One of the known fail points of the R53 is the power steering fan. Its position under the car makes it prone to failure from rocks/debris getting stuck in the fan, preventing it from spinning, overheating the pump. MINI improved the fan design over the years, adding a shroud in 2004, and redesigning the under tray to include a air channel in 2005, which helps to protect the fan from debris while also improving air flow. Luckily, it is very easy to add the redesigned under tray and air channel to your pre 2005 MINI.

Here’s the parts you need. On Real OEM it says the parts are only for an automatic transmission, but don’t worry, they bolt up just fine regardless of shifting preference:



51757201784
51757201784
07146981767 (x2)
All the other clips and what not under the car transfer right over.


First, remove your original under tray. It is connected with two screws on the right and left side and three bolts under the front lip. Once off, you’ll see the fan directly behind the oil pan



Attach the air channel to the new under tray using the two c-nut clips



Attach the new under tray onto the car loosely by screwing it in on the side. You’ll see that there are no screw holes on your fan to install the channel. Using the air channel as your guide, use a sharpie to mark where you’ll need to drill holes.



Drill



The air channel comes with odd tapered screws, instead of trying to match it up, we just removed them in favor for some standard screws.



Re-attach under tray and screw on the air channel .



Voila



Total cost, about $100, install ~10 minutes. Protecting a $800 pump: priceless.

 

I have the undertray on already but not the snorkel piece... i have a temp sensor for an oil drain plug.

Does this get in the way? Is there another spot for the temp plug?

 

Not sure if youre still active...but if so, is there anyway you can send me the pictures? Seems like Photobucket isn't allowing them to fully loaded and this is exactly what I'm looking for.

Thank you!!

 

These links should work.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55.../undertray.png

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_123331.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_123956.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_123240.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_123520.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_124034.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_124132.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55...827_124408.jpg