I have a 2010 Cooper S Clubman with about 60k miles.

I recently noticed that my coolant tank was low. Topped it off and a few days later was low again.

Local shop (not a MINI specific place) thought the culprit was related to the transaxle oil cooler. Does that make sense? Thoughts? What else should I look for?

Thanks!

 

You'll want to take it to a MINI specialist shop: http://www.minirepairshops.com/.

Is it an Automatic? I'm thinking they meant the transmission oil cooler: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg2.htm#item8, #2 on the diagram below.



This article is for an R56, but it should still be useful to you for looking of your R55 and checking for coolant leaks: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti..._Leak_Test.htm. I'd check over the rest of the vehicle to make sure there are no other leaks from any other components.

 

Thanks for the info. I do need to find a good mechanic in this area.

Regarding my particular issue, I guess I was confused about leaking coolant around the transmission oil cooler. It is an automatic, by the way.

 

Was the engine oil changed before you noticed the loss of coolant? If so the hose on the bottom of the coolant expansion tank is probably loose from moving it up out of the way from changing oil. Your engine thermostat could also be leaking since it's over the transmission. The transmission oil cooler is not a common replacement part so I would think your leak is coming from someplace else.

 

As mentioned above, check the thermostat. It's not uncommon for those to leak and pool on top of the transmission housing. Have the shop check all components in the cooling system. Here is how you can test the cooling system for leaks: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti..._Leak_Test.htm

 

I took it to another shop and they are pointing to the thermostat housing. Unfortunately, they quoted me over $900 for the repair

After looking around, it doesn't seem like a difficult task to do at home. I've looked at the DIYs and found some videos. Is there anything I need to watch out for if I decide to tackle this at home?

Thanks!

 

Here is our R56 DIY. It should still be helpful during your repair: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm. You'll want to make sure you use BMW approved blue coolant 50/50 will distilled water. Check over coolant hoses and also might not be a bad idea to replace your water pipe while you have your thermostat removed. It's a common plastic component that gets brittle and cracks over time due to the heat it sees in the area it's at. I have seen many times people replace the water pump or thermostat and then have to go back in to replace this part.

Water pipe: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg2.htm#item7
Coolant: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0 recommend Genuine.
Thermostat: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item4 I'd recommend the Genuine MINI brand.

Also, if you plan to work on your Clubman in the future, this book will be very helpful and can also be helpful during the thermostat replacement: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

I'm ordering the parts...is there a difference among all the thermostats listed? Which one do I need for my 2010 Cooper S Clubman (auto transmission)?

Thanks in advance! You've been a great help!

 

Hello! So I'd recommend going with the Genuine thermostat here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Inf...34-521-M26.htm.

Let me know if you have any questions as I'd be happy to help.

 

I have a similar problem, but it really does look like the transmission cooler is the leak. I will look closer at the thermostat housing. Hoping it is that due to $350 for cooler verses $150 for housing. Has anyone ever replaced the cooler?

 

This is an easy job. Dont let the stealership bend you over.

See how to do it here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post4507900