After three mechanics, verdict is leaking coolant from heater hose to water pump and from thermostat housing....$600 repair. What is the best repair manual for these cars? I do have a mechanic in my family. Now they are saying car went into limp mode when they test drove it and I need electronic throttle body??????/

 

Bentley Mini Cooper Service Manual covers '02 - '06 and is considered by many to be the best. That's what I have, can't comment on others out there. They come up used in the market place regularly.

The thermostat housing leak seems to be a common issue with Gen.1 .
But I would be pissed with the dealing reporting additional damage after a test run......you broke it , you fix it! Yeah right! Maybe in a parallel universe!

Obviously, you have a great option with your family mechanic. Mini dealership parts and service are over the top. I recently looked at my sister's bill from last year and they charged over $190 to read her codes! I do it for her now for free with a Scangauge II, reads codes & deletes codes. A great investment IMO, again there are others out their but I'm very happy with mine. Plus it gives me a constant readout of real engine temp., boost pressure, etc.....owner can select up to 4 engine parameters to view at real time.

Hope I've been of some assistance, Cheers Ed

 

Leaking coolant should not cause a car to go into limp mode....

 

PS
The only thing more expensive than fixing a mini is tossing parts at one hopeing it will fix it...get a person who knows what they are doing...limp mode has codes is usually associated with codes....the leak...fix it...then run the car....see what happens.

 

Thanks a bunch!