I have a base 2009 mini hardtop and in August I rear ended someone( damaged hood and radiator and continued to drive the car to Collision shop about 5 miles in distance. They replaced the radiator and hood. Last week I had service done at the dealer on my mini and they said there was crusty residue on my water pump and said it possibly leaked but as of right now it's not leaking. They recommended replacing it for $650. Do you think this is necessary considering the only time a warning light came on about engine temperature was when I drove it with broken radiator to Collision shop . Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

The price you were quoted is too high for a pump replacement. You can get a replacement pump for less than 100USD (non-OEM but better, since it is aluminium rather than plastic). It is not an easy job to do, but I think they are asking too much.

As I said, the original pump is made of plastic and often cracks and fails. It will eventually leak... So I think you should change it anw, but not for that price

 

Check the water pump for very small leaks right at the seal and on the plastic housing, mine had a very small drip at first that was just residue , then a week later it was a small puddle, the water pump is on the right side ( passenger ) closest to the wheel. The original pumps have the plastic housing that tends to leak.

If its leaking on or near the transmission on the driver side its the thermostat.

Water pump sets in the back corner of the engine on the passenger side.




Here is what the water pump look like , look for leaks around it.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11518604888/



There is a pic of the engine without the water pump installed if that helps. There is a water pipe behind it also that seals into the housing. Check that also, could be leaking near the water pump side.





Water pipe.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11537589713/ES253291/




Here is the MINI OEM coolant also once you find out the leak.


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/82140031133/ES196253/




Might be a good time to aslo check the thermostat housing on the driver side also, since they can leak on the transmission housing and you will not see the leak till it spills over.


#4 in the diagram above and connects to the water pipe that runs to the water pump on the other side. Look for leaks right below it or on the molded seam.

We have the part with the install bolts here. Part # 11537534521KT

Thermostat Replacement Kit


http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11537534521KT3/





Thanks and hope that helps, if you DIY it this helps with the location. If you are not a DIY'r then at least you know what to look for and going on.

 

I changed Belt and pump. took 3 days. but saved me over a grand at Mini Shop