Eh, mine went at 81k DIY replacement was cheap, a minor PITA but overall not too bad.

 

Just keeps getting worse. Water pump last week, today I get a power steering failure warning. Tired of this now...

 

08 justa 57k mi
During my inspection II at mini I was told my water pump was leaking and needed to change the serpentine belt. Quoted me $800 for both items. Bringing it to a friend who used to be a mechanic for BMW and quoted me $500 after he confirmed I needed to replace those two things.

 

I noticed a small puddle under my '09 Clubman S (73k miles)yesterday. It was under the driver's side, leaking down from the top of the gearbox. About 3 ounces or so, after a 10 mile trip. Another ounce or so today after a short trip in town. The expansion tank is empty when cold but wet. Car is running as normal. Looks like I will have to pull up the tutorial and get to work.

EDIT: Ugh, my headcold is making my thinking fuzzy. I called my MINI specialist and he says it's sure to be the t-sta housing based on the leak pattern. $115 for an OEM housing. So on Friday I'll replace it. I will try to document and post an update in case it helps. More is better IMO when it comes to DIY repairs.

 

I wish Mini would manufacture an aluminum version of the thermostat housing, they already updated the main water pump to aluminum. Did you know BMW has been using plastic thermostat housings/main pumps on BMW's for more than a decade?

 

So the good news is, thanks to the tutorial here on NAM, I replaced my t-stat housing last week for about $165.00 parts & coolant.

The bad news is that today, about 500 miles after the repair, I went to the dealer for a routine service interval and they found a water pump leak. So I guess I will be back in there shortly.

EDIT: Pump wasn't leaking. there was some dried coolant on the pump and the sevrice advisore told me that any time they find that, they recommend replacement. I just left it alone and it has not lost any coolant, so false alarm.