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2012 N18 Coupe water and oil mixed Nightmare Over!
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Problem FINALLY solved! So after overheating and seeing that the oil and water had mixed into a chocolate milkshake type solution just about everywhere you can imagine, from inside the valve cover, through the intercooler, to the oil pan. And every hose in-between. I took the Mini to a specialist. I was told that it had a blown head gasket and possible cracked block/head. Cost of used engine with 85K miles and labor... $9,500!!! I almost shat myself!
I will save you guys the long version and get straight to the main points.
. After seeing that the head gasket was not compromised, I replaced it anyways, as well as the water pump, water pipe, thermostat housing, timing chain, and every hose water/oil travels through. Water still poured down through the coolant reservoir, and into the oil pan. I proceeded the remove the oil filter housing and oil cooler. It's condition was that of not the best, but considering it might have been the culprit, I replaced it. Water still poured through to the oil pan. After blowing air into the coolant reservoir, I heard the sound of there being a large hole in the motor. I thought the motor was toast. Lastly, I did a smoke test to see what area of the motor was compromised. I remover the valve cover. To my surprise, the smoke came right out of the center of the head. In-between cylinders 2 and 3.
It turns out, there is an engine expansion plug there that popped out when the car over heated. Its there to pop out so the head doesnt crack when the motor expands and co tracts due to over heating. It is a special part that i could not just google and easily buy online. One would have to contace BMW or a Mini dealer and order it. I went to a European Auto Parts store and bought a 16mm freeze plug that cost 54 cents. It tapped it in and it fit, tightly and very snug like a charm. Utilizing its same purpose. To pop out when the engine contracts or expands.
Estimated cost of repairs with a Mini specialist,
$9,500
Actual cost of repairs,
54 cents.
