This is my first mini an 05 S model. i got a check engine light ran the code said the coolant wasnt mixed properly or the thermostat was not functioning properly however, the temp never changed inside on the gauge. does anyone know how to change the thermostat without paying 300 bucks.
thanks for the help.

 

Best way to save $ is to DIY, this a time/labor consuming job, where most of the cost comes from. Not too difficult, just need to remove a bunch of stuff to get at the t-stat.
Is there an active MINI Club in your area you can reach out too? Maybe someone local can give you a hand.

 

Takes about 2 and half hours. 5 minutes of that time is actually changing the thermostat. You have to raise the car, remove the lower radiator hose to allow the coolant to drain (no, there is no drain valve and yes you need a huge bin under it to collect the coolant), you have to remove all the ECU and associated parts from around the area to get to the thermostat housing. That's the time consuming part. There is a "How To" in the "How To" section. It's quite easy, just brakes a while.