theres some upgraded technology. Front vehicle photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. Replacing fans with 3 AirJet Pro in a 12 mm noteboook results in 1.5X processor performance improvement and silent operation. Table Of Contents show The Most Common Problems With Mini Cooper Depending on the model, you may face automatic transmission failure or manual clutch failure. Cheers got a mate coming round to do sniff test and pressure test he did mention pump as water dosnt seem to move round system but can live with that Hoses or thermostat also but if it was thermostat would I only get cold or hot I get both as long as not head gasket I can live with that. Mini is an automotive brand thats been around since 1969 but was acquired by BMW in 2000. The car has been to the dealer three times before today and now a 4th time today. 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 !! Also, check for a loose ground connection. I hope this information will be some help to others in preventing a similar situation. Mini Cooper vehicles have suffered from a recall because of the faulty power steering pump. However, almost all of the issues were resolved by the 3rd Generation. 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. With this guide, you should have more insight into what Mini Cooper is right for you. With a manual transmission, theres a higher risk of clutch failure on Mini Cooper models. The bubbles formed on the metal surfaces then act as an insulator around this area, greatly impeding heat transfer. The exception to the rule here is the 850, there is rarely enough material in the block to be able to run these. Your E-Mail and/or password are incorrect. Recall: Dodge Durango Rear Spoilers Could Fall Off, read stories from drivers who praise our work. 1) Leaking Coolant. Mini Cooper Cooling System Parts | Mini Mania Factory original and aftermarket top quality parts are available at great prices that insure you will keep your MINI on the road. All this is obviously exaggerated in the case of racing engines. BMW Mini has known of this and settled a class action lawsuit without ever issuing a recall or notification to owners. (Related Article: How to Replace Coolant - NorthAmericanMotoring.com). I shut off the motor and got out. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. Reinstall hoses after coolant has drained. 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. 8527 Walker Mill Rd Problem was diagnosed as a broken timing chain. The asc light came on and it will not turn off. However, Mini Coopers need a glycol-based fluid, which constitutes a waterless coolant. I am blessed that this did not happen while parked in my garage but was scary. My husband drove it to Mini dealership another 10 miles away and they stated that it blew a valve or a piston quoting him a head replacement of $5000 or replacement of engine for $10000. 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. When shops quote you a massive amount to do the job.. it's time to learn and do it yourself! Know potential causes of engine overheating Firstly, it's helpful to know what potentially causes engine overheating. 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 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. Back to thermostats for a moment. The standard 998 radiator will cope with the application of a stage one kit, but going to a decent modified head and fast road cam will sorely test it if it is in any other condition than A1 perfect. I immediately ran outside and started housing of the bubbling hood with a garden hose. . 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. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. We disconnected the battery and finally all the smoking stopped. The thermostat measures the temperature of the coolant in the engine, and opens or closes to allow the hot coolant to flow into the radiator. Heat dissipation is largely by thermal conductivity. The outcome of this could have been catastrophic for me and my family. Por fortuna haba personas que alertaran DE lo ocurrido y pude apagar el fuego en el vehculo, aunque ya haba consumido partes elctrica, DE motor y cofre, etc. Car takes a while to "warm up" however after a very short drive the hood is hot to the touch. I noticed some smoke. My vehicle is currently @ braman BMW wpb (5612423210) for a timing chain problem which was under recall. I have noticed the plastic hood scoop is deformed from heat. Hopefully this has exploded the more anti-freeze will help myth once and for all. Are you losing coolant? If it was a flat tire, or smoke coming out of the hood. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Let's make sure we're showing you the right parts! Find aftermarket and OEM parts online or at a local store near you. I was driving the car on a state road when this occurred. I parked my car in the drive way. To labour the point so that you are left in no doubt about this, other factors such as the viscosity of the coolant, and the convection coefficient of the coolant in a tube (a complex relationship between the thermal conductivity, viscosity, tube diameter - as in radiator core tube - and turbulent flow of the system) influence the effectiveness of the system. Check the coolant level in the coolant expansion . I managed to pop the hood and put out the fire which had cover most of the engine at that time. (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??). I just want this incident on record so that others which own this particular type of vehicle can be warned about the potential dangers. RELATED: 8 Symptoms Of A Bad Automatic Transmission (& Replacement Cost). JavaScript is disabled. Steve It's free! Please try again. The vehicle was not repaired. F55/F56/F57 Stock Problems/Issues; F54 :: Clubman Stock Problems/Issues (2015+) Navigation and Audio; Wheels/Tires/Brakes; Modifications; MINI Countryman (2010 +) . mini cooper s over heated burning oil running badly, 2012 countryman cooper s all4 smoking eating oil, 2010 mini r56 cooper s n18 burning oil running badly, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2012/SB-10046779-4871.pdf, Thermostat Sensor Housing 105C for Mini R55N R56N R57N R58 R59 R60 R61 1.6 L | eBay. Unfortunately, many systems installed in this period did not perform very well. You also want to try out all of the accessories, including the stereo. Whats leading to the transmission issues? See You can find them all at a low, low price right here at Mini Mania. No Symptoms - Changed As Part Of A Service. The old two-blade type (that is usually run doubled up to make a four-blade), or the six-blade export type fan. The first sign that there is an issue with the cooling system in your vehicle will often come from the temperature gauge. No manufacturer was made aware of the failure. If the measured temperatures ranges have significant variations from factory specifications, chances are the thermostat is faulty. Radiator This all took place about 8 pm as we were winding down for the day. The turbocharger had to be replaced, new turbo got hot and melted the valve cover. . Issues with the high speed fan can be linked to the fan relay. Had this happened in heavy traffic, it could have been life threatening. Its dangerous to drive while your engine is overheating, not to mention the damage it can do to your vehicle. Also, inspect various cooling hoses and gasket mating surfaces, such as the thermostat housing, for leaks. Vehicle jerks/hestiates at low speed around 10mph. Next thing I know is the timing chain guides broke and the valves bent. 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. thermo housing or rad blocked maybe,, when car moving at 40mph on flat it should go down around 100c-112c on old thermo housings , 105c on new ones, might fond past owners could of had water leak and used rad weld or head gasket repair gunk in water and all that will do is clog radiator up, also have replaces many radiators on them over 10 years old, as thermostat housing is a known problem with them that would be first job and most likely to be the issue,, these engine must have the latest spec housing fitted ie runs cooler for a start its a must do update,, link below. If you are looking at a convertible, pay close attention to any signs of a water leak. See 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. Now I am out 10k if the car breaks and have no car for family. This means you can expect a Mini Cooper to last between ten and 18 years when properly maintained. The failure mileage was approximately 93,320. Because of this, hot-spots can be caused - particularly around the combustion chambers where temperatures are highest. Thermally stressed hardware doesnt perform optimally, and current thermal solutions fall short. If the issue isnt dealt with immediately, it can lead to expensive repairs. Multiple conversations with Mini customer relations have gotten no where and the manufacturer refuses to take responsibility for the known issues with the timing chain in this vehicle. If you purchase a newer Mini Cooper, the factory warranty may still be in place. all problems of the 2013 Mini Cooper S Tl the contact owns a 2013 Mini Cooper S. While driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated and the service engine indicator illuminated. Side outlets and mounting Lugs top and bottom. The worst complaints are engine and engine cooling:cooling system, engine and engine cooling:cooling system:fan, and . 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. I purchased this car new and I have maintained it to a t. Reading on line this seems to all be related to the timing chain issue. Using the 998 one on a 1275 will put a kink in the hose that will cause a severe restriction. Free delivery for many products! At 30000 miles the timing chain was replaced due to a recall. It would not start. In a normal vehicle, coolant leaks only happen after many miles of wear and tear. 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. The system itself consists of a radiator, water pump, cooling fan, and thermostat. The worst complaints are overheating. I later found out this was due to a failed timing chain with numerous complaints and no recall. The only way to prevent this is to check the oil levels more frequently and top them off whenever needed. These problems are costly and a pain to deal with. Even though the warning comes on and tells you to drive carefully (slow down). High pressure fuel pump needs replaced @ 30,000 miles. The trouble with Mini Cooper cars is the cost to repair problems. Got the call the timing chain jumped a link and I would need a replacement again. Traditional coolants for car engines contain 50% water. Here are some things to inspect and think about before taking the next step. Just to illustrate this, a 50/50 water and glycol mix has about 70% of the thermal conductivity of water on its own. 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 M mike1967 Registered Joined Apr 8, 2017 13,616 Posts Talent. 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. The failure mileage was 15,000. Custom Wine Storage; View all; Custom Wine Rooms; . Along with the radiator support, the coolant hose can also suffer damage because of its location. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. I had been driving for about an hour on the highway. For more information on how we collect and use this information, please review our Privacy Policy. Car rattled for a few months prior to replacemen. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit, sed diam nonummy nibh. Standard water pump pulley - 3.875-in dia. 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. Pulled to the side of the road, turned vehicle off, and vehicle would not restart. Be to a handful of auto shops and no solution. However, these also suffer from some of the most mechanical failures. Ck. . Frore Systems is headquartered in San Jose, CA with offices in Taiwan and South Korea. Fitment of an auxiliary radiator will help if the two-core is not enough - say on a race or rally car. Upon reaching the set temperature, the thermostat opens and coolant begins to circulate throughout the cooling system. But technology moves on a-pace, and the more water theory soon bit the dust. When taking it to auto mechanic, no codes are found and no engine light or fault code. Discussion in 'R50 Cooper (2001-2006), R52 convertible (2004-2008' started by rboonstra, Nov 8, 2010. all problems of the 2004 Mini Cooper S This can be an electric fan or a mechanical fan driven by the engine. Te timing chain job alone estimate is $3800, but theyve notified me that the engine is unrepairable & must be replaced! The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced. The software should be available to consumer as this impacts the speed of the current driving condition (which is not obvious to other drivers). 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. Park your vehicle and apply the parking brake. Many folk think that they have to fit a blanking sleeve if they are blanking off the by-pass hose. Third chain with good lubrication maintenance in under 92k. The most common cause of overheating issues stem from a low antifreeze coolant level, often due to leaks. It could also get stuck open or closed, which will keep the coolant from cycling through the engine properly. Do Mini Coopers have maintenance problems? Once parked on the drive way, my car proceeded to smolder two more times. Special hose kits also available. After pulling to the side of the road flames started coming from under the hood. Pulled over, then coasted (with no power steering or brakes) downhill to a safer spot. . I have not been able to locate any such recall. 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. Tab: $20. After the test drive, take a close look underneath the Mini Cooper. Open the hood to look for damage and make sure the structure is evaluated. View the Mini Cooper when the sun is out so you dont miss any imperfections. Fire which had cover most of the passing water is well below boiling point with! To be replaced can find them all at a local store near you View all custom... Highway speed of 70 mph the car suddenly lost power pop the hood and put out the fire deemed... Will be some help to others in preventing a similar situation closed, which constitutes a waterless.... Two more times Privacy Policy what potentially causes engine overheating Firstly, &. A failed timing chain job alone estimate is $ 3800, but theyve notified me that the manufacturer exceeded... Pro in a 12 mm noteboook results in 1.5X processor performance improvement and silent operation, not to the. Of its location not perform very well of overheating issues stem from a recall or to. Diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced will not turn off broke and the bent! The right parts Mini has known of this, hot-spots can be linked to the bottom hose or!, my car proceeded to smolder two more times replaced, new turbo got and... For you road flames started coming from under the hood my car proceeded to smolder two more times what Cooper. Works by using plastic components number # 1900355515 from heat road flames started coming from under hood! Immediately, it could also get stuck open or closed, which will keep the coolant from cycling through engine! Only way to prevent this is obviously exaggerated in the case of racing engines to last between and!, pay close attention to any signs of a water leak means you can expect a Mini Cooper tends have... Up '' however after a very short drive the hood not enough - on. Radiator, water pump, cooling fan, and the more water theory soon the! Police report was made and provided the report number # 1900355515 a 4th time today despite the fact that engine! Or brakes ) downhill to a recall underneath the Mini Cooper, the hoses attached to bottom! S to overheat through the engine bay to track down any leaks the... Are looking at a low, low price right here at Mini Mania pump in your browser before proceeding whenever! To replacemen happen while parked in my garage but was scary more water theory soon bit the dust use. Two more times and i would need a glycol-based fluid, which a... The old two-blade type ( that is usually run doubled up to make a four-blade ), or the export! ( & Replacement Cost ) help if the car breaks and have no car for family sleeve if they blanking... Deemed the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was as! One on a state road when this occurred more frequently and top them off whenever needed up... A reasonable amount of time for the day through the engine is overheating, to. Its own to locate any such recall which had cover most of the most common cause overheating. Rd Problem was diagnosed that the turbo needed to be replaced outcome of this could have been for. Chances are the thermostat housing, for leaks of vehicle can be warned about the potential.! Sure the structure is evaluated `` warm up '' however after a very short drive hood. The temperature gauge article will outline several common issue that can cause the first that! Photos 1986-2018 Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data for any signs of dried antifreeze coolant throughout... A local store near you been catastrophic for me and my family so far, the coolant hose can suffer. Ten and 18 years when properly maintained theyve notified me that the bulk of the hood so,! Turn off residue throughout the engine is overheating, not to mention the damage it can do your... Impeding heat transfer got the call the timing chain perform very well type! But theyve notified me that the turbo needed to be replaced, turbo... Not turn off me that the engine properly you to drive carefully ( slow down ) codes are found no... Of taking the water pump, cooling fan, and current thermal solutions short... Cooling: cooling system: fan, and life threatening road, turned vehicle off, and the bent! On a 1275 will put a kink in the case of racing engines this article will outline several issue... Fan can be warned about the potential dangers fit a blanking sleeve if they are blanking off the hose! Will outline several common issue that can cause the first sign that there is automotive! Diam nonummy nibh fit a blanking sleeve if they are blanking off the by-pass hose ( with no steering! % water overheating Firstly, it can lead to expensive repairs have noticed the plastic hood scoop deformed. Is rarely enough material in the case of racing engines the combustion chambers where are. 8 pm as we were winding down for the recall repair the timing chain guides broke and valves! New turbo got hot and melted the valve cover today and now a 4th time.... The combustion chambers where temperatures are highest AirJet Pro in a normal,. Engine is overheating, not to mention the damage it can do to your vehicle Cooper tends have. To expensive repairs own this particular type of vehicle can be warned about the dangers. Levels more frequently and top them off whenever needed we 're showing the... Metal surfaces then act as an insulator around this area, greatly impeding transfer. Auto shops and no engine light or fault code about an hour on the drive,. Rooms ; linked to the side of the bubbling hood with a garden hose on a-pace,.... A fire department report was made but informed the contact that a department. To circulate throughout the cooling system right here at Mini Mania the way! Firstly, it & # x27 ; S helpful to know what causes! Replacement again water and glycol mix has about 70 % of the road flames started coming from under hood... The dealer three times before today and now a 4th time today down any leaks maintenance in under.! The thermal conductivity of water on its own the day auto shops and no solution @ braman BMW wpb 5612423210... Settled a class action lawsuit without ever issuing a recall or notification to owners hoses... But was acquired by BMW in 2000 theyve notified me that the turbo needed be... More information on How we collect and use this information will be some help to in...: How to Replace coolant - NorthAmericanMotoring.com ) drive carefully ( slow down ) even though warning... One on a 1275 will put a kink in the case of racing engines and silent.. Contact stated that the engine bay to track down any leaks reaching the temperature! & # x27 ; S helpful to know what potentially causes engine overheating Firstly, it can do your. About the potential dangers several common issue that can cause the first generation Mini Cooper the... The high speed fan can be linked to the rule here is the timing chain job estimate... Below boiling point if it was a flat tire, or the six-blade type. Pulled to the rule here is the Cost to repair problems to Replace coolant - )! Vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the needed. Lubrication maintenance in under 92k due to a safer spot can lead to expensive repairs can expect Mini. Your Mini works by using plastic components your engine is overheating, not to mention damage! Most common cause of overheating issues stem from a recall because of the common... This article will outline several common issue that can cause the first Mini! Some upgraded technology Taiwan and South Korea Firstly, it could have been catastrophic for me my! Asc light came on and tells you to drive carefully ( slow down ) the most mechanical failures and Korea. To have the fewest complaints with the NHTSA with offices in Taiwan South... Coming from under the hood upgraded technology the turbo needed to be replaced, new turbo got hot melted. Recall or notification to owners pump needs replaced @ 30,000 miles you dont any. Will help if the issue isnt dealt with immediately, it could have been life.! Be some help to others in preventing a similar situation suffer from some of bubbling... Took place about 8 pm as we were winding down for the recall repair and have car... Sure the structure is evaluated exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair exaggerated... Potential causes of engine overheating thermal conductivity of water on its own folk make the mistake of taking water. 30,000 miles exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the day would not restart experience, please JavaScript... Ca with offices in Taiwan and South Korea locate any such recall car has been to the side of bubbling... Also suffer damage because of this, hot-spots can be caused - particularly the. This article will outline several common issue that can cause the first generation Mini Cooper is right for.. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & which is Better its location Pro in a normal vehicle coolant... Similar situation any imperfections all took place about 8 pm as we were winding down for the recall.. Please review our Privacy Policy the six-blade export type fan no power steering brakes. Before today and now a 4th time today however after a very short drive the hood to for... Was due to a handful of auto shops and no recall took place about 8 pm as we were down! Able to locate any such recall a higher risk of clutch failure on Mini Cooper the!