Buying an R53 Cooper S, couple of questions

[Rsdop]

Hi, I’m on the lookout for one of these at the moment. I’ve just been to look at one, one owner from new, 65k, really good spec. I think I’d have bought it there and then, but I noticed there was no coolant in the expansion tank. It took about a pint before it became visible in the tank. The engine sounds good, oil is clean, no gunk under the cap. Just wondering if this is enough to walk away or if there’s any common problems with the cooling system?
The other question is are the panoramic roofs really that problematic? This one works fine but I’ve read they can be an expensive nightmare! Thanks

[Quinten]

My son's R53 S also looses coolant and it doesn't appear to go anywhere, so I'd be interested to hear of any opinions on this... radiator leak?

[Defcon5]

The expansion tank itself will have split, common fault

[HorneyMX5]

Or the cap is crap and it vents to early. It's fairly common. As long as it's not been overheated it should be fine. They tend to blow a headgasket if they overheat badly.

[Redellion]

To further the tank cap comment above, the tank cap sealing correctly is key as the pressure of the cooling system changes the boiling point,

GTT have a decent article about it here: http://www.gtt.uk.com/gtts-cool-guide-to-understan...

[Rsdop]

Ok thanks for all the info. Unfortunately it’s got no insurance so I can’t even get a proper test drive, but I’m certain the head gasket hasn’t gone on it. Anyway I’ve offered a lower price and the sellers having a think so we’ll see what happens! Cheers

[Shappers24]

They can lose coolant from a number of places... thermostat, radiator itself, and as mentioned above the expansion tank can split. All relatively easy fixes.

Worst case scenario is the water pump has gone and it is leaking. That’s an expensive fix as it requires the supercharger to be removed. Ask me how I know...

[R53rider]

Rsdop said:

Ok thanks for all the info. Unfortunately it’s got no insurance so I can’t even get a proper test drive, but I’m certain the head gasket hasn’t gone on it. Anyway I’ve offered a lower price and the sellers having a think so we’ll see what happens! Cheers

What did happen, how did you get on?

[Rsdop]

R53rider said:

Rsdop said:

Ok thanks for all the info. Unfortunately it’s got no insurance so I can’t even get a proper test drive, but I’m certain the head gasket hasn’t gone on it. Anyway I’ve offered a lower price and the sellers having a think so we’ll see what happens! Cheers

What did happen, how did you get on?

Decided against that particular car, it had a lot going for it but the long MOT the seller claimed was actually January. It also had crap tyres all round and needed front brakes. I’m still on the lookout, just waiting for the right one!

[R53rider]

Rsdop said:

Decided against that particular car, it had a lot going for it but the long MOT the seller claimed was actually January. It also had crap tyres all round and needed front brakes. I’m still on the lookout, just waiting for the right one!

Are you still looking?
Try joining the R53 Owners club on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/154538898666141/
4,000 members, all with R53s. mostly in the UK.

[R53rider]

Quinten said:

My son's R53 S also looses coolant and it doesn't appear to go anywhere, so I'd be interested to hear of any opinions on this... radiator leak?

Maybe get yourself on here?
The R53 Owners club on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/154538898666141/
4,000 members, all with R53s, mostly in the UK.

Guy on there recently, losing coolant, was a problem in the piping around the oil/water heat exchanger.
With respect to the comments on the header tank and cap leaking, venting. It is usually pretty obvious this is happening. White stains. Or it actually explodes ..... good night Arizona, car normally chucks a light and/or limps.
One way to try and diagnose from whence it is leaking is get it in a totally dark place, good and hot, with it running, pencil beam torch and get your head in and poke around - hopefully pick up the faint wisps of steam.