ran a diagnostic last night on my mini-the thermostat numbers were low (92-failure at 80, optimal is something like 172). no leaks or anything, but i'd like to go ahead and replace the thermostat and housing myself. anybody have a how to guide as to how to change the thermostat?

 

As a general rule over analyzing things leads to trouble. That said it is unlikely that your numbers are correct and that you are probably mixing Celsius and Fahrenheit as 92C equals 197F and that would definitely not indicate a problem if we are talking water temps.

Are you sure you want to go ahead and do this? Why were you running diagnostics in the first place?

Rich

 

was clearing an air bag code and thought i'd poke around and run some tests with the scan tool. ran the diagnostics again, and the thermostat numbers came up to spec. radiator checks out full and clean as well. as i heard the thermostat was kinda a traditional part to fail, thought i'd swap it out before it did. may wait though. still if anybody knows where a good write up or how to guide for it is, i'd love to have it handy.

 

Bump for the how-to on the thermostat install. anyone?

 

I haven't seen a how-to for the Justacooper... but it *should* be pretty easy... the thermo housing is part of the coolant filler neck assembly... don't have my Bentley manual with me, but looks like it should just be remove neck, replace thermostat, replace neck... part 12 in this diagram.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...99&hg=11&fg=35

 

If you have a coolant leak, that's the first place to look. I had a serious leak, in fact nearly overheated last Sunday in stop and go traffic between water stops. Called the dealer that night (still on warranty), and he said bring it in, even without an appointment. Fortunately no warped cylinder head, they replaced the thermostat and did some other fix-it items for me while I was there. Was in by 8:00am, out shortly after 2:00pm. Evidently the thermostats are documented to be an issue. Had there been a warped head, it would have been covered.

Good luck!

Best,

-- Don

 

You have to remove the battery/ecu box and preferably the air filter box as well
to get good access to the thermostat housing.
You might want to replace rather than reuse the thermostat housing too, as the part is only about $37,
and they're prone to failing (a new radiator cap -#11 - is included with the housing).
Ya might as well get new clamps as the old ones don't always re-use well. They're inexpensive.
The thermostat comes with a gasket already on it, for $30.

This pic is also helpful. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...19&hg=17&fg=05

 

Removing And Installing/Replacing Coolant thermostat ( COOPER )

Work on the cooling system should only be carried out when the engine has cooled down.

Turn off ignition.

Drain coolant below the level of thermostat housing.

Remove air filter box.

Remove battery box.

Disconnect coolant hoses from thermostat housing.

Remove housing retaining bolts.

Remove housing.

Remove thermostat and gasket from housing.

Note location of bleeding pin.

Direction of installation.

Replace gasket and thermostat if necessary.

1. thermostat to seal locating lugs.
2. Basic location of thermostat to seal lug. Tightening torque: 12 Nm . Refill coolant.

================================================== ================================================== ============


Removing And Installing/replacing Coolant Thermostat (COOPER S)


Work on the cooling system should only be carried out when the engine has cooled down.

Remove coolant pressure cap from expansion tank.

Remove intake filter housing.

Drain coolant.

Remove MAP sensor connector

Remove MAP sensor bracket bolts.

Thermostat to cylinder head

M6 12 Nm

Remove heater hose.

Remove top hose from thermostat housing.

Remove retaining bolt and remove thermosta housing.

Remove thermostat and gasket from housing.

Note:
Direction of installation.

Replace gasket and thermostat if necessary.

1. Thermostat to seal locating lugs.
2. Basic location of thermostat to seal lug. Refill coolant.

 

FYI...starting in 2002 OBD-II monitors the thermostat and will set a code (SES light) if the thermostat is stuck in the open position (car takes too long to heat up)

The result of the thermostat monitor is reported in MODE$06 of the scan tool.

 

P0128 is a thermostat code if anyone wanted to know

 

Thanks for the info. Mine just failed.

 

Hey I know this is old but here is the R53 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...90&hg=11&fg=35 since noone posted a direct link to it.
im going to try to install my 180f tstat today!

 

wow that was way easy! its right under the airbox assembly. i have an alta cai so it was even easier ! runs nice and cool now

 

I was ok with the idea of installing my replacement thermostat up until "drain coolant." I then made an appointment at my mechanic and took it in.

The spring retainers on mine failed and the thing would not close, so the car was over cooled at night or on the interstate.

 

Had mine replaced under warranty a few years ago. Now it's out again and out of warranty. Thanks for the instructions.

Seems everything I had fixed under warranty is now broken again at 85k miles. My AC compressor is out again as well.

 

Did mine just by following the notes in the Bentley Manual. Easy.

 

Do you have to replace the entire housing on an R56 or can you just do the thermostat itself? Thanks!

 

You'll probably get an answer in the 2nd Generation Forum as they're different than a first generation R50, R52, or R53.

 

On the R56 it is all one unit, it can be purchased several places for less that $150 USD, then if you are a DIY'er you can save a lot of $$ in any currency!

 

first time i need to know what the torque is for the thermostat housing bolts are for a 2009 mini s turbo and if anybody adds lock tight

 

I think the torque spec. for the housing to the cylinder head 8 Nm (71 in-lb). We personally do not add loctite.

-Jorge

 

I need to replace the leaky stat on my r53, is there anything else that could be addressed while the coolant is drained and half the engine bay is stripped?
I'm a fan of killing multiple birds with one stone.

 

I was trying to replace the Thermostat on my 2007 Mini Cooper S (1.6L). I tried using the diagram in one of the posts above and found out the hard way that my engine looks nothing like it. I pulled the housing and either the thermostat is incased in the housing or something else but I found out I was way over my head. I dont want to pay 500 at the dealership especially when I have to travel an hour to get there. But any help would be appreciated.

Wally

 

The '07 is an R56 - 2nd Gen. Try that forum. This is the 1st gen (02-06) forum.

 

Here is what you need, but Eric is right head over to the R56 forums.
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...31&hg=11&fg=35