Ok, this is strange...wondered if anyone else has ever had this happen.

Late this afternoon, I pulled my car out of the garage only to find a strange fluid leak on the concrete. A quick check found it to be coolant, and the spot on the concrete was about 3" wide by 6" long.

A couple/three errand runs later, the leak slowed substantially...but it's still there and the coolant tank level seems fine. I can't find the source of it, but the concrete drip is just rear of the engine and half way between the center and the right front wheel.

Gonna call the dealer Monday morning, but thought I'd ask if anyone ever seen this sorta thing. (Reminds me of my 2004 Yamaha FZ1...damn thing would periodically spit coolant out a tiny blow hole )

 

I had a very similar sounding leak due to a cracked thermostat housing- once it was large enough it dripped directly from the transmission's bell housing- when it was smaller I'm sure it evaporated before it made it to the ground.

 

That's exactly where mine leaked when the water pump was going away.

Be careful -- having the leak appear to stop may simply mean that there is insufficient coolant left to reach the "leak level". Check it carefully, but get on the horn to the Mini store and get ready for a water pump. Its a quick and painless repair.

 

Got under there today and looked, I think it's in the area of the water pump. Can't pinpoint it, cause everything is so tight under there. You say it's quick, as in not too involved for the dealer?

 

I had a problem on mine where the water pipe that runs between the thermostat housing and the back of the water pump was corroded and started leaking. I changed the thermostat housing as well both parts was $225 but had to take the manifold loose on the back of the engine plus a few hoses to be able to see what I was doing.

 

On mine it took the dealer about two hours to replace the pump. Its been dry since. The only issue was an airconditionerline clamp that rattled when I picked it up. They pulled it back into the shop and moved the clamp holder away from the motor a bit further and the rattle ended. That added about 20 minutes to my wait. The water pump thing seemed to be a fix they were very familiar with.

 

Turned out to be the water pump...leaking under pressure. Changed out without issue through the dealer.