Here is a short video of a 2009 Mini Cooper S Clubman.
When it came to the shop it has no coolant in the reservoir. Coolant flowed out on top of the transmission as fast as we poured it in, but it did still run. The customer stated that it heated up very quickly and he shut it off immediately. We were able to perform a cooling system test (see video) and you can see the coolant spraying out of a cracked thermostat housing. After replacing the thermostat housing and stabilizing the cooling system, we were able to get the vehicle running long enough to properly perform a head gasket/block test. Unfortunately this Mini Cooper failed the head gasket test and we had to recommend removal of the cylinder head for testing and inspection. 
The machine shop found that the cylinder head was badly warped and had to be straightened or replaced. The only thing that could have prevented this is cooling system service. As you can see in the third picture, there is a lot of build up in the cooling system. Note; this vehicle has less than 70,000 miles on it. Moral of the story: Mini Coopers cooling systems are made mostly of plastic and it is imperative that the cooling system be serviced regularly and clean, aluminum friendly, non-acidic coolant be kept in the system at all times. If you need your Mini Cooper's cooling system serviced or the shop you go to doesn't test the PH of the coolant in your Cooper every time it is serviced, give us a call or CLICK HERE for your appointment. You will be glad you did......
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