Looking for a MINI Garage in London?
Your MINI is an iconic symbol of British motoring pride, and you want to be confident that it’s handled by specialists. At Waterfall Garage, we are proud of being your local MINI garage experts. Our garage has equipment equivalent to that of main dealers, guaranteeing that your cherished MINI gets top-tier care and precision during any service or repair. Your MINI deserves nothing less.
Our mechanics are well-versed with the complexities of MINI models, from the MINI 1 to the Countryman. So by choosing Waterfall, you’re selecting the expertise and attention to detail of a main dealer, combined with the cost-effectiveness and personal touch of a local garage.
Waterfall MINI Garage can carry out all the following and more:
- MOT inspection
- Fuel system maintenance
- Cooling system services
- Safety inspections
- Solutions for drivability issues
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake repairs
- Exhaust and muffler systems
- Steering and suspension repairs
- Alignment services
- Air conditioning maintenance
- Electrical system repairs
- Engine repairs and overhauls
- Coding and programming of control units
- Fitting of MINI accessories
- Engine and immobiliser alignment
- Setting of car/ key memory options
- Full component activation
- Engine tuning for improved fuel efficiency
- For MINI bodywork we recommend a trusted local supplier who we’ve worked with for many years
Waterfall, your local MINI garage in London: Family run, independent, value for money.
Bring your MINI to us and we’ll do the rest.
We can also diagnose any faults that are casing you problems with your MINI
MINIs are renowned for their intricate design and precision engineering. While this makes them a pleasure to drive, it also necessitates a meticulous approach to fault diagnosis.
At Waterfall Garage, we are fully equipped to handle any MINI issues. We understand that a vehicle as iconic as the MINI deserves exceptional care and attention. With our advanced diagnostic tools, we can efficiently identify and resolve a wide range of problems, from performance issues to electrical faults.
Waterfall are big enough to compete with the main dealers, yet small enough to give a personal service
What’s more, we are just 5 minutes walk from all the major public transport links in Wimbledon town centre, so dropping off your car to our MINI garage for a service, MOT or any other MINI maintenance while you are on your way to work couldn’t be easier or more convenient. We also offer a FREE valet with each full service, as well as a local pick-up and drop-off service.
We are rated
Good Garage Scheme
97.0%
Google Reviews
4.6 out of 5
What people have said
“Very professional garage. I have used them for a few years to service my VW Polo and more recently a Mini Clubman purchase. I have confidence they know what they are doing and no fear of ever being ripped off. Highly recommended.”
Google Review 2020
To find out how much Waterfall MINI garage in London can save you on your next MINI service in SW19, or for MOT or any MINI repairs, call us today on:
We’re often busy, so if we don’t pick up please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
Or you can email us:
We are open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30
Waterfall: Family run, independent, value for money MINI garage in London.
Bring your MINI to us in Wimbledon and we’ll do the rest.
Find us
We are just 5 minute’s walk from Wimbledon mainline station
Call us today to find out how we can save you money on the cost of your next MINI Coupe service, MINI Roadster service, MINI Countryman service, MINI Paceman service, MINI Clubman service, MINI Convertible / Cabrio service, MINI Hatch / Hardtop or any other MINI model.
About the MINI
The iconic MINI has enjoyed immense popularity in its various iterations since its debut in the 1960s. Known for their compact design and extensive customization options, MINIs have garnered a devoted following over the years. There was a time when almost everyone you asked had either owned or driven a MINI at some point in their life.
In the UK, several different MINI models are available, including the classic MINI Cooper, MINI Clubman, Convertible, Countryman, and Paceman. For those seeking higher performance, options such as the GP, MINI Cooper S, and John Cooper Works versions are also available, though they are less common. Most of these MINIs run on petrol and are equipped with four-cylinder engines, with capacities ranging from 1200cc (1.2 litres) to 2000cc (2.0 litres).
Common MINI Problems and Their Symptoms
While modern MINIs are admired for their charming retro style and spirited driving experience, there are some common mechanical issues to be aware of. These issues tend to affect specific models and engine types from certain years more than others. As a specialist MINI garage in South London, Waterfall can address any of these problems as part of our MINI Servicing and Repair. Here are the most common MINI problems that we come across:
1: MINI Engine Overheating in MINI Cooper S (2007-2010)
The turbocharged engines in the 2nd generation (R56) MINI Cooper S, particularly models built between 2007-2010 with the 1.6-litre turbo engine, are prone to overheating. This is often due to a faulty electric thermostat, a blocked or collapsing lower radiator hose, and leaks from the water pump or radiator. Oil cooler leaks are also common.
Causes and symptoms of MINI overheating:
Steam or vapor from under the bonnet, reduced heater performance, low coolant light activation, coolant flow restriction due to a collapsed lower radiator hose, sweet-smelling exhaust fumes, long warm-up times and cold air from the heater if the thermostat fails, potential head gasket failure from unchecked overheating, or temperature gauge rising higher than normal.
2: MINI Power Steering Pump Failures in MINI Convertible (2005-2008)
The R52 MINI Convertible, particularly models from 2005-2008, often experiences premature power steering pump failure between 60,000-100,000 miles. This is due to a poorly designed pump that can’t withstand the vibrations and loads over time, leading to fluid leaks and pump noise.
Causes and symptoms of MINI steering pump problems:
Power steering fluid leaks, whining noise from the pump, increased steering effort especially at low speeds, intermittent power assist loss, or complete power steering failure making the car hard to steer.
Click to read more about these other common MINI issues: Clutch failure, Transmission issues, Water pump leaks and Timing chain noise…
3: MINI Clutch Failure in MINI Cooper (2001-2006)
The 1st generation (R50/R53) MINI Cooper, especially those built from 2001-2006, suffers from premature clutch wear and failure. This typically occurs between 40,000-60,000 miles due to an under-designed single-mass flywheel and a weak factory clutch, particularly in manual transmission Cooper S models.
Causes and symptoms of MINI clutch failure:
Hard-to-shift gears, clutch slipping under heavy acceleration, spongy or vague clutch pedal, severe juddering and stalling at takeoff, burning smell from clutch slippage, or low engagement point and rough gear changes.
4: MINI Transmission Issues in MINI Paceman (2013-2016)
The 6-speed automatic transmissions in 2013-2016 R61 MINI Paceman models are known for premature failure. This is due to worn internal components such as clutch packs, solenoids, and valve bodies, as well as leaking seals.
Causes and symptoms of MINI transmission problems:
Gear slippage under acceleration, leaks under the car from worn seals, delayed or harsh gear shifts, warning lights for transmission faults, or car stuck in one gear or losing drive completely.
5: MINI Water Pump Leaks in MINI Countryman (2010-2016)
2010-2016 R60 MINI Countryman models with the 1.6-litre Prince turbo engine often experience water pump leaks due to premature failure of the water pump impeller shaft seal, leading to coolant leaks.
Causes and symptoms of MINI water pump leaks:
Low coolant warning light, steam from under the bonnet, coolant puddles under the car, warm air from the air conditioning due to low coolant, or visual leaks from the water pump and front of the engine.
6: MINI Timing Chain Noise in MINI Clubman (2007-2014)
Timing chain issues are common in 2007-2014 R55 MINI Clubman models with the 1.6-litre Prince turbo engine. Premature wear of the timing chain components causes noisy operation.
Causes and symptoms of MINI timing chain noise:
Rattling or knocking noises from the front of the engine (especially when cold, noise may reduce as the engine warms but remains present), check engine light with timing-related codes, or reduced engine performance if the timing chain has skipped timing. Immediate inspection and replacement of the timing chain, guides, and tensioner are necessary to avoid severe engine damage.
Conclusion
By understanding these common issues and their symptoms, MINI owners are able to spot some of these potential issues early, so they can be dealt with before they give rise to more serious and costly repairs later on.
For help with any problems you’re having with your MINI, come to Waterfall, your trusted MINI garage in London:
We’re often busy, so if we don’t pick up please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
Or you can email us:
We are open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30
Waterfall has it’s own resident MINI genius!
Waterfall Garage boasts its own expert in MINI tuning and mechanics, who is also one of the founders and co-directors of the company. With a passion for MINIs since the 1980s, he has both owned and raced them, showing equal admiration for the ‘new’ versions as well as the originals. His extensive knowledge of MINIs is second to none. Recently, he has been meticulously rebuilding and fine-tuning a 2004 MINI Cooper S.
The project commenced when the MINI Cooper S was retrieved and brought to Waterfall Garage in Wimbledon, South London. Initial diagnostics uncovered a timing correlation issue, prompting an engine disassembly that included removing the intercooler and cam cover. Subsequent diagnostics revealed a low compression problem, indicating that the cam chain had jumped. Upon removing the cylinder head, it was discovered that the MINI had 16 bent valves.
With this amount of damage it was decided to remove the MINI engine completely and carryout a full engine rebuild, as well as to make additional performance modifications, including:
- Replacing the MINI clutch
- Lightening & balancing the flywheel
- Enlarging the crank pulley diameter
Read the full MINI rebuild story and see the rest of the pictures here…
To discover how much we can save you on your next MINI service in Wimbledon, or for MOT or any MINI repairs, call Waterfall Garage today on:
We’re often busy, so if we don’t pick up please leave a message and we’ll get back to you.
Or you can email us:
We are open Monday to Friday 8.30 to 5.30