Hi all,
I have a friend who owns a 2003 Mini Cooper coupe with 81,000 miles. He bought it 6 months ago used from a reputable car dealer. He knows nothing about cars and tells me he was overheating and took it to the Mini dealer in Dallas, TX. They want $750 to replace the radiator. I see radiators for Minis online for about $180. I have replaced radiators on cars before, but not a Mini.

Is this price reasonable for a Mini?


How hard is it to remove and replace a radiator on a Mini? (Access to it, other parts to remove for space?)

Thanks!
Jamie

 

Well, you've got to remove the whole front of the car to begin with. Follow these instructions and you will be fine. There are instructions with pictures if you do a search. Good luck ---
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...oir-today.html

 

Just so the OP knows....Removing the whole front of the car is vary easy and should not deter anyone from doing this as a DIY.

 

many thanks!

 

+1 on the simplicity of replacing the radiator. I had never replaced a radiator on a vehicle before doing so on my MINI and was surprised as to how easy it really was. If you can turn a wrench and know how to burp the system once you are finished, be a pal and help your friend out.

-Chase

 

straight forward job - just take your time and do some searching on NAM for DIY step by steps - there's some good ones with LOTS of pics.

This is also a good opportunity to replace all the hoses which wear (from the inside) over time.. maybe a new thermostat while you have everything appart.

Supercharger fluid - there's NO BETTER time than when you pull the rad to get access to this.. fluid in the gear boxes on both ends (pulley and waterpump) are prone to dry up and self destruct.

phil.

 

Many thanks for all the help. Here is the deal as we stand. I found a reputable shop in Dallas who quoted $550 for the job. My friend already had the car in the dealer and was being charged $120 for a diagnostic to be discounted if repair work was done. I think he gave them the go ahead to do the job for about $630-ish. By the time I got to him he decided to just have it done at the dealer. I will help him get his car detailed and engine cleaned and he'll have the diagnostic to show the car is OK to sell.

It's a 2003 with 81,000 miles, so he should get around $9k for it private party. I think he's going to then buy a new Clubman.

Thanks again! When I get my Mini one day I will be better educated.

jamie

 

That sucks. My radiator sprung a leak so I got one on eBay NEW for $100 shipped.