How to Replace Thermostat Housing 07-13 Mini Cooper S

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In this video, 1A Auto shows how to remove, install, or replace a leaking or malfunctioning thermostat housing assembly. The video is applicable to the 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12, 13 Mini Cooper S
This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
2007 Mini Cooper
2008 Mini Cooper
2009 Mini Cooper
2010 Mini Cooper
2011 Mini Cooper
2012 Mini Cooper
2013 Mini Cooper
🔧 List of tools used:
• Flat Blade Screwdriver 1aau.to/oqr/1AX...
• 10mm Socket 1aau.to/onL/1AX...
• 8mm Socket 1aau.to/onL/1AX...
• Needle nose pliers 1aau.to/ocu/1AX...
• Needle nose pliers 1aau.to/ocu/1AX...
• T25 Driver 1aau.to/oc2/1AX...
• Ratchet 1aau.to/orH/1AX...
• Socket Extensions 1aau.to/oqs/1AX...
• Torque Wrench 1aau.to/ojT/1AX...
• Anti-Freeze
• Brake Parts Cleaner
• Bungee Cord
• Cloth Rags 1aau.to/ocm/1AX...
• Sandpaper
• White Grease
• Drain Pan 1aau.to/obN/1AX...
• Funnel 1aau.to/o4/1AXA...
• Pick 1aau.to/odc/1AX...
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MINI Cooper 2007-2013 2nd Generation R56: • MINI Cooper 2007-2013 ...
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⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[@1AAuto]

√ *Watch the Video* √ *Buy The Part at 1A Auto* 1aau.to/m/Visit-1AAuto √ *Do it Yourself* √ *Save Money*

[@michaelking42]

I really enjoy Andy's calm way of explaining his processes; he has a great instructional style. Thank you for sharing this.

[@1AAuto]

+Michael King Thanks for the feedback!

[@jsims2985]

"Let's bury a common failing component deep into the engine bay and let's make that component out of terrible plastic." -BMW

[@frankraymond4627]

Did this and the crossover pipe on my 08 MCS. The video was hugely helpful, especially since I had to do the job twice. The crossover pipe was not fully seated the first time. The second time was much easier and the pipe seated fully. Thanks for the walk through

[@ScrubRadius]

These are awesome camera angles, I'm doing this job and won't see this stuff at those angles at all. Also, top tip, take the entire airbox and intake tubes all out as one unit. Saves time not having to fiddle with separating the tubes while still in the car.

[@alexandermason3845]

yep, only one screw holding in the bottom half, and it make much more room

[@luissaab1446]

Here some suggestions before you do the thermostat housing replacement following the steps presented in this video. 1. Watch both videos the water pipe (water pump to thermostat plastic pipe) and thermostat housing replacement. It is the same work splitted into 2 videos. 2. The water pipe was broken because of a wrong manipulation. Extra USD$ 70 OEM part and a very tight space to work. The water pipe side next to water pump is inserted in a metal hole and any lateral movement of the water pipe to release the part connected to the thermostat housing will break the plastic tip. 3.Try to disconnect the hose that was not disconnected in the video by disconnecting the coolant line to the turbo. Avoid to move the thermostat housing to the right or left, up or down when releasing the thermostat housing. 4.When disconnecting the water pipe to thermostat try to hold the water pipe first. Do not pull the thermostat alone because the water pipe will break. You can also disconnect the air intake hoses close to the intake manifold, then insert you hand and grab the water pipe next to the water pump but you will need somebody else to disconnect the thermostat from the water pipe. Do it very carefully. 5. If something goes wrong then you will need to replace both parts: water pipe and thermostat housing like in the video. :(

[@JeffInDFW]

WOW! Thank you for taking the time to add all this information! You sir are a saint.

[@Blinknone]

Many people recommend replacing the water pipe at the same time as the thermostat. Good advice, IMO.

[@SqeakyToy]

Thanks so much for posting this, it's a job I need to do. Love driving our 2 Mini Coopers but man the repair bills have been a heartbreaker. We have the 2010 Mini Clubman JCW and the 2012 Inspired by Goodwood. The Clubman has 99K miles now and has had - clutch and flywheel thermostat housing water pump and friction wheel and solenoid barn door solenoids valve cover oil filter housing gaskets proactive timing chain replacement and just recently new turbo auxiliary water pump and now I need to replace the thermostat housing again.

[@aggieback-71]

What a PITA. Thanks mini.

[@MarkTownsend]

I really appreciate the video. Great content and it helped me replace the thermostat on my 2012 Countryman S All4. I'm impressed with the thoroughness and those camera angles! Agree with other comments, just remove the airbox entirely. Not a critique of you, I understand you were working to show minimal intrusion, but it's much easier. A helpful hint picked up elsewhere, the A clip used to secure to the water pipe - PUT A STRING thru it. Many other DIY'ers have reported it shooting off for places unknown. Using a long loop string allows you to cut the loop and fish the string back out after placed. I really appreciate the time and expense you put into sharing this video. It helped me solve my problem (number 1) and it helped me find another parts source online (your boss should care about that). Cheers

[@1AAuto]

+Mark Townsend Thank you! We love empowering our customers and showing how to perform DIY auto repairs with our high-quality auto parts. 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@OMF911]

Stunning work. A small thing that I noticed - the tightening torque of the themostat to cylinder head (M6) is 12NM (not 8NM).

[@Engineerboy100]

Wow, excellent video! I will be doing this job next weekend and making a video as well. You guys did some really nice detailed camera work. Thanks.

[@ReparosAutomotivosNonStop]

Excellent job. I'm a mechanic here in Brazil. And I came here to find this content illustrating this maintenance that I will perform on a Mini Cooper. thank you

[@ln6186]

How did you know it was defective? Other than the scanner saying so and car malfunctioning? Is there anything visual on the old one that shows it is inoperable now?? Just curious because side by side on your video they look identical. Thanks

[@jaimelopez3991]

Great video!! I'll try to do it myself for my daughter's car... she complains that the car takes way too long to get warmed up so I believe the thermostat got stuck in the open position... Correct me if I'm wrong!

[@dannyf4995]

A nice video, Thanks. I need to replace mine on Peugeot 207 (same housing), but it easier to replace the car. Who did design such a complicated system for a thermostat.

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out. 1aauto.com +Danny F

[@felixmarin5907]

Thanks for this very helpful video.

[@jeffbang7847]

nice video, I just replaced my Thermostat housing again today, I removed the aftermarket one I installed two years ago, nothing but problems, check engine lights for temp sensors, and not up to temperature. I bit the bullet and put in a factory part in, hoping we won't have any more issues!

[@1AAuto]

+Jeff Bang Thanks for checking us out! 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c

[@cashster0011]

You probably put the connector wrong..that was my problem after I installed a brand new thermostat housing..

[@robertodriscoll5716]

my 2012 wiring harness is not like that at all its attached to the thermostat housing you have to squeeze clips under it to get it loose at all.

[@realtorresidentialycommerc2614]

Can I find one open, not controlled but open for the water to flow direct?

[@davidgove5412]

Does a metal thermostat housing exist or is there a plastic to metal thing that does not allow it?

[@mikedickie9064]

Hi , excellent video , I did notice that when removing the housing it was stuck to the transfer tube and when you tried to release the housing the tube came out with it . Did you just push it back into the block or was it replaced ? This part was missing from the video , this also happened to me and I'm stuck on how to refit the tube any help is much appreciated.

[@1AAuto]

+MIKE DICKIE Thanks for watching! If that comes loose you just need to push it back in. 1aauto.com

[@mickeyjett9197]

Great video like always. Now do it without a car lift in a garage.

[@kieronfeakes1492]

Hi is this basically the same for the n18 engine

[@Rradek]

Great video guys! Thanks very much

[@1AAuto]

+Radek G Thanks for checking us out. 1AAuto.com

[@tallerdefab]

great tutorial. Thanks

[@rollib.6755]

Klasse erklärt 👍👍👍

[@kedeer]

Hi there, how many hours will this job to be done? I'm wondering if I should do this myself with my friend's tools or give it to mechanians. And do I have to empty the coolant first and then bleed the system?

[@1AAuto]

+@kedeer We do not have an exact timeframe on how long the repair would take. You will also want to drain the coolant first.

[@gpzjeffrey7974]

Please do not replace spring hose clamps with worm gear hose clamps like you suggested! Spring clamps really never wear out, nor fatigue or take a set. They always provide exactly the right clamping force, even when the rubber hoses expand and contract, and when hoses harden, they take up the slack. Worm gear clamps are invariably over tightened and flatten or even cut the rubber hoses. If there is a leak at a hose joint with a spring clamp, it means the hose has failed, not the spring clamp. -A mechanical engineer.

[@jakecornett5083]

Amazing job! So did you not replace the crossover pipe? I know you mentioned you were going to

[@1AAuto]

+Jake Cornett Thanks for watching! Yes it was replaced but it was not filmed. 1aauto.com

[@lokiarsenault626]

Tip for future reference, don’t use the gates housing it’ll throw a code and you’ll have to do all this all over again

[@jessemontalvo1103]

So I sent an email to 1aauto about the thermostat/housing for my 08 Mini Cooper S and they said they didn’t sell it, yet y’all have this video installing the exact one I need, sadly I had to order from a different site

[@1AAuto]

+Jesse Montalvo We currently only carry a thermostat for your vehicle for the 1.6L DOHC. Sometimes we do have videos on items we don't carry to help viewers with the install. Thanks for checking us out!

[@bobbie92969]

Is the gasket supposed to fit within the hole or outer edge of the engine block?

[@carcarpetdoctorsmd2859]

I have a 2010 mini coop the reservoir and thermostat housing was already changed but no water or air is coming out of the bleeder screw... Does this mean that something is malfunctioning with the thermostat that they put on?

[@PogonaCraze]

The two tubes in the back going towards the body of the car, which tubes do they go into? I forgot to make markings on the tubes. The rest I'm sure I got right, but those two I'm unsure. My fan also won't stop running after installment which then killed my battery? Defected new thermostat, maybe?

[@theprinciplesofman9225]

Great video...

[@elbatangenioofnewzealand8384]

Nice videos mate! Cheers

[@1AAuto]

+EL' BATANGENIO OF NEW ZEAThanks for the feedback! LAND

[@AlbertVillaroman]

are those oil stains on the vacuum pump? is it leaking?

[@Michael-fw5ef]

Please open up a 1A Auto Warehouse in Canada. We need good quality, cheap auto parts too!!

[@1AAuto]

Thanks for checking us out! 1A Auto actually offers shipping to Canada! Shop here for high-quality auto parts: 1aau.to/m/Shop-1AAuto-c +Michael

[@ObviouslyItsMar]

thats my question too fam

[@uncertainfuture8707]

Done this job on a Peugeot 308 (same engine). Access was a nightmare. On the Mini it seems easier.

[@1AAuto]

+Uncertain Future Thanks for the feedback!

[@michaelflickinger7325]

22:40 the little hose isnt reattaching properly, it slides on and off super easily. Any thoughts on how to reattach it so it doesnt fall off?

[@a.williams-mccray4483]

Would this also work for a 2013 mini cooper clubman?

[@Anistemi_607]

hey there, great video. Im hung up on the crossover pipe. pulled the clip and it wont budge. fluid's starting to leak from teh water pump side so i may have damaged it. in any case, what is the trick to getting the thermostat housing to break free of the crossover pipe?? cheers

[@Givenbigal1]

Late reply here so you probably already know, but that crossover pipe gets real brittle and cracks right where it plugs into water pump. Very little movement will crack it, if it’s old. Real good idea to just replace it if you’re replacing the thermostat housing.

[@JeffInDFW]

Luis Saab posted the following elsewhere in this comment section: ------------Here some suggestions before you do the thermostat housing replacement following the steps presented in this video. 1. Watch both videos the water pipe (water pump to thermostat plastic pipe) and thermostat housing replacement. It is the same work splitted into 2 videos. 2. The water pipe was broken because of a wrong manipulation. Extra USD$ 70 OEM part and a very tight space to work. The water pipe side next to water pump is inserted in a metal hole and any lateral movement of the water pipe to release the part connected to the thermostat housing will break the plastic tip. 3.Try to disconnect the hose that was not disconnected in the video by disconnecting the coolant line to the turbo. Avoid to move the thermostat housing to the right or left, up or down when releasing the thermostat housing. 4.When disconnecting the water pipe to thermostat try to hold the water pipe first. Do not pull the thermostat alone because the water pipe will break. You can also disconnect the air intake hoses close to the intake manifold, then insert you hand and grab the water pipe next to the water pump but you will need somebody else to disconnect the thermostat from the water pipe. Do it very carefully. 5. If something goes wrong then you will need to replace both parts: water pipe and thermostat housing like in the video.

[@senorfloppy9477]

What temperature is this thermostat housing set at?

[@llamtech9294]

Is it possible just to change the sensors but not the whole sensor housing?

[@JCX..]

Do I have to drain the coolant from the bottom? And yes I know fluid will spill when I take out the thermostat..

[@1AAuto]

+Jai Cha Thanks for watching! Yes you will want to drain from down below first like we show you in the video.

[@vectragt2310]

What was the problem with the car? No heating?

[@PatKithiraj]

My 2012 Mini Cooper Countryman thermostat housing doesn’t have an electrical connector next to the vent screw!! When I ordered the part, it came with electrical connector next to it. And now I need an adapter leads to connect to my mini. Where do I connect the lead to on the car???? I know that the two ends go to the thermostat(which is the top and on the bottom, but still not sure). The other side of the lead has one connector to where on the car!!!! Hello 👋🏻. Help 🤷🏻‍♂️🤷🏻‍♂️

[@javianperry8879]

Pat Kithiraj did you ever figure this out?! I have the same problem!!!

[@MarkTownsend]

Hi, I have a 2012 Countryman S All4 and the replacement (from Mini) had different electrical connectors. Mini sells an adapter kit that you need to use. Since there are a few different variations, you should confirm that you have the correct unit for your car.

[@justinbronzan7544]

Way too zoomed in for a new person to even understand where the electrical connectors go

[@jk-tl7dl]

Hello I have one question, at first step, lifting the mini and is it fine without going out coolant in the under hose?

[@MikeHoopes]

Get a couple of 20 degree ramps, and lift it up for a drain pan, if you don't want more than half your coolant on the ground. Know that the bottom hose is absolutely the easiest part of this procedure. You'll get about 2 liters of coolant out of that, and a little will flow out of first 4 thermostat coolant couplings.

[@daperturedan3454]

Anyone doing this job be MUCH MORE careful next to the High pressure fuel pump, it’s the billet alluminum block next to the thermostat housing. The bell shaped piece is a thermal compensator and it is friction fit into the hpfp, if your not careful it’ll get knocked out and you’ll need a $700 hpfp, dont ask me how I found this out

[@1AAuto]

+Daniel Rosengren Thanks for the feedback!

[@JodBronson]

Anyone knows how to "MOD" the Thermostat? I really wanted to take the Thermostat out.... I just wanted free flowing all the time. THANK YOU !!!

[@user-ky5en3po1y]

sure.. when your thermostat valve gets stuck open, just don't fix it. It will probably break soon for you...

[@Givenbigal1]

Thermostat is in there for a good reason. So the engine gets up to optimal operating temperature faster, and to maintain operating temperature. Removing thermostat can cause a lot of problems for your engine in the long run. Especially on modern cars. Do a quick google search and you’ll see what I mean. If you still want to remove it, it won’t be easy on this specific one. Thermostat is built into the housing. So you would have to drill it out, or cut the housing in half to remove. Then glue housing back together. The housing seems to be cast from 2 pieces. So you should follow the seam if you cut.

[@MarkTownsend]

Bad idea. Even on older classic cars, the thermostat helps the engine warm up to temperature quickly to allow for complete burn in the cylinders. Even in warm climates you'd want street cars to have a functioning thermostat. I've been tuning cars for 40 years and am a third generation mechanic. My grandfather and his brothers raced semi-professionally in my part of the country.

[@yigityel]

Bro I bought magnetti marelli New termostat.One day İts worked good.Today gave 2f1a error code what does it mean my friend :(

[@giorgos7six]

I’ve got 140.000km on my R56S and changed the thermostat housing for 3-4 times. What’s the case? Why is this part failing so often?

[@cashster0011]

Sometimes you just need to change the sensor in the thermostat housing

[@JeffInDFW]

@@cashster0011 My understanding is, on some model years you can change the sensor and on other model years BMW molded the sensor into the housing. I'm surprised they don't make you remove the engine to replace the windshield wiper blades.....

[@sandraphillips3515]

So, it looks like you will have to take 1/2 the engine apart to change it out

[@aldoandrade227]

What if nothing comes out the bleeder?

[@JodBronson]

OMG... SERIOUS !!!

[@harristhomson1979]

Hey. Anyone know what sort of time this should take? Thanks

[@sofianeffendi1780]

27:01

[@dcanon]

Wow that's a bugger to take out!!

[@borrackobama4804]

Took the entire car apart

[@1AAuto]

+@borrackobama4804 We appreciate the feedback. Sometimes there are multiple ways to accomplish the same repair.

[@Michael-fw5ef]

I have a Honda Civic, the thermostat is much more accessible than on this BMW. Germans always over-engineer their cars and funny thing is, their cars are less reliable than the simplier Japanese cars.

[@artmpowers]

So pretty much remove EVERYTHING you can. Because that’s what I’m seeing here.

[@tizockhjuarez8191]

Sorry but couldn't get the Torque # (8 pounds?)

[@1AAuto]

+Tizockh Juarez At 17:05 in the video the bolts go in at 8 Newton Meters (8nm). That will be the same as 71 inch pounds. 1aauto.com

[@phmiller25]

Correction needed on the video i swear i head him say “30ft/lb” and that is far too much torque.

[@jeffroberts2279]

I know...I did also and broke my screw head off in there...disaster

[@MarkTownsend]

I heard 8 nm very clearly, and went back a few times as I thought that might be a little light. I had to go out and get a torque wrench that would scale that 'light'.

[@michaelbarber5651]

You said you were going to replace the cross over pipe but you never showed how to do that.

[@1AAuto]

+Michael Barber Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.

[@15Muleskinner]

Horrible design from a mechanics standpoint. Remember if your mini still has the original housing you’ll need the new two connector harness when you replace it. Harness is only $20 aftermarket. None of the online parts dealers or local stores share this info.

[@1AAuto]

+Brock Last Thanks for the feedback!

[@veteranrooftreatment6584]

Holy commercials….

[@sapple3946]

Music is annoying as hell

[@1AAuto]

+S Apple Thanks for the tip! We'll pass this info along to our production team.