So, I have happily motored about 3500 miles so far, and have considered myself immune to all of the early build problems. Today, I checked the seam of the tank and found that yes, it is now leaking. Fluid is colored somewhere between Pale Ale and Nut Brown.

So my overflow tank is leaking a bit, but the leaky seam is above the fill line, suggesting to me that this is likely more of an inconvenience and irritant than an immediate show stopper. I will call today and get a replacement, but I really do not want to bother changing out a leaky tank for a soon to be leaky tank.

My 2003, delivered in December still has the leaky tank design. You'd think that BMW might have done a simple pressure test of this tank while developing prototypes and this sort of careless oversight should never have made it through production.

Considering just what to do about this. My nearest dealer is 150 miles away. It is not an immediate concern for me and I will just keep an eye on the tem gauge and fluid level until I can get it in. However, it it does split and the engine begins to overheat, I will make sure that MINI-USA gets to pay one heck of an expensive tow bill to replace a known defective part that will soon leave me without my MINI for at least a day.

 

started on the prototype TIG welded aluminum replacement tank today. Should have it done by Monday, target price is $200.

 

jlm,

$200....seems steep 2me...
but.....
everything for this car is expensive in my book ...so ..who am i 2say :smile:
build away mi amigo...
if it works...people will buy it :smile:

peace,
d

 

I'm getting a "new design" tank tomorrow from the dealer. I let y'all know how it turns out. MB

 

besides the "tank" itself, consisting of the sides, top and bottom, you have to have a threaded filler with a cap (or thread it to match the stock cap), an input tube and a deliver tube, and bottom and top brackets and finally, a fill gauge -a clear tube with fittings. that is quite a bit of detail and it has to be hand assembled and welded.

 

BMW really needs to fix. With the cost of MINI parts, maybe a $200 welded tank would be cost effective, but I hate upgrading parts on my car that I should never even have to think aboutl, much less throw money at.

I'm guessing that there is a coolant tank from some other model car that would work great and not leak?

 

I checked the Cooper last night. Damn fluid looks like muddy water. the seam on the tank appears to have had some minor leaking. It appears the seam is above the max fluid level line. Sorry I can't recall seeing it stated, is the S tank different than the Cooper? I hate asking stupid questions feel free to flame if you so desire.

RAT

 

There is an aftermarket aluminum tank available alread and it only goes for $150.

http://www.forgemotorsport.com/mini....roduct=FMMINHT

 

I just have a problem spending money on something that I should never have to think about. I think I might just carry a spare tank with me on long distance trips. Not too bad considering I used to carry around starter motors, axles, drive shafts, etc while motoring long distances in my D-90

 

The tank on my S has been leaking since about 1,500 miles. I live 400 miles from the dealer so I have not taken it in. The trick is that once it goes down a bit the level never rises enough to continue leaking. I have 8,000 miles on her now and will get it fixed when its due for an oil change. But other that making a mess of the heatshield and stinking of steaming antifreeze for a while it really hasnt caused and harm that I can tell.

FatBob
EB S

 

Thanks Bob. That confirms my suspicion that this is not a show stopper at all, but is just an annoyance. I will be careful to keep my eye on the fluid level as well as my temp gauge until a permanent fix is available that BMW will pay for.

 

I got mine replaced and the system flushed and new coolant replaced after a two month battle with my service advisor. I will not talk no for an answer!!! I did get the new type tank, it looks the same but is suppose to be thinker plastic. I know it is a different color than the first one. This one looks like pea yellow in color. But its not leaking and now I can drive this summer without a worry.I wonder if these would work???

Coolant tanks

 

Those colored tanks might work, but they need to make a brown one to match the coolant color!

 

Wouldn't it be easier to just smear some silicone or epoxy around the tank seam?

 

I tried silicone. The heat and presure in the tank built up and the stuff came off and gave Mini an antifreeze steam bath. What a great smell. The epoxy may do the trick but finding the right stuff to stick to the tank may take a while. I can just see taking it to the dealer with a ton of crap stuck to the tank and having them blame me for messing it up.

FatBob
EB S

 

Pressure tank....cannot use outside application of any kind. Just bring it back and they will replace it with the new type.

 

>>Pressure tank....cannot use outside application of any kind. Just bring it back and they will replace it with the new type.


Hey Nobull:

I am glad that you finally got your coolant tank replaced with the new revised bottle.

I met you in person back on Monday morning at Lauderdale MINI when I was getting my Pepper White Cooper CVT re-programmed at the same time. So far so good and I am really happy with the new software fix.

Is your service advisor Jay or Max?

 

English Auto Repair Kit – Bailing wire and duct tape – It’s not just for a terrorist attack.

 

>>>>Pressure tank....cannot use outside application of any kind. Just bring it back and they will replace it with the new type.
>>
>>
>>Hey Nobull:
>>
>>I am glad that you finally got your coolant tank replaced with the new revised bottle.
>>
>>I met you in person back on Monday morning at Lauderdale MINI when I was getting my Pepper White Cooper CVT re-programmed at the same time. So far so good and I am really happy with the new software fix.
>>
>>Is your service advisor Jay or Max?

:evil: I have Jay :evil: Not impressed with him at all. If and when I go back I will be asking for a different advisor. Is Max good? Which one is he? Glad to hear you Coop is back on all fours and running better. Take care

 

I've sent you an email offering our assistance. If you prefer, you can call us at (866) ASK MINI.

 

>>I just have a problem spending money on something that I should never have to think about. I think I might just carry a spare tank with me on long distance trips. Not too bad considering I used to carry around starter motors, axles, drive shafts, etc while motoring long distances in my D-90

I ALWAYS carried a axel w/ bearing in my 64 Corvair. On time on my way home from Omaha to dallas the axel broke in Oklomaha City. Well guess what?
I had the axel to get me home that evening and what happened when I turned on the TV the next morning?
You guessed it - The OKC Tim McVeigh Bomming! I would have been stuck there!


_________________

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<a href="http://www.syntheticwarehouse.com">The Synthetic Warehouse - We feature Amsoil Product

 

I also looked into having one of these made. I think i will just get the one from Forge Motorsport and be doen with it. it makes the engine look pretty too. :smile: