MINI Cooper Project 21 : Radiator, Thermostat and Hose Replacement

[Wayne 962]

Anyone got any questions on Project 21 - Radiator, Thermostat and Hose Replacement for your MINI Cooper or Cooper S?

Here's a back link to the original article: Pelican Technical Article: 21-WATER-Thermostat_Replacement

-Wayne

[KathyB]

I just had my 2009 Mini Cooper 's radiator replaced, at 53,000 miles. Have also been told that the thermostat needs replacement, (neither are under warranty), how often does this happen? Is this very common, would I assume there may have been defects, I drive 3 miles to work each day and have taken the mini on limited long (6hr) trips. Have always kept up with the scheduled maintenances. I also got an extended "original maintenance" warranty, to 100,000 miles, but it doesn't cover this...

Thanks for your help

KathyB

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

The thermostat housing seems to be a pretty common failure. I don't have good data on how often they seem to fail, but it seems like just about all R56-model MINI Coopers have to have theirs replaced at some point.

--DD

[f6noob]

Hi - I have a 2007 S Convertible - I guess that's the R52. I noticed stains on my driveway - and then after finally popping the hood..... yes - I've had the car a few months and never had to do anything with it - I know.... Anyways the coolant reservoir was empty. It's a slow leak - i can see its at the side of the RAD and the the Thermostat housing - i can see some coolant on it. Its a very slow leak. I think also the colder weather may be having an effect as stuff contracts as we get colder at night here in Canada at this time of year - closer to freezing some nights. Enough that it drips constantly.

I will take it to a shop and get an estimate - but this seems like a good first DIY project starting with Jacking / Front Bumper Removal and then Thermostat replacement. I have all the tools and can follow directions and my Brother in law is pretty mechanically inclined - roughly how long should this repair take? I'm thinking 4 hours?

And based on my simple symptoms - slow dripping leak - it seems it would be the thermostat housing. Do I need to replace the thermostat as well, what else should i do since I'll have it opened up?

thanks