2006 mini thermostat
 

I know I should post this on the mini forum or another forum but I'm lazy and I know there are several mini owners who hang out here. There's like one lonely guy on the BMW/Mini Pelican forum waiting for others to come play.....

My GF has a 2006 base mini. Leaking coolant a year + ago fixed with thermostat and gasket. Now leaking again and the repair is no longer under warranty :mad:

Google search says thermostat and gasket on 05/06 minis is a known issue.

Is it worth calling the dealer? Has the part been redesigned maybe? Are they a pain to change. Anyone else had this issue?

The thermostat housing has been changed once by the dealer on our '06 Cooper S. It was out of warranty already when it happened. I think it must be pretty accessible because I don't recall that it was terribly expensive.

Not that hard to do. I would suggest changing the housing while you are at it.

Here is the water pump replacement.

Pelican Technical Article: Water Pump Replacement - - R53 MINI Cooper S (2002-06)

T-Stat-a lot easier

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/how-to/191757-maintenance-thermostat-change.html

It's not that difficult to change the thermostat. Read my article above.

The biggest thing is getting access. Taking the front bumper off makes it a bit easier.

Change the housing at the same time and also inspect the water pump. On a base model, there's less stuff to remove.

Fow what it's worth, the waterpump just went on my '10 justacooper. It may be worth looking at that too.

Look into it. Recall for the controller for the waterpump is in process. Taking my '11 in on Wed. for the work.

i didn't do any research before changing the t-stat and housing on our '06 GP, but was able to do it without removing the bumper. A bit of a PITA, but not really that bad. Most of the issue was having hands that were too big going into an engine compartment with hardly any room. Yes, change housing/gasket/t-stat at the same time.