I finally was able to open the hood of my MCS today (seriously). I noticed I only have about 1 inch of blue fluid in the coolant plastic container. Is this too low? What do I need to put in there? It said you have to have water with additives. Should I do it myself?

Also, windshield fluid is low too. What kind of windshield fluid should I add?

I check the oil using the dipstick. Level is fine but when I wipe the dipstick with the paper towel, it is a brown color. Is this okay?

Thanks

 

The coolant reservoir (closest to the front of the car) has a minimum and maximum mark on the side of the container If it's below the minimum you should add coolant up to the maximum mark. The coolant is a 50/50 mixture of water and anti-freeze: it's available pre-mixed at any auto parts store.

Washer fluid is also available pre-mixed at your auto parts store. It's a mixture of alcohol and water.

Some discoloration of your oil is normal. Just make sure the level is not low and change it at the recommended interval.

Your owner's manual is your friend; it will help you maintain your Mini.

 

Thanks. I will go to the nearest Autozone tomorrow. It is hard to see the minimum and maximum line. I will ask the sales person.

 

You should think about getting the BMW/Mini coolant from the dealer. It runs about $20 per gallon.

 

Would it matter what kind of coolant? I bought the Prestone 50/50 mix at Autozone...Also, they have a sale on Mobil 1 fully synthetic motor oil. $29.99 for 5 quarts and an oil filter.

 

I honestly don't believe the type of coolant matters much. Several posts on this forum have recommended Zerex G-05. If you're really concerned about it you can just buy your coolant at any BMW or Mini dealer. Are you planning to change your own oil?

 

No, I don't know how and I don't have the confidence to. I am thinking since the motor oil is on sale, I will buy it for now and save it for next year . I am due for my 2nd year free maintenance this July or August.

 

One thing to keep in mind is the visible coolant tank is a "header" tank; it holds extra coolant that's not being used. As long as there's fluid in it, that means there's plenty of fluid in the cooling system itself. If the fluid level is at it's low mark (usually it's molded into the tank's side) you should fill it to the full mark, but the car is in no danger of overheating.

Remember not to fill this tank all the way; the header tank also serves as expansion space for when the coolant gets hot. When the engine gets hot, the coolant expands and if the header tank is full, the excess fluid won't have anywhere to go except onto the ground.

I'd be careful about using anything but MINI engine oil or Castrol Syntec 5W-30 when doing an oil change. There are several items in this engine (timing chain tensioner, turbo and maybe other things I don't know about) that depend on oil flow to operate correctly and changing to a different oil could change that flow.

 

BMW coolant is not compatible with the standard Prestone type stuff. If you mix it, longer term it can turn into a radiator plugging mess. Same fluid (G11) was used years ago in Audi's and VW's, and there are many years of horror stories from them about similar occurences, most notoriously w/ Prestone "green." Underneath chemically there are meaningful differences that don't allow them to mix well.

Thus either buy the BMW/Mini coolant, or aftermarket brands specifically made for it. The generic reference is G11, and the common Euro aftermarket brand is Pentosin. You have to find G11 though, not G12, from Pentosin. One Xerex variant may be G11 compatible. VW/Audi, switched years ago to what are now 3 generations of later G12 formulations, while BMW, Jag and some others stayed behind. G12 variants can be intermixed w/ other G12's, but not w/ G11.

In a pinch in the meantime, can add some distilled water, but best to keep the 50/50 type mix.

BTW, per some other reply threads regular Castrol 5W-30 synthetic is not rated long life either that is what Mini is spec'ing. Castrol Euro Formula 0W30 is, Mobil 1 0W-40 is, and various other specialty brands. The Castrol 0W30 is found at Autozone (has to say "European Formula" on bottle), and Mobil 1 0W40 at many places. Or the Mini oil, which at the dealers is actually often competitively priced by the quart (shock of shocks...) in the $6.50 range. Fortunately, the oil intermixing issues don't really exist like they do w/ coolant. It's more a question of viscosity and oil and oil additive breakdown over time depending on the type used.

 

Thanks all. I played it safe and was at the Parts Department at opening time. They poured a tiny bit of BMW/MINI cooper coolant in for the time being. Tomorrow morning before work I will fill to max level. Just to confim with you all that max level is 1/2 up at the crease.

I asked about Mobil 1 and they suggested I buy MINI oil just in case.

They said RainX bug Remover windshield fluid is okay to top off. Is this correct? Just want to make sure.

BTW, the guys there at Mini don't think there is a leak but it is common that coolant is used. They said If i don't see puddle of coolant on my garage floor I would be okay.

Someone suggested I check the bottom of engine to see if it is wet from coolant which I did. Nothing but I sure hope I felt the right part. I am really new to car stuff.

 

I would not worry about windshield wiper fluid types.

Also I had a coolant leak on my r56 that they fixed last week. It was leaking from the coolant sensor.

Mobil 1 0w40 is a mini recommended oil according to my manual. None of the other Mobil 1 are recommended. Castrol 0w30 is the only Castrol listEd as LL01.

 

Silvia,

Are you currently still covered by the maintenance plan included for 3yrs/36,000 miles? If so the dealer will top any fluids as needed if I recall correctly. You just have to bring it in. Hell, tell them the windshield wipers dont wipe and they replace the inserts in those too!

 

I am still under warranty. Already opened the bottle and used it so can't really return. According to a couple of service technicians, if you are topping, don't dilute as the radiator already has water but if flushing than dilute.

He said to pour to maximum level which is at the creased line , 1/2 way up. I also made an appointment for this Saturday to check for possible Radiator leak.

Just want to make sure I am doing this right. I go home, park car in garage and wait till tomorrow morning to check the level in coolant resevoire then fill to maxiumum. Is this correct?

 

Yes, top it up to the "MAX" line when the car is cold and you will be fine. Keep an eye on the garage floor as the tech said, leaky thermostat housings are pretty common and that will lead to coolant leaking.

As for the wiper fluid, I filled up with nearly a gallon (!) of cheap blue stuff, works fine, no explosions so far. I think I paid $1.69 for the jug.