06 Mini engine heat

[Inkmano]

Hey all,

I have recently been browsing the forum looking for a solution to the propblem with my 2006 mini but to no avail.

I noticed one day that the engine coolant in the tank was almost empty so as you do I topped it up to the correct level and thought no more of it. Since that day I have maybe had to top it up once or twice a week as needed. I noticed a small amount of liquid under the car once and decided to try and pinpoint where the leak seemed to be coming from, but to no avail. I then took the mini to the local garage and he couldn't find any leak or problem with the system. They told me to wait until the problem got worse then take it from there.

The engine temperature does not exceed the half way mark on the gauge ever, but it takes maybe 1-2 miles for it to gets to the halfway point from starting cold. It also seems to take a long time to cool down after too. I know the garage told me to leave it but it seems like an odd thing to do especially if the problem can cause more damage.

Thanks in advance guys, much appreciated!

[hibbs]

First of all - ignore the temperature gauge. It is controlled by the computer and will only show overheating in extreme circumstances. It is in no way a true reflection of the actual temperature.

I had a similar issue on my R53. Coolant bottle was empty due to engine overheating. Long story, but mine was the stage one fan not working due to a blown resistor. Engine starts to overheat and the first thing that happens is that water / steam escapes from the bottle lid to relieve the pressure. To check this out, turn on the air con and you should hear the stage one fan start. If you don't hear it, that's likely to be your issue.

Also, have you noticed the second stage (louder) fan working. Mine was on when I switched off the ignition, which I though was odd. That was due to the engine being hotter than normal.

The only other obvious thing I would check is your coolant bottle. They often split.

[Inkmano]

Thanks for the prompt reply mate. I did the air con check and can confirm no fan comes on. When I got home last night I popped the bonnet and could feel the heat off the engine, so I looked at the large fan in the front and it was not turning at all, is this normal? I assumed if the car was warmed up enough that this fan would be on.

I also noticed that when I turn my engine off the fan no longer stays on for 5 seconds or so like it used to. So perhaps I do have an issue with the fan that needs sorting. Not sure if I should book it into the local BMW garage (£££££) or seeing if me and my brother-in-law can figure it out.

Cheers

[hibbs]

If it is the resistor, then BMW will replace the whole fan assembly at a cost of hundreds. I bought a second hand assembly and then got it fitted and cost me about £100.

It's annoying because the resistor costs a few pounds, but they don't sell them. I think the alternative is to get a car electrician to look at it - they might be able to fit a better resistor to it.

The resistor itself is attached to the fan assembly. Top left hand side as you open the bonnet. To get it out, you do have to dismantle quite a bit (for my R53, the bumper and crash bar had to come off).