In most cases, the culprit is the magnet clutch coil. If that's the issue, you don't have to completely remove the AC compressor. The key is to use the right size of snap ring pliers. Avoid attempting to pry the front plate as shown in the video; it's not advisable if you plan to reuse it.😥

I got this (refurbished? remanufactured?) AC compressor in Japan. I don't think they offer international shipping but here is the link. store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/solltd3/64526918122a-0vvv.html It's like US$150. Japanese YEN became so weak against USD. The product number is [ 64526918122 ].

@@mini50 okay thank you for your quick response. I was able to buy one that was almost identical to yours in the US lol 😆

2003 R50 right-hand drive.

I admit that the MINI is a money pit. I knew nothing about the car beyond driving it. One day, the dealership quoted $10,000 to fix everything. That's when I thought, "F**K IT! I'LL DO IT MYSELF!!" 😡

I'm not an expert, but I suspect it could be an error with the system module (ECU). Try unplugging the negative battery cable and leaving it for a while, then reconnecting the battery. This should reset everything. If that doesn't work, you might want to use an OBD2 tool for further investigation.

To me, an engine swap is like an amateur trying a heart transplant😂

@@mini50 understandable, you plan on doing anything internally?

In Japan, every car owner has to pass vehicle inspection every two years. The inspection is strictly regulated, so there's limited room for upgrades or enhancements.😭 Mainly my youtube channel is about how to fix or repair the vehicle.

It's working just fine. So far so good. I got this AC compressor in Japan. I don't think they offer international shipping but here is the link. store.shopping.yahoo.co.jp/solltd3/64526918122a-0vvv.html It's like US$145.😂 Japanese YEN became so weak against USD.😂😂😂 The product number is [64526918122 ] so you might want to google it and find your local store.

It's so damn true!😂But you know, it's an "Asian thing"...

Thank you so much!😊I'm so happy to hear that!😆

I'm not exactly sure what it's called, but the product number is "17127515494." Have you checked eBay? It might take a bit of time, but it's slightly cheaper there. Also, there's an upgraded version made of aluminum, as mentioned by @sidewalkMCS below. Some people have said that the quality isn't good and it tends to leak, so I prefer the one made of plastic.

Did you just say "$150 at BMW dealership"? Just for the product? No way....

True!!😂 It took me hours to do this job...

Coz most people don't have the tools required which means you have to take it to a mini dealership which means more $$$$$$$$$ they make. Not only do they make $$ selling you the car, they make $$ every time it needs work done. They win all the way around. Wop Wop. Walking and mass transit really is the way to go. Unfortunately I no longer live in san francisco, cali.....now i live in san antonio, texas (family) thus there is no such thing as mass transit out here so we are all FORCED to drive cars or tanks (that's what i call all the huge trucks out here = tanks) i love my mini cooper, unfort (this is my second one) once they pass 100,000 miles they become a nightmare = always SOMETHING GOING OUT. biggest mistake was not selling it b4 hitting 100,000 miles. sigh. my own fault. they are great cars. great on gas and lots of fun to drive. but once they pass that 100k mark, it's all down hill after that!

@@ronrendon I have two Minis myself. Both used. Both with over 140000 miles. And I live on an island where there is no Mini dealer.

Well...probably you never heard of " Rover Mini". There are still many BMC/BL/Rover Mini owners. This is "BMW model" so there is no problem calling it "BMW MINI". Check Wikipedia for more details.

If you take your time and use WD-40 along with a 90-degree pick tool, you may not need to break it into two. I wiggled it very hard, and it just ended up breaking apart.😅

There might be a shortcut to replace the AC compressor, but I suppose this is the easiest way for someone like me who isn't a mechanic. Since the R52 has a supercharger, there might be additional steps to complete this task.

@@mini50 you meant that the R62 does not have a supercharger. It’s just a 1.6L. I’m on my way as we text to drop off the car!🥵😅

Well? My tech told me that my Mini without the S turbo on it? It’d be easier.

I'm sorry. I had the impression that all R52 models were based on the MINI Cooper S, but there are naturally aspirated engine models like the MINI Cooper R50.😅

I don't know exactly what's that called. "Cooling Hose Connector" or "Connection Piece" or something like that. The product number is "17127515494" so you can just google it.

Thank you

>It does stop leaking when the engine is running though That sounds mysterious... There could be a tiny crack, and when the coolant gets hot, the crack may expand and seal properly.

@@mini50 That make sense! It's an old mini so, maybe the water pump just reached the end of its life. *sorry, the leak dropped through the compressor not condenser. The only place that would make sense is the water pump (i got the idea from this video 😂)

My guess is also the water pump or the water pump flange o-ring (11111487596). Ganbattekduasai (^o^)/

@@mini50 頑張ります！

@@mini50One more question though, before you replaced the water pump, did you notice any bubbling from the coolant reservoir tank when the engine is running?

I thought it was a piece of cake, but the 20 year old rubber hoses were pain in the neck. You may need "90 Degree Pick Tool" to get this done 10 times faster. Good Luck!

​@mini50 hey what is your accent? It sounds like an Asian language mixed with Australian English accent:) thanks for video

My English might sound a bit awkward as I'm Japanese, born and raised in Japan. Since not many Japanese people own this car anymore, I thought I should try sharing the videos in English :)

That would be super awesome!☺ I know I should.

Thank you! The 2003 and 2005 MINI Cooper R50 should be almost identical. It's cool that the R50-53 models are still cruising around nowadays. Hardly come across them here in Japan though.

That's a good one. WD-40 was completely out of my mind😅

You’re very welcome!

I wasn't sure which one to buy because the plastic piece lasted for 20 years. Let's see how long it's going to last this time.

Hello. The product number is 17127515494. I bought this item in Japan. Unfortunately, they don't offer international shipping. It depends on your location, but you might consider searching online to find out where you can buy the item locally. You can just google "17127515494".

Wow, you speak Japanese!? That's awesome! Yes, it's incredibly hot and humid here. Just picture being in a sauna with a swarm of mosquitoes. That's the kind of environment I'm living in.😭

@mini50 I remember the first time I got off of the airplane coming to Japan in early June. It was like stepping into a sauna - and this was Tokyo not the south. Thanks for this video. I did some more checking on my car and it looks like I'm going to have to do exactly what you did here with changing out the unit.

Thank you for your kind comment and subscription! I purchased this car brand new and I still love it. While I'm not a professional mechanic, I'll do my best to upload videos as often as I can. Your support means a lot to me. Arigato!

Hi Andy. The o ring for the flange connector? The product number is 11111487596. I hope this helps.

@mini50 I got one off the plumber he has box off all different sizes . Just to fill with coolant t today and bleed any tips for bleeding as I know there a nightmare

It doesn't necessarily have to be an authentic product, as long as it fits and seals properly.

I'm not really an expert in mechanics, so I could be wrong about this, but as far as I know, when the magnet clutch engages, the AC compressor should kick into action and start moving. You could try adding some refrigerant gas, but it seems like the problem might run deeper and require further investigation. When I replaced my AC compressor, the refrigerant gas was naturally empty, and I noticed that the magnet clutch didn't engage when I turned on the A/C. (I didn't expect any cold air coming out but I just wanted to test it.)

Thanks for the information! I've been searching for a mount upgrade item that can reduce vibrations, but I haven't been able to find it. Do you happen to have the URL for the product?

I'm sorry but I have no idea...

At least in my country, I passed the vehicle inspection. I used a zip tie and so far, the bolt has not come loose. But, you know, you shouldn't do it if you don't feel the vibrations.

I got my new water pump in Japan. Unfortunately, they don't ship overseas... You should check on ebay.

Unfortunately, the previous owner had glued the backside of the trim for waterproofing purposes. It was easier for me to mask headlights instead of removing the glue and popping out the trims.

@@mini50 Ah, gotcha. What a pain!

That's right. I just installed a new compressor, connected everything, and went to an auto shop for a recharge. I personally don't own a manifold gauge or a vacuum air machine so I couldn't do it myself.

@@mini50 did they do a flush at the shop or just gas it?

No, they didn't do a flush at all. They just vacuumed the air inside and added the gas. Nobody knows how much oil is left in the lines.😅 But so far, the A/C is working just fine.

@@mini50cool, thanks for the info.

@@mini50 I spoke to an A/C repair business today. They advised me that if the oil looks clear and is yellow or slightly green you are good to go. It’s only if it’s dark like used motor oil that you need to flush as this would indicate material from inside the pump surfaces (Teflon and stuff) has ended up in the oil. From your video I think you are all good.

Even with the original headlight, black trim should look cool 👍

Good luck to you. If I could do it so can you👍

I'm not a mechanic either. You can get this done If you have the right tools. There are a lot to do but they are pretty straight forward. I think £300/400 for replacing water pump isn't a bad deal though.

Thank you Ian! I'm happy to hear that.😄 I'm hoping to upload more videos but what I've done since the last video was replacing wiper blades....which I think it isn't worth uploading.😅

Domo arigato! I'm glad to hear that😀 Now my R50 is 42db on average when it's idle. I'm hoping to upload more videos.

True, and it's in the description.

So? He did respray the ones that are in the final shot

I'm glad it helps!😊 Yeah..it took me some time to figure this out.

The Check #3 part? Yes, the engine has to be running. But on this video, I didn't start the engine when I was shooting because the microphone cannot pick up the click sound anyway...

What if the relay isn’t making a sound?

Did you test it with the engine running and the A/C turned on? If you did, the problem could be either the relay (you can try swapping and testing) or the A/C system itself.

LOL

To be honest, no I didn't. The trace of coolant was just on that spot so I could tell it's either a flange connector gasket, a water pump or radiator hoses nearby.