I'm replacing the thermostat on my 2013 Countryman S ALL4. The good videos I've seen seem to be for N16 or N14 engines. On those, it looks like installing the clip between the water pipe and the thermostat is difficult but doable. On the N18, I don't see how to do it. I don't have particularly large hands but there's no way I can even come close to getting my fingers in there. I've tried every kind of pliers I can find and can't get them in with enough control that I can get the clip started. I've spent way too long trying.

I wonder if there's something I should have removed but haven't? The big obstacle on the backside of the engine is a metal cylinder that is just inboard of the HPFP and below the metal fuel line that runs to the injection tube (I don't know what it is). Is that supposed to come off? It doesn't look like it would be easy and I'm reluctant to try it without knowing what it is.

I'm getting to the point of moving the intake manifold. The problem is that if I do that I should replace the gasket and waiting for that to arrive will add days to the repair.

Are there other things to try? Maybe I'm being stupid and just need someone to smack me in the head and tell me the obvious solution that I've overlooked.

 

it is indeed tight but still can be done. replaced mine, although N14, 3 weeks ago. take a breath and go slow. as you said, get it started from the bottom first then try to align it from the top and then push. while I'm typing this, use gorilla tape and tape the bottom side so you can focus on aligning the top. give it a try

 

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I'm not clear on what to tape. The water pipe and thermostat are mated. So far, I haven't found a way to get sufficient access to put the clip in. If there's a trick using tape, I'm all for trying it -- I'm just not seeing how to use it.

 

I meant to say to tape one end of the clip onto the pipe where it normally goes that way you could work the other end into the groove. Long nose pliers should be fine OR remove the intake manifold.

 

Ahh, now I understand. I'll see if I can make that work. Earlier today I ordered intake manifold gaskets in case I decide to go that route. It's looking increasingly likely.

Thanks again for your help.

 

This picture may help as the clip when in it's final position leans forward towards the engine. I have small hands and it still took me many tries. I tied a string to it to retrieve it in case I dropped It. If I were doing it again I would put some silicone grease on the spring ends to help it in.It does pop in and I was surprised when it did finally seat. My car is an N12 but your's should look similar. Good luck.

 

Thanks for the photo. My problem wasn't in not knowing how it was supposed to seat but in getting access to the area, I think the N18 has additional obstacles (based on what I've seen in the videos).

Today after work, I removed the intake manifold. Even then, access was tight due to a wiring harness that was in the way. By releasing a couple of clips holding it in place I was able to move it enough to get the water pipe clip in. After that, reassembly of everything went quickly. Refilled the coolant system (using the Schwaben vacuum refill took -- makes it really easy) and went for a test drive. All seems good so far. I won't call it a success until I've driven for a few days.

Thanks to those who replied and to those who posted how-tos and videos over the years.