I have an '04 R53 with approx' 107 km (65 miles?). It's still on its original p/s pump with no issues. I'd like to prolong its life further and am considering investing in the metal pump fan protector sold buy Outmotoring:

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...protector.html

Does it really work and prevent failures? Has anyone on here experienced a p/s pump failure while equipped with one of these?

Thanks.

 

This is a simple shield to prevent anything from getting in the fan. It clearly can't hurt. But if you want to prolong the fan, the Power Steering Fan Duct & Panel is the way to go. It says that it is for automatics only but there may be one for the 6-speed too if you ask.

Rich

 

The shield is not perfect, the fan and duct panel is much better.
I just had one installed on my car, a 6-speed, because it's cheap insurance.

Hope this helps...

 

So we know it fits our 6-speed Minis as well.

Rich

 

Yes that screen will keep trash out of the fan. I know several folks using them. I think without a screen on there it is only a matter of time until some trash finds its way into the fan.

 

I checked the fan and electrical wiring conditions every oil change: clean and moving freely, after reading fan malfunction reports that led to fires due to overheating PS pump. I will also do a replacement every 35K.

 

I have the duct kit..manual too...
It keeps the grit out of the fan too...so it saves it from both the bigstuff and the dust crap that tears up the bearings. The duct kit, IMO, is the way to go...cheap, oem....what could be better?!
The shield with holes in it...that idea was incorporated into later mini fans...
Early fans lacked a grill, and rocks or plastic bags would jam them...the shield will accomplish the same thing as the factory grill..just stronger...but the sand/grit is still an issue. The duct does tons more to protect it.

 

I have the same P/S fan shield on my 04 MCS and have had no problems. Installation is easy.

 

The OEM duct kit and periodic cleaning made my fan last 75K miles before it seized and had to be replaced :-)

So even with the duct kit, these things probably won't last forever.

 

I don"t have any protector on my fan. I do check it every now and then and make sure its spinning freely. This week my car will turn 240,000 miles and the fan has never been a problem, the ps pump went out about 5k miles ago, but had nothing to do with the fan, it was just old.

Personally I think the guards are a waste of time if you check the fan periodically, but if it brings piece of mind than go for it.

Nik

 

OEM Duct Kit

I have it installed on my manual trans car as well.....

 

How does the duct work? It moves the fan up higher? When I look under my car now (2004 Cooper S) I see the fan is down there just a few inches off the ground.

 

i think I have a total of about 200k on all my mini's put together. In my experience, you will know when the fan need replacing, it GROWLS at you! Simple replacement, if you are not having any trouble with the ps cutting out I wouldn't sweat it.

 

Does anyone have the part number for this handy? I'll be placing an OEM order here shortly.

 

Never mind - I found them, along with a nice writeup: http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniR53PSPFanDuctDIY.htm

 

And the listing on RealOEM for any one else looking for them: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...51&fg=75&hl=10

 

So looking at this we can just get the Air Channel and fasteners and cut a hole in the panel and put a screen between the two and we're good to go?

Hummmmmmm.

Rich

 

Looks like it to me, but I figured that for $40-some bucks it wasn't worth the hassle.

 

Question on the OEM duct kit on a 6 speed - my MINI dealer is having trouble sourcing the clips. They say it won't use the standard clips. Any suggestions?

I get them to buy the OEM kit that says it's for an automatic, right?

I'm on fan #6 and this is a royal pain.

 

Everything will mount right up on a 6-speed - except for the two bolts that mount the duct to the fan housing. the duct comes with two quarter-turn fasteners, but the manual cars don't have the matching holes with the 1/4 turn clips. I just drilled to pilot holes and used two self-tapping screws, which was the recommendation from the lead tech at my dealer.

Sixth fan? Ouch. My fan was pretty loaded up with salt dust, which I would think helps to explain why someone in California can get 240K on theirs but someone in BC gets much less.

 

I think it depends on manufacture date- I have a 12/04 build '05 MCS and my fan had the holes and I was able to install the clips. I originally installed it using screws but for oil change removal the OE fasteners work better. Part numbers and pics here:

http://www.billswebspace.com/MiniR53PSPFanDuctDIY.htm

 

Oh - your site is where I found the part numbers when I placed my order. Lots of informative stuff there - thanks!

My build date is 12/04 too, but I didn't have the holes. Must have just missed the changeover.