Hi NAM family,

I was in the midst of doing a water pump replacement on the Mini. Upon removal, I observed that that the old water pipe was brittle and a few pieces broke off (on the water pump side), indicating replacement was needed.

I can't for the life of me get the old water pipe off. I've searched around here a bit, but couldn't find a definite answer (for 2008 base). I did see that the new water pipe that I'm about to put on had two tabs on it. I hope I don't have to take the whole intake manifold off!

Any tips from fellow owners that have been in a similar situation before? I'm mechanically inclined, but unfamiliar with Minis (this is my first one).

Thanks in advance!

 

On My 2010 R56 base with 55,000 miles. My Heater core hose connection on the Thermostat had a 1 inch piece missing which caused a constant drip. I replaced the Thermostat. A week later I got a overheat signal, looked and had a waterfall on the Plastic waterpump side of the engine. I order a new GRAF aluminum waterpump. I remove the pump and I also found a brittle pipe,pieces broken off. O-ring had a 1/4 inch hernia/bulge in the internal side of the water pipe connection.

The new pipe has 3 tabs with bolt holes, I am now 3 weeks into this fiasco. (Find a problem, order the part, wait a week for deliver, Rinse, Repeat)

Were you able to change the pipe without removing the Intake manifold?

Thanks,
Dave

 

Take the thermostat off, then pull the pipe out.
http://www.waymotorworks.com/water-p...9-r60-r61.html

 

@ Dave


No, I wasn't able to change the pipe without removing the intake manifold. The "bolt holes" are actually used to hold a part of the wiring harness in place. If you have 90 degree forearms, you can probably do it without removing the manifold lol. Since I didn't want to just tug at it and possibly break something, I removed the manifold.


Hope this helps.


peace

 

For anyone researching how to change this part. Just did replaced my pipe this weekend. Yes there is a wiring harness connected to the first hole tab nearest the thermostat on the pipe, I didn't need to remove the intake just used a flash light & a long flats blade screwdriver to pop it off. Also Peugeot sell the pipe for their 308 at quarter of the price as BMW only thing is you have to buy their cap to block off and extra outlet on the side

 

It's not uncommon to see this component brittle/crack. When in there for replacing cooling system items, it's always good to check the condition of the cooling pipe (plastic component) and/or replace it as a preventative measure: http://www.pelicanparts.com/cgi-bin/...-7-589-713-M26. Don't forget about the clip on the thermostat side when removing (red arrow).