Hey all! I have a 2009 Mini Cooper S and as much as I love it, its driving me crazy lately. My question for all my fellow mini owners is about the engine overheating. Just a couple days ago the engine started making funny noises like the fan was constantly roaring whereas before i had never heard any noises like that. Out of nowhere the engine heat light began coming on in spurts at first in yellow, then in red. I have just taken it to a local oil stop to get everything checked out a couple weeks ago, so im not sure if they did something to make it act up. Ive looked under the hood and there is coolant over half way, the oil has been replaced, they changed the filter also, so could anyone offer any ideas of what could be causing the engine to over heat? Also been having trouble with the automatic selector lever or the brake signal malfunctioning. The light comes on when both are depressed or in the proper gear so why is the light coming on?? Im in the Los Angeles area and the dealership RAPES me because im past warranty and as a college student, I cant afford to drop $1000+ so if anyone can recommend a reliable, fair, repair shop please please please pass along the good karma! Thank youuuuu!
Is it actually overheating or is the light just coming on? You mention other warning lights randomly coming on as well.
In the LA area I'd recommend Motoring Magic and MINI Worx. Both have very good reputations here on M/A. Welcome, thanks for joining Motoring Alliance, the FUN and Friendly MINI Community.
One minute before you get to your destination, blast the heater and let let it idle for a minute before shutting down. See if that turns off the warning light. This may be a quick fix while you save the funds for a proper diagnosis. I remember being a starving student with car troubles.
Welcome to M/A. I'd guess thermostat or water pump. Don't drive your MINI with any red warning light on. You may end up buying a new engine if you do. Good luck let us know what you find out.
+1 Yellow light= get it fixed/looked at soon.... Red light= STOP NOW!! NOT when you get to Starbucks, but on the side of the road NOW.:fingerscrossed: Getting the car looked at by a shop that does REAL repairs, as opposed to oil changes is a good move....a homeless man with an hours training can change oil....heck think jiffy lube/Super lube/in and out lube shops actually do this!! :idea:
The MINI needs very specific attention. A proper BMW diagnostic tool needs to be hooked up to your car to really see what's happening with the cooling system functions and readable parameters. Unfortunately, only Euro repair shops usually have this tool. If you're taking it to some random "Tony's Domestic Auto Repair" you're throwing money down the drain. The MINI is a very fun car, but only when it's taken care of by the right hands:biggrin5: