When my Mini (2012 R57S) is cool, there is no coolant in the expansion tank. Once it gets warmed up it comes up to between MIN and MAX line. Is normal or am I short in coolant? The car seems to run normal temperatures (195-220) depending on speed and outside temps.

Also the coolant should be blue correct?

 

It should be much higher, fill it up to MIN while cool. You might have a leak in the thermostat housing or the expansion tank itself. It takes the BMW or aftermarket Blue coolant we sell. Mix it 50/50 with distilled water.

https://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2012-Cooper-R57-S-Convertible-L4_1.6L_N18B16A/Engine/Cooling/Thermostat/

Thermostat housing for the 2012 Cooper S is here> Note that -7/2012 and 7/2012-2/2013 need a piggyback harness on the repair for the new thermostat 11538674895


All the other parts are linked here and are the same, its just that thermostat part number and harness is different than the ~521 part number.

All the info and DIY, places to look.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...8-no-heat.html

 

I'm literally going through this right now on my R57 ... upgraded wheels, intercooler, turbo inlets , intake, suspension.... and I noticed it was low... go out and buy the Forge coolant expansion tank (freeking $250 or something like that) ... still leaking.. ordered the thermostat housing monday morning, will arrive tomorrow ... it runs @ normal temps, 190-220 ... but its deff leaking, coolant tank goes low. and if it gets warm, you can literally see the drips ..... just got all the corresponding tools to do this replacement, will update you with what I find... (I didnt purchase the water pump pipe btw) ... if thats cracked ill be purchasing that too.... it sucks because this is literally the ONLY problem ive had with the mini to date .. (ive had her 15mo now)

 

forgot to reply , changed thermostat housing Sunday afternoon, put correct coolant in ... no leaks at all ... maintains coolant levels now

 

Awesome, thanks for the update.