Has anyone experienced any engine water damage? I hit some standing water that was deeper than I thought, water went in the air intake and ruined the engine. Take this as heads up to be careful.

 

There have been posts on all the major boards in the past about this, but all are kinda old. I'm glad you mentioned this given the amount of rain in the east. Sorry about you car. I get very worried about going through any standing water deeper than curb height. I have made it through but if I have a choice I go around.
John

 

I believe that the advice is to move at no faster than a crawl (e.g., walking pace) through water up to about 6". Any faster than that, or through any deeper water and you're looking at high probability of engine damage.

 

You should avoid driving through standing water at all costs. It prematurely wears all of your parts. Just because you can drive a car in the rain doesn't mean that everything is sealed. Water gets into your electrical connections, which will cause future problems. It can ruin your brakes by warping them or cracking them. With the MINI as low as it is it'll scoop the water up and send it right through the engine compartment.

 

Coopers are more likely to be damaged than S's - due to the location of the intake.