[mike1967]

So, update, changed the engine oil from to 5W40, and it has cured both the smoke at start up, AND it isn't using oil anymore!

might want to check with mini main agents on any recall for thermostat housing as on psa cars they have one due to a number of faults and one being get to hot and oil goes very thin causing smoke and oil loss, as a 5/40 is a thicker oil at 100c ie the 40 part of it would make sensor that yours could be running at higher temp ie sign of thermostat housing issues,, link below for upgrade housing t=and the wiring for it ie 2 pin is a 4 pin on revised ones, i would say its a must do job on any prince engine ie petrol mini
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genuine-...-Mini-N12-N14-N16-1-4-1-6-Petrol/282811653986

 

[mike1967]

Thanks Mike,

I'm trying to save a bit of money, and I see on eBay a ton of those, some 1/4 of the price (with the sensors included). Is there any difference? I have added a link to a couple below;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THERMOST...993&pg=2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THERMOST...218&pg=2047675&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

i did see them my issue with them is this i have in past tried fitting cheaper ones to other peoples cars and have had way to many problems caused by them or someone buys one off ebay asks us to fit and its a main in arse job to find after fitting from brand new the car gets to hot or just dont run right, to then remove it and replace it with a factory known unit. the link i gave that company specialise in bmw/mini/saab parts and i have used a lot of their stuff and always been good, this all said you pays your money and takes your chances with it, but the prince engines have been identified with factory fitted housing to have had issues and that why the new type has been changed, i've had same issue with 02 sensors that on box say bosch but when open packet they are not stamped with the bosch and number and have had more bad ones than good ones. the 02 sensors and the thermostat housing and temp sensor are what the car uses to fuel correctly, chinese knock off's are the issue,

 

[mike1967]

Hi Mike, just double checking on this, I think mine is an N18 engine? This Thermostat appears to be for N12 - N16? When I plug my car details into the eBay listing, it says it isn't compatible.....

contact the seller with your reg number fairly sure they are same units as prince engines all are same units as such.
below link is genuine one with numbers it also lists it for r56 r55 and countryman

MINI GENUINE THERMOSTAT HOUSING R55 R56 R57 R58 R59 R60 11538699290 | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for MINI GENUINE THERMOSTAT HOUSING R55 R56 R57 R58 R59 R60 11538699290 at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

this is the one i think i posted up

Genuine Thermostat & Housing with Adapter Lead Mini N12 N14 N16 1.4 1.6 Petrol | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Genuine Thermostat & Housing with Adapter Lead Mini N12 N14 N16 1.4 1.6 Petrol at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

they also write
NEW Thermostat & Housing suitable for the following:

Mini R55 Clubman - all Petrol One & Cooper, Cooper S upto 2010 & JCW upto 2012
Mini R56 Hatch - all Petrol One & Cooper, Cooper S upto 2010 & JCW upto 2012
Mini R57 Convertible - all Petrol Cooper, Cooper S upto 2010 & JCW upto 2012
Mini R58 Coupe - all Petrol Cooper, Cooper S upto 2010 & JCW upto 2012
Mini R59 Convertible - all Petrol Cooper, Cooper S upto 2010 & JCW upto 2012
Mini R60 Countryman - all Petrol One & Cooper models
Mini R61 Paceman - all Petrol Cooper models