I have an 07 Mini Cooper S Hatchback and it looks like I'm in need of a new water pump to be installed. I'm at 74,500mi on the odometer and man has this car been trouble (but lots of fun!). Does anyone know if there might be an aftermarket Water Pump that is built better than the OEM one? I did a search and it looks like the OEM one fails a lot. Oh and also can anyone point me in the direction of a how-to on installing said water pump? Looking to save money on labor charges and give it a go myself.

Man, between the water pump failing, having my thermostat replaced at around 60k miles, clutch going out at 14k (not due to my driving - new one has lasted me until now, knock on wood), the issues with the timing chain (had to take it in 3 times), and now my brakes pads are gone along with the rotors (bad timing), oh and Im getting a weird stutter/flutter in the engine when hitting the gas like its struggling to go. In the mornings if I start it up at idle it seems like its struggling to keep at idle. Probably a fuel pump problem (oh yea!).

**Just a quick addition - The car has been awesome when it works. Ive taken it on a lot of road trips to Colorado/Lake Tahoe/Big Bear/San Fran/Texas among other places. This car has gotten me through some pretty crazy blizzards where I saw Jeeps/Trucks with 4x4 sliding out and off the roads on the way to Breckenridge. Actually have some pretty cool pics of all the SUVs and my little mini in between them duking it out with em. Props to my mini for only going belly up when its been a block away from my house and never leaving me stranded or giving issues when traveling. Guess its a fighter.


Thanks in advance!

 

They are not bad to do if you have a lift. Remove wheel, remove fender liner for access either completely or just front half and fold out of the way. Release friction wheel tensioner. Remove water pump friction wheel or pulley. Remove bolts which can be tricky, I use long 1/4 drive extension with 10mm flex socket for most of them , For top bolt I have long 10mm flex head wrench. Once you remove the bolts it comes out going down and rearward. It is a very tight fit and sometimes requires prying engine towards drivers side of vehicle to get enough clearance to wiggle it out. Also note the battery cable that runs to starter may cause issue. If you remove 10mm bolt that holds it you can get more space if needed. Hope that helps.

 

Thanks for the info Euro! I don't have access to a lift (using friends equip/garage since I live in an apartment), but I should be able to squeeze my way in there with the jack he has.

Thanks again, it's much appreciated!