I got the cross over pipe out and all I had to do was unbolt the shift linkage bracket on the trans top and wiggled it right out. The coolant cross over pipe was not affixed to anything, with three tangs to affix it? Lol. What I would suggest for everyone is at 80k is have the pump, crossover tube and thermostat changed out all at the same time, if not earlier. The built in o-ring retention ends on both the thermostat and cross over tube (which allowed the oring to split) all the plastic parts had disintegrated and one of the partial retention rings from the parts mentioned was actually stuck in the impeller of the pump. (pictures to follow) I had expected my part by saturday's mail at the latest, but no such luck, Car has been down since 12-23 just to procure all the parts! Still waiting on the cross over pipe. The weather has changed and now it will be very cold out in the single digits, Ugh, but on the upside, it gave me time to clean everything nicely for an easy and clean install.

 

Received the cross over tube today after work, got to work straight away, it is way easier to put the thermostat clip in this way. Laying out in the driveway at 10 degrees with wind chill was pretty hard core for some here,,,,But I am 54 and a wrench at heart, I installed the water pump, thermostat, and cross over tube and filled with pentafrost, I quit after my feet began the freeze, Lol. The tensioner and the rest goes back tomorrow. The BMW shop wants way too much money, and I'm a grand-pop of five, so I need to show off a bit! I guess I expected a bit more out of the parts from BMW, Maybe someone can make an aluminum cross over tube some day? I don't want to admit that Mini's are a disposable lighter or admit they are high maintenance. I am considering mailing all the used parts back to Bayrisch Germany though and give them an ear full in German. Peugeot and BMW made the mess, they should hear from one of us.

 

Job is done! I want to thank Mini Mania and Pelican parts for all the support! I probably know this whole adventure was covered before somewhere here, But I am kind of neurotic when it comes to a failure that was this unexpected. I should have been on here long ago to learn more of "what could happen". I have much more confidence now I know there is so much support from this forum! Thank you again, Sincerely, Robert!

 

Glad we could help, Robert. It is unfortunately about all the plastic parts failing and causing issues, but happy to hear you got it figured out. We are here if you need anything in the future.