Trying to top off my coolant as my heater stopped putting out heat and the coolant in the expansion tank was very low. Did as the how to pdf file stated, and never got any non bubbling coolant to perk through the vent screw. Now, when I top off expansion tank to correct levels, the coolant vents out a venting hose under the car by about the same amt! Also, its not just a vent screw in my car as the pdf file shows, there's a sensor or plug just above the vent screw (im assuming thermostat) that has a vaccum to it, and if you pull this out, the car tries to choke out. My question is, for those who have done it, where EXACTLY is coolant supposed to perk from? The screw or do I pull the sensor out and hope for a perk there? It can't really be this difficult to top the coolant off, wtf! Please, any help is appreciated, thanks!

 

I don't have the foggiest clue why you're bleeding a perfectly working system due to inferior HVAC controls... but...

R56 Coolant System - Filling and Bleeding (without Vacuum Bleeder)
- Before filling radiator:
* swtich ignition ON - do NOT start engine
* set heater temperature control to full warm
* set blower control to low
* set set heater control (if installed) to maximum

- Start engine and run at idle speed for one mintute (coolant reservoir cap open). Adjust coolant level to MAX level, and close cap.
- Run engine until it reaches operating temperature.
- After engine has cooled, recheck coolant level.
- Top up so that coolant level is at MAX.
- If trapped air cannot be bled manually, pressure-bleed system using cooling system vacuum bleeder.

* https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ng-coolant.pdf

- Erik

 

Because a very common problem with the heat not working is that the system needs to be bleed.

 

I second that!

 

I think you may be unscrewing the wrong screw. The pic in the manual is a bit vague and misleading. First wait until the motor is cool to start this procedure.
I will try to describe the screw location better. Locate the engine hoist bracket on that side of the head. The back edge of it, the part towards the rear of the car, angles down near the PCV hose. Down in the gap between the bracket edge and the hose, just a little towards the driver's side, look for a black screw head. It is slotted for a flat head screw driver.
BTW, Bluefox, the seats are adjustable for a more comfortable ride.

 

Not sure why the sarcasm was needed bluefox280, but.....
It is WELL KNOWN that if there is air in the water line or fluid levels are low, the heat in the Mini does not work.

Anyway....I figured it out. You back out the philips type bleeder screw seen in the photo below (above the torx screw deeper down next to the valve cover)

while the car is at idle, heat on full fan low, then fill expansion tank. Watching the bleeder screw for coolant to leak. Then tighten bleeder screw, and fill expansion tank to max level. That's the top off.

BTW: do not remove bleeder screw, just back it out until loose. I pulled mine out, dropped it, and had to pull damn near the whole top of the motor off to find it!

 

Thanks for this post guys. You saved me a trip to the shop, excellent description on the location of the bleed screw and then the image helped a ton! Sure didn't want to run to run around unscrewing the wrong stuff!

 

You don't need to screw around with the vent plug if you're just topping off .