Mini Cooper Bypass Valve Error and Overheating

Bypass valve and overheating, eh? Sounds familiar. I had something similar happen with my Cooper. Check for coolant leaks. A small leak can cause all sorts of weird issues with the vacuum system and throw off the air intake, triggering that bypass valve error. It messed with my fuel efficiency too.

Coolant leak, huh? Where exactly should I be looking? I've checked around the radiator, but didn't spot anything obvious. And how would a coolant leak affect the bypass valve? I'm trying to wrap my head around that. I thought they were totally separate systems.

Yeah, mine was a tiny leak near one of the hoses connected to the engine block, hard to spot at first. The coolant level was dropping slowly, but enough to mess with the engine temp. The overheating can then cause the bypass valve to act up as the system tries to compensate. Honestly, I'd take it to a workshop. They'll pressure test the system and find the leak quickly.

Just wanted to give you an update. Took the Cooper to the shop, and you were spot on! It was a coolant leak causing the whole shebang with the bypass valve. They fixed the leak, cleared the error, and everything's running smooth now. The car repair didn't cost me a thing because it was a small issue, thanks for the help!