Mini Cooper (BMW R50) '03 - Cooling system detective work required - stoogy

Recently aquired '03 plate Mini Cooper with cooling issues. Previous owner (family member) kept topping up with water..............:( I have replaced the radiator via the manual but noticed the new coolant stayed in the resevoir. So, I changed the thermostat, still no joy. I admit to being an amateur, but need to know what else I can check. Coolant pump? Sensors? How do I test the system? Your help would be appreciated.

Mini Cooper (BMW R50) '03 - Cooling system detective work required - elekie&a/c doctor

Could you explian what issues you have?Loss of coolant,overheating?

Mini Cooper (BMW R50) '03 - Cooling system detective work required - Peter.N.

I would suspect that the head gasket is leaking.

Mini Cooper (BMW R50) '03 - Cooling system detective work required - chris.o

Check the exansion tank for leaks, I seem to remember there was a batch of faulty ones that would fail along the plastic join in the bottle. Are there any coolant stains around the bottle?