I own a 2007 MCS with 46,000 miles and out of warranty. Last week I noticed a spot on the garage floor and it turned out to be coolant. After poking around with a flashlight I figured it was the water pump. I am 3 hours from the nearest Mini dealer, so I take it to a local Mini specialist to get an estimate. I nearly fell out of my chair when I was told it would be $995 to replace the water pump and flush the system. I asked for a price with a remanufactured pump and no flush. $800 and I am still in shock.

I know I'm getting hosed, so no need to remind me, thank you. What about calling Mini USA and telling them how unhappy I am about having a car that needs a new water pump at 46K? Would that just be a waste of my time?

Are there any good DIYs instructions out there for doing it myself. I have access to another car, so I could afford to take my time in order to save some money. I have tools, jacks, etc. and some skill.

Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

Wow, yes that is expensive.

Check this thread in the how to section: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...placement.html

 

First off,how far are you out of the 4yr 50,000 mi. MINI warranty your within the 50,000,but it would depend on your mos.build.Call your dealer and sometimes they will honor a "good will fix" if your only a few mos. out of the 4 yr It's definately worth a shot.They will even tow you to the dealer if you get them to "good will it"Good luck as some dealers depending on how good your MA/SA is can get them (MINI) to approve.

 

I decided to call Mini USA to see if they could help in any way. They have kindly agreed to cover the repair pending diagnosis at an authorized dealer. I am out of warranty as the 4 years expired in late April 2011. I am going to fill the reservoir and make the 3 hour drive to Albany, NY.

 

There's a prime example of a possible "good will fix"Good job.Good luck and keep us tuned in.Like I said earlier, if the SA/MA is able to convince MINI that this is a necessary fix with such low mileage for its age your a winner.As long as they can show that it has not been abused you should be okay.They should also take in consideration that your making a 3 hr drive to have it done right by MINI mechanics/tech's.Also remember not to get (nasty) as that will ruin your odds for the issues.It does look like "the ball is in your court" otherwise they wouldn't have even said to bring it to the dealer.Again.....Good luck

 

I drive an 07 R56 Mini S with ~41k miles on it, and I'm in the process of replacing my waterpump as well. Here is what I recommend:

http://new.minimania.com/web/Item/G2.../InvDetail.cfm

You can find them a bit cheaper, that's just so you know that you can buy the pump without completely getting ****ed over. It's a factory pump, same part number, so Mini shouldn't have any qualms about replacing it if you hand it to them.

Another thing I suggest is go to the dealership, and go to the mechanics. Talk to them, and then pull one aside and ask him if you could pay him PERSONALLY to fix your car's waterpump somewhere outside of the dealership (assuming he has the tools needed). Granted they COULD get fired, I've had my old '02 Mercedes ML320 fixed by a mechanic instead of taking it to the dealership. Sometimes these guys are more than willing to help, more than likely won't charge you any more than $200 or so for labor, and you just have to supply the parts. If that doesn't work, find a German tuning specialty shop that has worked on the R56 and see what they have to say. They might be willing to do the job for you.

Realistically, I'll be paying about $600 for the job myself if I go straight through my shop. I'm ordering the part personally, so that should cut $100 off my total considering they were charging me near $300 for an OEM water pump. **** that. So realistically, you're looking at about $500 for labor and parts. Or you can do it yourself and pay no more than $200 if your car savvy. If not, there are PLENTY of how-to's online.

Good luck.