2010 MC, 11500 miles. Car had one year service, where they did oil change.

Last few weeks, I found a few drops of "blue water" on garage floor. Didn't pay too much attention, as I thought it was window washer fluid.

Since my Lotus has red coolant and my other car has green coolant, I had though our 2010 Mini has green coolant.

Well today washed the car, did the regular oil check, and looks like coolant level is ONE INCH below the MIN level.

1) So is coolant leak an issue with these Minis?

2) I emailed the dealer and will see if I can bring it in this week.

3) Would they do a full coolant system pressure check, or will just fill it to the top?

4) If it is a serious issue, will dealer provide loaner?

Thoughts appreciated.

 

Where's the leak in relation to the car? My 2010 MCS sprung a leak at the water pump with about 3500 miles on it. It was towed in on MINI Assistance, water pump replaced, and not an issue since.

My leak was pooling right at the wheel track line, between center of the car and the right wheel.

 

It is coming towards from the right side of the car (front right). I haven't been able to narrow it down, as it has leaked a few times, but few other times, garage was dry.

Would you recommend calling MINI assistance and having it towed? (don't want to be charged for a tow, if they determine there is no leak-as dealerships often can't replicate problem ), or should I just drive it in?

Dealership is 19 miles from my house.

Appreciate the help.

 

Sounds like a leak in the same area as mine, from the right side of the engine (left as you look at it). I personally thought mine was drivable, but when I called the service center on a Monday morning, they recommended a tow in to be safe...so that's what I did. But...mine started it's leaking thing on the Friday prior, and I figured out it would only leak when it cooled down. I could start it...drive for a few miles...park it...and it wouldn't leak. Leave it in the garage overnight, and I had a puddle about 3-4 inches in diameter. As was the case when the tow came for mine. Got up that Monday morning and called service...then called MINI Assistance...went to the garage to pull it out and there was a little puddle underneath. Start it up, pull it out and let it run a bit (it was cold out). Never leaked while waiting on the tow or loading it. So my opinion is, call service and tell them your water pump is leaking. They'll probably direct you to call Assistance.

On a side note about this, when it went in and had the water pump replaced, they told me that for some strange reason they had a history of water pumps leaking (not all). But they said the strange part about it was once it was replaced, they never leaked again...as is the case of mine so far.

I don't know if the water pump is the same on an MC and MCS, but I have a feeling it is, it would only make sense manufacturing wise.

 

Seems very similar to yours. Only difference is, I am not getting a puddle, but I am getting about 5-6 drops (dime size). I set up an online appointment for Tuesday morning. I will call my service advisor Monday morning, and she what she recommends.

Mine also never leaks on the driveway when running, just overnight inside the garage.

At least this is better than ALL the software issues with my JCW MCS which has almost got me killed a few times, on left hand yield turns.

I really appreciate your help.

 

Hope it works out, let me know.

Here's when I first posted about my leak issue:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...lant-leak.html

 

I thought my mini cooper s 2011 had a coolant leak last week as the coolant resevoir only had 1/2 inch of coolant.
I brought it in and told advisor that I think there is a leak. They visually inspected it then did the coolant pressure test. They didn't find anything but they did the diagnosis.

I used the Mini coolant to add more to resevoir instead of the Prestone. That is what folks said here just to be safe .

 

So you added it at home, then went to dealer, or added it afterwards?

Also how long did it take, for them to diagnose?

 

I bought the Mini Coolant at Long Beach Mini where someone added a tiny bit for me. I added a bit more the day after in the morning. I made an apt at Crevier in Santa Ana for a Thursday. In at 10:45 for 11 A.M appt, out at 1 P.M with coolant checked, new microfilter and brake fluid flush.

Thought I mentioned the Mini locations cause I see you are from CA

 

Thanks. I used to service at South Bay and at Universal before. These days Bob Smith.

Thanks

 

Appointment is tomorrow morning. THey offered me a "one time good will" loaner car, since I didn't buy the car from them

Oh well, hope it gets fixed tomorrow.

 

UPDATE

Dealer just called back. It was the waterpump. Will be done in another hour. I will return the loaner tomorrow morning and pick up the car.

 

 

Service advisor said water pump and thermostat are common issues he has been seeing. The new pump comes with 2 year, "unlimited" mileage warranty.

I asked any particular reason he thinks the water pump is going bad on this model but not on my 03 MCS JCW...

His response "You guys have these little 1.7L motors that have too much power and under too much stress. It isn't like my truck which runs at 1500rpm all day. Given the amount of pressure, it makes sense the water pumps are going bad."

I just nodded and left.

Before I got home, in my email box was the "satisfaction survey"

 

so wait.. if U did not buy car from them.. that means I cant get loaner if I need one? bunch of BS to me.. Mini is Mini..

 

My '08 with 14,700 miles just developed that small leak a few days ago. I'm still driving it though, just keep an eye on the coolant level. I had my car serviced at Dr. Import yesterday and they said it's the water pump leaking so I have an appointment on Saturday at Crevier to have it looked at and I suppose replaced under warranty.

 

According to this dealer, they wouldn't give me a loaner, unless I bought from them. THis was a one time deal.

P.S. I did TRY to let them earn my business, as this was my 2nd new MINI. Other dealers were giving away car for 1500-1700 less than this dealer, so I had no choice but to go elsewhere to save $$


CHUCK-if your car is under warranty, what did Dr. Import do?

 

I just bought this '08 pre-owned MCS a couple of weeks ago from a private party and since Dr. Import is just down the street from my office I dropped it off to them to have a thorough inspection done and to do an oil change. They found that the battery is a bit weak and the water pump is leaking. They told me I would need to take it to the dealer to have these things replaced because they are an independent and cannot do warranty work.

 

Ah makes sense! Congrats on your new MINI, hope it is trouble free, and you enjoy many years of happy motoring

 

Thanks, I'm hoping for that!! It sure is fun to drive! In fact, its going to be a tough decision whether to drive the Mini or the MGB on the weekends!!

 

On the weekends I usually drive my 67 Mini or my Lotus.

 

What a bummer to have to make those tough decisions!!! Ha!!