Two problems related to radiator have been reported for the 2002 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Mini Cooper S based on all problems reported for the 2002 Cooper S.
Purchased this car used with low miles. Shortly after purchase I noticed the steering on my vehicle got a little harder to steer, didn't think to much about it. Then the radiator fan would not turn off when the vehicle was off. Took the car in to two different mechanics to find the problem. Found out it was the power steering pump went out causing the coolant reservoir to go out. This could cause extreme safety hazards when driving on the freeway and the steering freezes!! I contacted BMW after hearing there was a recall for this same problem. I was told we missed the recall time frame. I have low miles, 60,000. The recall expired in 2017. Well, my care was not having the issues. I don't feel comfortable selling the car and handing the problem to another consumer. This recall should be extended as it could be an unpleasant result.
On 13 June 2011 a power steering fan shorted on my dauhters 2002 Mini Cooper S causing the radiator fan to stop. This caused the car to overheat. On 14 June 2011 car was repaired by a Mini cooper dealer after being towed. Parts replaced are fan housing with fan, fan with protecting grille, wiring set for power supply, cable strap. Power steering fan seized causing cooling fans not to work. Dealer replaced wiring harness (updated) to keep power steering fan and cooling fans seperate (as told by service rep). Old parts where not kept. This happened once.