my '06 R53 has a overheating issue.... the repair shop/dealer is 2 hrs away. It only overheats if I'm sitting still/idling. The dealer suggest I call Mini Roadside Assistance to transport.. but I thought that service ran out with the warranty 2 yrs ago... ANY recommendations on HOW to get it to the dealer???? (they dont have a tow service) I was thinking of stocking up on coolant, heading out on Interstate, turn off the fans AC/Heat.. and if I end up on the side of the road, call AAA (Amer. Auto Asso) for a tow to the dealer... Anyone else have any suggestions???
Thanks~!

 

Could be a bad thermostat or this:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-solution.html

Maybe try to diagnose and fix this before risking a transport?

 

I've been searching threw the Forums for the possible problem.. and have narrowed it to either the Fan or thermostat. I do own a Service Manual.. but nothing to get the car up off the ground far enough (tried ramps.. not enough clearance)... Ima female, but dont mind getting my hands dirty to save some bucks. Thanks~!

 

The idling thing sounds like the thermostat, from what I've read. I think on an r50 you only have to remove the airbox to get to it.

 

Well upon further reading the fan possibility does seem strong.

 

If you need to, have a look at a AAA membership before considering the calling for a tow option. But if it is out of warranty, I would try to find a local shop which would be cheaper than going to the stealership.

 

Yes, I would also recommend a local repair shop that specializes in BMW's, especially since it seems that you have the problem somewhat narrowed down. Make sure you get recommendations though because a woman walking into a repair shop with a car that's expensive to repair and the repair shop knoing that the nearest dealer is two hours away might make you a sitting duck. Unfortunate, but true. Let them know you know what you're talking about from the suggestions you've gotten here and also know approximately what it should to cost to replace the thermostat. You can get that information from the dealer over the phone.

 

If the car is over-heating you actually want to crank UP the heat to help extract heat from the engine.

 

If you hear the fan running, it is not the fan....
If the fan is not running....the symptoms match.
Overheating with a running fan points at a few different things...
Before trying to get to a mini dealer, any local shops?
Was coolant ever low...if it got low...got air in it....then you added coolant...might appear full of but be full of air....
Is the radiator warm/hot? Hoses warm, firm? Belt for waterpump in good shape?
All simple stuff that any local shop can do if you are not inclined.

Odd noises? Power loss? Oil look ok?

 

PS
Any flatbed car transport service can move the car...prices vary by tons...especially for a longer distance....

 

Stocking up on coolant?
Is it leaking?
Or just blowing it out of the overflow when hot....if filled above max, this WILL happen.