My 3 months old '12 Cooper S gave me the engine overheating warning while I was driving home after work today. I got off the freeway and checked under the hood. The coolant tank fluid was boiling/bubbling and steam was coming out of the tank. No idea how this can happen to a 3 months old car.

I live in Los Angeles area, today was consider a cold day here at 50-60s due to rain. Normally, the temps is around 70s and it drives fine, so it can't be the temperature.

It almost never rain here, and my MINI has to pick today to strand me for an hour waiting for the tow truck. Good thing I called MINI roadside assistance and they towed my MINI to Mini of Ontario. I just have to call and find out tomorrow what caused the overheating. I hope it is nothing serious.

 

Thermostat failed, maybe?

Spridget

 

+1. Apparently it happens a fair amount on the N18 engine.

 

Check with your SA. my 2012 MCS was called in for a recall a week after I got it. The recall was for a misplaced coolant sensor.

 

Just got the car back today. Turned out the water pump was leaking coolant. They replaced the pump under warranty. I'm quite sad that this happened to a 3 months old car. I am also worried that there was engine damage due to the overheating, because I had to drive with the warning on for another 3 miles before I could get off the freeway at the next exit.

My SA did assure me that the MINI has very early warning system, but how can you be so sure that there was no damage because of this incident. I planned on keeping the car for a long long time. Just hope that I will not have any engine problem in the future. :\

 

Fluteboi, the exact thing happened to my '12 Cooper S yesterday, I also live in Los Angeles area. The car was bought end of August.


The overheating warning light came on 2 days ago, drove it for around 15 minutes, light would come on and off. I had it towed yesterday to Mini Alexander. They found leaking coolant pump, and replaced it with a new one.


I just got it back 3 hours ago. I am not sure if it is just my imagination, but the car seems to sound louder than before.


I am quite worried. Not sure what my next step is.