Looking for MINI Service and Repair in London?

Waterfall are an independent family run garage in Wimbledon specialising in MINI, BMW and VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and SKODA). Our fully trained technicians use dealer level diagnostic equipment, allowing us to take care of all your MINI service, maintenance and repair needs.

How to save money on MINI Service and Repair in London

Before European legislation that came into force some years ago, it was very difficult to have your new MINI serviced outside a franchised dealer without it affecting your warranty. You weren’t able to shop around for the best price for MINI service and repair in London.

But now you are no longer tied to the higher prices charged by your local MINI service dealer. Independent garages like Waterfall can maintain and service your MINI from brand new, using genuine MINI parts, without it affecting your warranty.

3 MINIs outside the reception of Waterfall Garage in Wimbledon

Waterfall Garage: Family run, independent, value for money.
Come to us for your MINI service in SW19 and we’ll do the rest.

As well as regular MINI servicing, we can also take care of any other issues including:

MINI computer diagnostics, safety analysis, drivability problems, wheels and tyres, brakes, exhaust system, steering, suspension, fuel system, cooling system, battery and electrical system, and engine & gearbox problems.

And Waterfall in South-West London can also offer the following:

MOT
Engine tuning for optimum performance and fuel efficiency
Coding and programming of control units
Fitting of MINI accessories
Engine and immobiliser alignment
Setting of car/ key memory options
Full component activation
Reading and resetting of fault codes
For MINI bodywork we recommend a trusted local supplier who we’ve worked with for many years.

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 you MINI for a service 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

“Absolutely amazing team, the guys and girls there are lovely! True recommendations based on current car need, rather than trying to upsell with unneeded costs! Car came back beautifully clean.”

Google Review 2022

To find out how much we can save you on your next MINI service in Wimbledon, or for MOT or any MINI repairs in SW19, call us today on:

020 8543 4799

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 Garage: Family run, independent, value for money.
Bring your MINI to us and we’ll do the rest.

What people have said

“The staff member was really nice and he helped me a lot to understand what was happening.”

Miss M – Surrey

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, in all its different versions, has been highly popular since it was first introduced in the 1960s. Known for their compact size and customisation options, MINIs have developed a loyal following over the decades. In fact there was a time when most people you asked would have owned or driven a MINI at some stage of their life.

A number of different MINI models are sold in the UK including the classic MINI Cooper, the MINI Clubman, Convertible, Countryman and Paceman. Other performance versions like the GP, the MINI Cooper S and the John Cooper Works versions, though less common, are also an option for more discerning drivers. Most these MINIs are petrol driven, and are powered by a four-cylinder engine, with capacity ranging from 1200cc (1.2litres) to 2000cc (2.0 litres).

Common MINI Problems and Their Symptoms

While modern MINIs are appealing for their charming retro styling and energetic driving dynamics, there are a few common MINI problems and mechanical issues to look out for. Most of these issues generally affect specific models and engine types from certain years more than others, and Waterfall Garage in Wimbledon are able to sort out any of these issues as part of their MINI Servicing and Repair. Here are the most common MINI problems:

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:

Temperature gauge rising higher than normal.
Low coolant light activation.
Long warm-up times and cold air from the heater if the thermostat fails.
Coolant flow restriction due to a collapsed lower radiator hose.
Steam or vapour from under the bonnet.
Sweet-smelling exhaust fumes.
Reduced heater performance.
Potential head gasket failure from unchecked overheating.

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.
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:

Spongy or vague clutch pedal.
Hard-to-shift gears.
Clutch slipping under heavy acceleration.
Burning smell from clutch slippage.
Low engagement point and rough gear changes.
Severe juddering and stalling at takeoff.

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:

Delayed or harsh gear shifts.
Gear slippage under acceleration.
Warning lights for transmission faults.
Car stuck in one gear or losing drive completely.
Leaks under the car from worn seals.

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:

Coolant puddles under the car.
Low coolant warning light.
Steam from under the bonnet.
Warm air from the air conditioning due to low coolant.
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.
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 can identify some of these potential issues early, so they can be dealt with before they lead to more serious and costly repairs.

Waterfall has it’s own resident MINI genius!

Waterfall has its own resident MINI tuning and mechanical genius, one of the founders and co-director of the company. He’s been into MINIs since the 1980s, he’s both owned and raced them, and is a big fan of the ‘new’ version as well as the originals. What he doesn’t know about MINIs is hardly worth knowing! Recently he’s been rebuilding and tuning a 2004 MINI Cooper S.

Initially the project vehicle, a MINI Cooper S was recovered and delivered to Waterfall Garage in Wimbledon, South London. Initial diagnostics revealed a timing correlation issue so an engine strip down was begun, including removal of the intercooler and cam cover. Initial diagnostics revealed a problem with low compression, that the cam-chain had jumped, and when the cylinder head was removed it revealed 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…