Hello all. I am new here. Bought my Mini Cooper Base used from a private seller two weeks ago. The car runs excellent and no complaints. Just out of curiosity, I opened the engine bay last Friday and I noticed that the coolant level was really low. No problem. Went to my local Autozone and picked up some blue coolant (learned that here ) When I filled up the reservoir I drove home which took me 30 minutes. Checked it again and coolant is damn near gone. Looked down into the bay and I see the fluid has leaked down onto what appears to be the transmission (couple of inches below the engine and offset to the right). Can anyone tell me what part possibly needs to be replaced? I have read up and saw the problems related to the thermostat housing. Also, how much could this possibly cost to replace if I take to a mechanic?

 

As you suspect, most likely the thermostat housing. As far as cost, why don't you just go ahead call some local Mini independents for cost estimates..

 

Look around that thermostat housing. It may be a cracked housing, or just the seal where the sensor connects to the thermostat. The sensor connection is easily repaired. Replacing the thermostat is a bigger job.

 

I agree, thermostat. It's a plastic component and they typically start as a hairline crack, which can pool on top of the transmission. Yours seems to be a pretty significant leak and should be inspected and replaced if it is the culprit. What R56 do you have?