I just brought my 05 mini cooper s into the dealership for an inspection and I was told I have a small leak from my water pump. does anyone know how much a pump is/ where i can find one. and how much it should be to replace it if i don't go through the dealership.. they told me $1200

 

Your post is the reason we're here and why you should be. Gates sells the WP for about $125. Go on ROCKAUTO.com or other aftermarket parts suppliers. The only hard part is getting to it. Go to the "HOW TO" section of this forum for a description. At most, about 6 hrs. of labor. Even at $80/hr. plus WP and coolant, it should cost about 1/2 what they quoted. Incidentally, most of the time, the leak isn't the WP but the thermostat...and it really isn't that the thermostat is bad. It's the lousy gasket material but MINI only sells the new version with improved silicone gasket as an assembly. Much easier to get to, much less expensive. Get another opinion.

 

+1 Never heard of an S water pump leaking. Check the thermostat housing.

 

We carry the water pump here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...WATpmp_pg1.htm and the article on how to replace it (not that hard): http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

...but if you discover it's the thermostat instead, we have that covered too with the part: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...PRJ021_pg1.htm and article on how to replace that part: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

-Jorge

 

I see water pumps leak all the time...... Yes normally the Thermostat is what leaks first. If you can get under your MINI and remove the shield under the engine, shine a light un from the bottom right about where the engine and trans meet.... you will see the green build up from coolant at the bottom of the pump IF it is fact leaking.

 

Well, they do leak occasionally, especially on a 7 or 8 year old car.

I replaced one on a 2006 S a few months ago. It's a bit of work, and while you have it in service mode do yourself a favor a replace the o-ring on the crank sensor, it's a 5 min job once you have access. Don't bother trying to pull the wires off the sensor, just remove the 6mm bolt (10 mm wrench or socket) and pull the sensor out, replace the o-ring, lube it well and put it back in. Job done.

I dont know if the Pelican Parts water pump includes the two large o-rings, but get them too - one where the water pump goes onto the supercharger and one for the tube that goes into the head.

 

I've bought many parts for my older bmw from pelican and they have always been great to work with. Their how to articles are easy to follow and accurate too.

The high cost of what you were quoted comes primarily from the labor. The water pump from the dealer and the cost of coolant was likely hardly 1/4 of that cost. Ask, they may have included the cost of the thermostat and seal in your quote as well.

As previously stated by others, it is labor intensive. Figure about 6-7 hours, and most dealers charge upwards of $130/hr. That's where the high cost comes in.

This can be performed if you have the tools and knowledge. As far as asking the infamous "is this something I can do in my garage" -that would have to be answered with how much experience you have working on cars. This isn't an ''easy'' job. I'd probably give it a 3 or 4 out of 5 on difficulty because it is so involved and a lot for an inexperienced person to screw up. I hope you have the tools and skills to do it on your own so you can save $$!

 

Our water pumps include one large o-ring, but also supply the pair separately: 11-51-7-509-186-M17

-Jorge

 

You'll also need the supercharger belt tool, or to fab something up to release the tension so you can remove the belt - chances are you're due for a new belt, too.

I find most people who ask a question worded like the OP do not have the skills or tool box necessary to do these complex and complicated jobs on their cars. Your best bet then to save some money is to find a good, competent MINI experienced independant shop.

Remember tho, the MINI dealer warrants both parts and labor for 2 years, no independant shop I know of does that.