Releasing cooling module

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2018 MINI Cooper, 2017 MINI Cooper, 2016 MINI Cooper, 2015 MINI Cooper, and 2014 MINI Cooper. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

A deformed cooling module could be the cause for vibrations and interference noises in the car when the engine is idling or during slow driving (up to 2 km/h).

An incorrectly installed cooling module could also be cause for vibrations and interference noises. This means the cooling module lies on the neighboring components.

Ensure that the individual components of the cooling module are installed correctly and ensure sufficient distance between the cooling module and the other components.

Fig 1: Installing Cooling Module

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If the cooling module (1) is deformed:

the installation position of the cooling module may be too high or low.
the installation position of the cooling module may be bent.
the cooling module may be tilted backward or forward.

If the cooling module is incorrectly installed, the cooling module may lie on other components and generate vibrations or interference noises.

If the cooling module is correctly installed, the centering pin (1) juts out on the left and right by around 2 mm (2) of the rubber mount.

Fig 2: Checking Centering Pin Correct Position

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If the centering pin (1) juts out too far from the rubber mount, the cooling module is installed too high or aslant.

Fig 3: Checking Centering Pin Incorrect Position

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If the centering pin (1) fits too deep into the rubber mount, the cooling module is installed too low or aslant.

If the centering pin (1) fits aslant in the rubber mount, the cooling module is installed tilted backward.

Fig 4: Centering Pin Incorrect Position

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Required preliminary work to release the cooling module:

Remove INTAKE SILENCER HOUSING .
Remove INTAKE NECK FOR SILENCER HOUSING .
Remove front UNDERBODY PROTECTION .
Remove FRONT BUMPER COVER .

Remove screw (1).

Unscrew the screws (2).

Remove strut (3).

Fig 5: Air Duct Radiator, Strut And Screws

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If fitted:

Unscrew the screws (1).

Remove strut (2).

Fig 6: Air Duct Radiator, Strut And Screws

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Release screws (1), right on the bottom cross connection.

Fig 7: Locating Screws On Bottom Cross Connection (Right)

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Release screws (1), left on the bottom cross connection.

Fig 8: Locating Screws On Bottom Cross Connection (Left)

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Release screws (1) from front axle support and adapter deformation element, right.

Fig 9: Releasing Screws From Front Axle Support And Adapter Deformation Element (Right)

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Release screws (1) from front axle support and adapter deformation element, left.

Fig 10: Releasing Screws From Front Axle Support And Adapter Deformation Element (Left)

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Align cooling module with a second person and release.

Fig 11: Aligning Cooling Module With Second Person

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Ensure that the gasket (1) between the cooling module and bridge is not crushed.

Fig 12: Locating Gasket Between Cooling Module And Bridge

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Ensure that the holder for the cooling module does not lie on the deformation element.

Fig 13: Locating Cooling Module Holder On Deformation Element

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Align cooling module with a second person in such a way that the centering pin (1) juts out on the left and right of the center by about 2 mm from the rubber mount. The cooling module must be held tight by the second person in the aligned position till all screws are tightened.

Fig 14: Checking Centering Pin Correct Position

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Replace right screws (1) on the cross connection and tighten.

Tightening torque 17 10 9AZ .

Fig 15: Locating Right Screws On Cross Connection

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Replace left screws (1) on the cross connection and tighten.

Tightening torque 17 10 9AZ .

Fig 16: Locating Left Screws On Cross Connection

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Tighten screws (1) on front axle support and adapter deformation element.

Tightening torque 31 11 3AZ .

Fig 17: Locating Screws On Front Axle Support And Adapter Deformation Element

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Tighten screws (1) on front axle support and adapter deformation element.

Tightening torque 31 11 3AZ .

Fig 18: Locating Screws On Front Axle Support And Adapter Deformation Element

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If the cooling module is still not in the correct installation position, slacken the bridge.

Remove rubber mount (1) on the left and right.

Fig 19: Removing Rubber Mount On Left And Right

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Release clamp (1) and pull coolant hose (2) slightly forward.

Lock clamp (1).

Fig 20: Pulling Coolant Hose

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Carefully straighten refrigerant tank vent line (1) slightly on the curves (arrows). Or extend the coolant ventilation line (1) slightly.

Fig 21: Locating Refrigerant Tank Vent Line On Curves

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Loosen screws (1).

Fig 22: Locating Screws

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Loosen screws (1).

Slacken bridge.

Fig 23: Locating Screws And Slacken Bridge

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Ensure that the centering pin (1) lies in the center of the bridge.

Fig 24: Locating Centering Pin In Bridge Center

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Coat rubber mount (1) with lubricant (for installation aid see BMW/MINI parts catalogue).

Fig 25: Locating Rubber Mount

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Install rubber mount (1) on the left and right.

Fig 26: Locating Rubber Mount On Left And Right

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Tighten screws (1), right on the bridge.

Tightening torque 41 33 2AZ .

Fig 27: Locating Screws, Right On Bridge

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Tighten screws (1), left on the bridge.

Tightening torque 41 33 2AZ .

Fig 28: Locating Screws, Left On Bridge

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If the cooling module is correctly installed, the centering pin (1) juts out on the left and right by around 2 mm (2) from the rubber mount.

Fig 29: Checking Centering Pin Correct Position

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Ensure that the refrigerant line (1) does not lie on the air duct (2), if required cut the air duct opening with appropriate tool (see illustration).

Fig 30: Locating Refrigerant Line On Air Duct

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Mount strut (3).

Tighten screw (1).

Tighten down screws (2).

Fig 31: Locating Strut And Screws

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If fitted:

Mount strut (2).

Tighten down screws (1).

Fig 32: Locating Strut And Screws

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Ensure that there is enough distance between the strut and the cooling module.

Fig 33: Strut And Cooling Module

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