For the past week or so, I've gotten the temp symbol on my warning screen. I have added water only to have it come on again several days later. It was low on fluid.

Now, my heater doesn't heat. I was having my brakes changed and they checked for leaks. I'm not sure if he said Head Gasket or valve gasket might be leaking.

Any ideas? I was reading the horror stories of the 07 engines self combusting!

 

There's a good chance it's just the water pump that's gone bad.

 

Out of the blue one afternoon last year, I checked my coolant and noticed it was a little bit below minimum. For the next week or so I would add a 50/50 mixture of distilled water and BMW coolant, and it still kept on going down. I took it to the dealer, and it turned out to be a leaking thermostat. The only thing is my leak was not as severe as yours, so as Oxy said it could be the water pump. Also, I did not see any leaks underneath the car. I even put a poster board underneath it, and it was stain free.

 

Oxy,

That would be a relief after having to spring for an entire brake job. Ouch!

 

My 08 mcs has overheated twice, they never told me why the first time, second time it needed a new water pump

 

One more reason why I would love a good set of gauges for the MINI. I would love a little more warning that an "oops, too late" light.

 

ScanGuage2 does this very well.

 

#1 symptom of a blown head gasket. Plus no leaks means the coolant is going into the combustion chamber and burning off, resulting in STANKY white smoke when running cold. Also, check under yr oil filler cap, if U see foam, get that car towed in immediately.

actually, I'd get that car towed in immediately regardless. NEVER take a possible blown head gasket lightly. Get it repaired before it does further damage.

 

I looked at the ScanGauge2 for various cars I have had in the past, and have heard nothing but good things. I think I would like something a little prettier, though.

I was thinking of going with the Garmin EcoRoute HD dongle and a GPS unit. That way I not only get gauges, but also handsfree bluetooth for my phone and navigation.

The EcoRoute HD:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-ecoRout.../dp/B00313JWSO

And probably one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Widescr.../dp/B002771V48

 

Agreed, I would definitely not drive your poor MINI any further until you find out what is going on