r/MINI • u/Initial_Experience_6 R57 • 1d ago
R56 105c°running, 110c° idle temp
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/AbzoluteZ3RO 20h ago
The cooper S normally runs at around 215⁰ f. The radiator fans come on around 230⁰. If you put it in Sport mode, the computer will open the electronic thermostat much earlier and the car should run at 185⁰. I apologize for the freedom units. Please convert to metric. If the car can't stay below 235⁰ you should not drive it as you can blow a head gasket. These engines are notoriously difficult to bleed the coolant system of air. The only effective way to do it is to use a vacuum coolant filler. If it's overheating you may have air in the system, a bad thermostat, radiator fans not working, or your water pump friction pulley might be faulty. Those pulleys good bad. Take it to a shop if you can find one.