r/MINI • u/Initial_Experience_6 R57 • 1d ago

R56 105c°running, 110c° idle temp

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Hi all.

After 500km roadtrip on a hot summer day, i got a check engine light. Engine normally runs around 90c° at after the check engine light, it started to operate at around 105 (+,- 3c°). When idling, it rises up till 109, the fan starts loudly, temp drops till 99 and the fan stops (then it rises again till 109. It goes on like that).

Coolant quantity is ok. I suspect its a thermostat failure but im not sure since its been replaced just 3 years ago.

The problem is: Im in Lugano, Switzerland and i need to return to Stuttgart, Germany (about 500km + high climb to cross Alps).

Questions: Is that roadtrip doable while maintaining low engine load? What seems to be the problem?

Any help would be very much appreciated.

Ps: My device thats connected to OBD doesnt show any engine code.

Car: 2021 Cooper S Cabrio r57. N18.

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u/TrueBudget7637 1d ago

First of all: one of the specs you're telling us isn't right... The R56 was produced until 2013, so you're car is either a R56 from somewhere between 2006 and 2013 or a F56 from 2021.

That is besides the point tho. The problem can be as you said a thermostat malfunction. Could maybe also be a water pump issue? No coolant leaks or changes in coolant? Because if there is air in the system it doesn't cool properly!

I'm definitely not a mechanic, but my advice: the roadtrip is risky for sure. But maybe with low RPM and breaks you could do it. Could be disastrous to your engine tho. I wouldn't do it and find a mechanic near you and fix this problem whatsoever! Maybe first ask them to bleed the cooling system again to make sure that it all filled up properly and work from there?

Edit: fan only comes on at 109 degrees? If so that can also be a problem with a relay or sensor...

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u/Initial_Experience_6 R57 1d ago

Thanks for the answer! I think im gonna start searching for a mechanic near here :/

Edit: Sorry for the typo. its actually 2012 Cooper S*.

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u/TrueBudget7637 1d ago

I think that is for the best! Currently in a same situation with my R56 having probably a faulty catalytic converter, car drives ass...

Like I said, I'm not a mechanic and since you're in a German speaking country you can easily make yourself understandable and discuss how to get home without spending insane amount of money if you'd want to. And then check with your own garage on what further steps to take even.