I bought a PepperWhite R50 a few months ago. Spent a bit on basic maintenance along with some preventitve i've read on here.


-oil change
-changed all filters (will do fuel filter next)
-sparkplugs and wires
-Door cables as the doors wouldn't open (read it was common?)
-Coolant tank
-Coolant hoses, all of them


Now car overheats when Idle, and I park the car or turn off engine, the fan turns on and stays on (very loudly) for about 3 minutes.

I open the hood and see dried anti freeze around the engine, and even worse LOW almost zero coolant. I immediately add coolant to the max.

The fans seem to turn on so I'm guessing it's not the fans.
I'm reading through old threads it's likely the thermostat?

Side problems: Loud whining with power steering on slow turns (PS pump?), Some rough bumpiness when going through gears at slow speeds (engine mounts?), CEL light comes on throwing Cat Converter code + symptoms of bad MPG.


I'm buying this week:
-Thermostat
-Cat Converter
-Fuel Filter
-PS Pump?

Anything else you think I should replace?


Thank you so much guys!!

Geo from NYC

 

Have to remember. The R50 can be a pain to bleed out the air. Remember to turn you heater on when filling your coolant. An take your time bleeding the system. I had to bleed out my R50 aswell.

 

Check the coolant tank seams for leaks and cover is closing securely.....
There is a bleeding process that need to be followed....

 

Don't over-fill the expansion tank. An inch or so when the engine is cold is enough.

 

Before you buy a pump call your local mini dealer about the power steering pump recall. Another member told me about the recall and ive helped 2x others already get it done too.
if yours qualifies under recall you get a free new pump,lines,fan system flush and fill all for free ! Try giving them a call and ask about the p.s recall and give them your vin. Don't let them bs you either , mileage or mods shouldn't stop them. Mine was modded to hell and had 205k miles when it went in for the recall 6 months ago.

 

I found a trick , open bleeder screw and I literally just blew ( tasted little gross) but I just blew through the coolant tank and with my other hand tightened the bleeder screw once coolant started coming out. Then I heated up the engine and bled it again just incase but the blow through method worked .

 

Wow so you think it likely is just improper bleeding? and I shouldn't run out and buy a water pump and thermostat just yet? Thanks!


Thanks for the advice on the PS pump!

 

I just called my local Mini Dealer , apparently it's not a recall it's "Extended Warranty" . Car must be under 13 years old or under 150,000 miles to qualify . They cannot do the PS pump for me for free.

Oh well!