i recently posted a thread on 'spark plug strangeness 2' ... this is an additional item after that episode:

background: spark plug blew out of the engine block. new thread seat installed and spark plug reinserted. everything worked fine ....

now: over 300 miles since the plug problem was fixed, but i've had 2 'episodes' since then. when the car is moving, there does not seem to be any issue. but twice now when sitting in traffic, the engine temperature gauge has started going hot ... i've shut down the motor before it went into the red zone. in both cases the fan kicked on and stayed on for a bit after the engine was turned off. i also heard 1 'click' that (similar sound to a light switch click) just after shutting the engine off.

haven't done so yet, but will flush the coolant and thinking i need to change the thermostat (i'm assuming that is what i heard 'click').

any other thoughts, suggestions, ideas?

The fan has 2-speeds sometimes low speed fails, so when sitting in traffic the low speed fan does not cut in and cool the engine, the high speed fan cuts in as normal at a higher temperature but too late.........worth checking both speeds work, the click may be a relay for switching the fan?

More info here:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/general-discussion/190176-auxillary-fan-comming.html#post3815958

MINI Fuses / Relays / Earth Points:
http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenance-mini-care/133675-fuses-relays-earth-points.html

I01135 Relay Engine cooling fan stage 2 (from March 2003) / Engine compartment fusebox

Having a similar issue, going to change out thermostat next week hope its the fix. I am considering putting this in from detroit tuned also.

Gen 1 Fan Relay Kit - Detroit Tuned (http://www.detroittuned.com/shop/?productID=530)