Hello,

I'm a new user and just bought used R53 for a few months. It is 40,000 Miles now.
This is my first problem and don't know what is it.
I saw a water drop under the engine every morning in the garage. It just happen.
I also heard the sound like water running in the front console after I start the engine and moving the car. It will happen just 10 minutes then it will be gone.
Anyone please advice is this a big problem.
I live in San Francisco and drive normal. I have not turn on A/C for weeks now.

I plan to drive from San Francisco to Yellowstone and drive down to Las Vegas and San Diego and come back to SF, basically the whole west coast.
Is it safe to drive? What should I check before starting?

Thank you in advance for all answers.
I'm new to Mini and new to US too.

 

Have you checked the coolant level? That would be your first thing to do. I think 05/06 cars have a problem with the thermostat housing leaking....but only checking the level will tell!

 

Oh Wow! Yes it is. It is almost dry.
I'll fill the water and go to Mini SF tomorrow. Thank you so much

 

Tada!!
Glad I could help. Enjoy that MINI!!!

 

This is what happen to the gasket.
You dont have to go to mini SF! (they charge you an arm or leg)
any local shop can do it. but make sure u have the coolant for mini.

 

The car is probably still under warranty. Take advantage!!

 

There may also be some air hiding out in the cooling system - if you have no leaks at the thermostat, the coolant is full and you still hear the "waterfall" sound when you first set off in your car, have someone do a flush/bleed on the cooling system and get rid of the air.

Sounds like a nice drive, have fun.

 

btw - the "water" under the car... if it is plain, ordinary water, it is the condensation from your air conditioner dripping off. Not a problem. If it is coolant, which in these cars is usually blue, not green, you have a leak.

 

Thank you so much everyone. I see it's in blue.
I still have warranty
If I'm out of warranty soon I think I might go to Baybridge motors.

 

Glad to hear your warranty is still good. If I were you I would take a bit of time and look over the whole car and address any other issues at the same time you take the car in for the coolant leak.

 

Echo this recommendation... have the techs take a careful look at the oil pan gasket, supercharger, and heat exchanger for leaks as well. These are relatively common failure points and quite pricey to have fixed out of warranty - just having experienced firsthand