I was at work friday night and decided to go to the Mcdonalds drive thru on my lunch break. I had to wait behind about 10 cars and when I was next up to order I hear this loud boom from under the bonnet on my 2003 MCS. I wasn't sure what happened until white smoke came pouring out of my hood like crazy. I pulled over and lifted the bonnet to find that my coolant reservoir had burst in half. Anyway I just thought I would share my awesome experience with others because it's a good idea to inspect these piece of garbage reservoirs on occasion. I had to pay a tow truck 75 bucks the next morning to tow my car home. I love my car MOST of the time.

 

I just bought my Mini a few months ago and in reading up on it, seems the coolant reservoir is a known failure point. From the receipts looks like the guy I bought the car from replaced one a little while back.

Sorry to hear about the tow but at least it wasn't a overheated motor.

 

They usually just leak along the seam....
Sounds like your cap failed....it should have vented the excess pressure....
New tanks come with a new cap....so no worries...good luck!!

 

I second this.

If it blew up, it's most likely due to a failed cap. If the cap fail, the pressure will build up until something gives. In your case, the seam, which is not really a strong point to begin with.

 

This was my permanent solution.

 

Looks like an epic replacement, any links to where to pick one up?

I think I FOUND IT HERE (I Beleive)

But if you could confirm that its the correct one that would be very helpful, +I've always heard there's a difference between this one (I Beleive) and the RMW one, with one of the fitments, so if you wouldn't mind letting us know how the install went it would be much appreaciated!

 

I've got a new one on the way and was wondering if sealing the seam from the out side with say Super glue would make it much stronger. Any thoughts?

 

This is pretty common. I recommend replacing with our polished Aluminum tank, plus we have it in black.

I've replaced them with the stock plastic ones and had them fail again later.