Hi, Im new to this so please forgive any non macho phrases.. yes, I am a girly mini owner.

I bought my mini 3 months ago, Cooper S on a 53 plate. Low mileage, cracking condition.. heaven.. or so I thought.

Out of the 3 months I have had it, so far it has spent 2 1/2 weeks in the garage having bits and bobs done.. no probs every car needs bits and bobs, I'm fine with that.

The problem is the coolant leakage... can't find it anywhere. The garage I take it to is a BMW Mini specialist... he has had it under pressure 20 psi all day = no leaks, had the pump working on it all day = no leaks. Took the under tray off left inside over night, next day = underneath, no leaks!!!

He has done everything he can think of and is officially about to give up the ghost. Yet, today, again only 2 days having the car back I have had to top up the coolant bottle again!!.. Grrr..... before this it was a week and half before I had to top it up so it's not even consistent.

I can only deduct that it is evaporating which is why nothing is visable (but surely it would have dropped pressure whilst in the garage) so, this is my cry for help. I don't want all this, I just want a car that is reliable..

My love affair (short lived over this) is nearly over. I love driving it but not whilst I have this issue with coolant....

I fear it is going to have to go, I don't want to but your my last hope guys.. Pleasseeeee..... any ideas?

Before people start suggesting some expensive fixes I suggest you try changing the pressure cap on the coolant expansion tank. If the cap isn't holding the pressure the coolant will boil at a lower temperature. Whilst under pressure the coolant can take a higher temperature before it starts to boil. You can guarantee most garages will check the pressure in the system but hardly ever check the cap which holds the pressure in the system.

Its a consumable part which should be changed regularly anyway. Good luck with it.