DIY Retrofitting 2005+ under tray to a pre 2005 R53

[SilverBeam]

One of the known fail points of the R53 is the power steering fan. Its position under the car makes it prone to failure from rocks/debris getting stuck in the fan, preventing it from spinning, overheating the fan. MINI improved the fan design over the years, adding a shroud in 2004, and redesigning the under tray to include a air channel in 2005, which helps to protect the fan from debris while also improving air flow. Luckily, it is very easy to add the redesigned under tray and air channel to your pre 2005 MINI.

Here’s the parts you need. On Real OEM it says the parts are only for an automatic transmission, but don’t worry, they bolt up just fine regardless of shifting preference:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/undertray.png

51757201784
51757201784
07146981767 (x2)
All the other clips and what not under the car transfer right over.


First, remove your original under tray. It is connected with two screws on the right and left side and three bolts under the front lip. Once off, you’ll see the fan directly behind the oil pan

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/IMG_20110827_123331.jpg

Attach the air channel to the new under tray using the two c-nut clips

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/forum/IMG_20110827_123956.jpg

Attach the new under tray onto the car loosely by screwing it in on the side. You’ll see that there are no screw holes on your fan to install the channel. Using the air channel as your guide, use a sharpie to mark where you’ll need to drill holes.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/forum/IMG_20110827_123240.jpg

Drill

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/forum/IMG_20110827_123520.jpg

The air channel comes with odd tapered screws, instead of trying to match it up, we just removed them in favor for some standard screws.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/forum/IMG_20110827_124034.jpg

Re-attach under tray and screw on the air channel .

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/forum/IMG_20110827_124132.jpg

Voila

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/silverbeam/forum/IMG_20110827_124408.jpg

Total cost, about $100, install ~10 minutes. Protecting a $800 pump: priceless.

[MINIGURU]

Actually that duct only came on the Automatic Cooper S. The manual trans cars didn't have it. I really don't think it makes a difference the fan and pump will die with or without this.

[SilverBeam]

The fans typically fail when debris gets stuck inside of them, the channel helps protect the fan and definitely can't hurt. MINI continued to improve the design of the fan/protection over time, finally ending up with this, so why not add it to earlier model cars?

[noodlesandsam]

My wife has a 2005 S automatic. We have 63K on it, and no PS issues. That shroud works.

[MINIGURU]

Sorry I really don't think the shroud helps. In the last 9 yrs I've only seen 2 fans failed that actually had something stuck in them. Most failures are the bearing on the fan, or just electricly they quit. The replacement ones seem to be much more reliable.
But remember this was ONLY installed on Automatic trans cars, the factory never put it on Manual trans cars. So some engineer at MINI has a reason for it, but it has something to do with the AT trans. I'd be interested in his reasoning.

[bills2002]

Obvious advantage of this duct is that you are sucking fresh air from the front airstream as opposed to the hot air your pulling from near the oil pan without a duct.

[SilverBeam]

It probably doesn't prove anything-- but I've had no issues with my power steering pump. I think it's a good peace of mind mod, if nothing else.