This guide covers the replacement of the water pump on petrol-powered second-generation MINIs — including the MINI One, Cooper, and Cooper S fitted with N12, N14, N16, or N18 engines. If you’re noticing coolant loss, engine overheating, or a noisy auxiliary belt, a failing water pump could be the cause.
When Should You Replace the Water Pump?
- Visible coolant leaks from the water pump area
- Overheating under load or at idle
- Coolant warnings on the dashboard
- Rough bearing noise from the auxiliary belt area
What This Video Covers
- Accessing the pump on an N12/N14/N16/N18 engine
- Removing the auxiliary belt and pump bolts
- Fitting the replacement pump and gasket
- Refilling and bleeding the cooling system correctly
Professional Tips
Always replace the gasket with a new OE-quality one. We also recommend inspecting the thermostat housing and auxiliary belt at the same time — they often fail together. If coolant contamination is present, flush the system before fitting the new pump.
FAQs
Which engines does this guide apply to?
This applies to the N12, N14, N16, and N18 petrol engines used in second-gen MINIs (R56, R55, R57, R58, and R59 models).
How long does the water pump job take?
Around 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on tools and experience. Access is tight, but no special tools are needed for most models.
Do I need to bleed the system afterwards?
Yes. Failing to bleed the cooling system can lead to overheating or trapped air. We show the proper procedure in the video.
What else should I check?
There is a plastic pipe that connects the water pump to the themostat. This often leaks so check that this is in good condition.
Is this a DIY job?
If you’re mechanically confident and have decent access, yes. But it’s fiddly work, and if in doubt, book it in with a MINI specialist.