About three or four months ago my '06 Cooper S windshield-washer fluid reservoir started leaking, badly enough that the fluid just ran out and puddled under the car as fast as I could pour it in. The dealer fixed it, but I didn't catch what the problem was - I assume the tube that carries the fluid to the pump just popped off, but I don't know that for sure.

Now it's happened again, and I happen to be in Atlanta (home base is Dallas). The dealer here is quite far away and, judging by the few minutes I spent with them on the phone, not someone I want to deal with.

I could just take it back to MINI of Dallas after I go home in mid-May, but I'd rather have the washer function for the trip. Is this something an owner can get to easily with standard tools? I took a look around the area, and it appears that some body panels have to be removed - maybe I'm just missing something.

This is the reservoir on the right-hand side of the car, by the way. I think the other one (on the left) is for the headlight washers.

Second: is this a common problem? It seems like it must be, or else I just got a bum system....

thanks

 

Sounds Like the pump that sits in the bottom of the tank is loose from the tank allowing the fluid to escape around the gasket / rubber bushing. If you can:
Jack the vehicle on the right front corner
remove Right front wheel.
remove the inner wheel well housing - held on with 4 screws and 9 threaded push clips.
The tank is held in by 2 10mm bolts and a 10mm nut.
Once removed, the problem should be very obvoious that the pump has come unseated from the tank.

Hope this helps!!!