I took my beloved 2013 Bayswater Cooper S in for maintenance today, it's near 51k miles. I did everything they asked to fix, including a leak in a coolant hose. After picking up my car, driving the 15 miles home, the engine overheats. I was nearly home, exited and immediately turned the car off. The coolant was completely empty, my guess is they forgot to refill it after replacing the hose. I just paid $1600 for maintenance and now may have damaged my engine.
Any thoughts on how I should approach this at the dealer? I already paid to have it towed back for the weekend. They offered me a loaner however lucikly I wont be needing it. I thought at least they should reimburse the tow? Take some off my maintenance? Have them replace the oil again? I'm obviously concerned at what damage this did to my Mini.

 

May as well allow them to come clean for the mistake they made. Once you have their first response you can decide what the appropriate move will be. Let's hope they accept full responsibility and treat you and your Mini right.

 

High chance that the head is warped and there may be other damage. That's a lot of miles to drive without coolant. I'd try to push for a new replacement engine. No telling what may be messed up inside and won't fail until months from now.

 

I'd want a free extended warranty to cover engine and related parts.

 

How long did you drive before the check engine light came on? How did you know it overheated (CEL, steam, odd noise)?

Mike

 

The engine overheating light came on in red and I pulled over within 10 seconds. When I stopped I did notice steam for a few seconds before it stopped.

 

Perfect, make sure the dealer understands that you didn't drive with the light on. Extended engine warranty and paying for the tow would be reasonable.
Mike