I bought my 2011 Used. Since I have had it since July 2013 I had the battery die, the high pressure fuel pump die, had a hole appear the the windscreen that goes up when the sunroof is open and the leaky sensor on the backside of the motor (noticed when I changed the oil). All replaced under warranty which is up this July. Car currently has 37,500 miles on it. I sent the oil I drained out to Blackstone for analysis (I assume there's around 8k-9k miles on the drained oil) The metal (engine bearings, pumps) and copper (turbo bearing) content to be a kinda high. I also feel that the long service intervals in its previous owner ship may have increased the numbers. No matter what they say any more than 3-5k on oil is absurd. Hoping for better more "normal" numbers when I drain this batch of oil around 4k.

 

The bulletin they would reference in your service receipt is SI 11 01 12. My dealer only checked the solenoid because I asked them to. Sure enough, was leaking.

 

Just checked my receipt. It states Oil Control Solenoid leaking. They installed a repair kit for solenoid valve wiring. Also, install oil pump solenoid repair harness per SI 110112. So, I'm good to go. My dealer seems pretty darn good. They replaced wiper blades without me even asking even though the ones on the car seemed fine.

 

So what I'm wondering is if they just go in there and replace with a new solenoid and wiring or is it actually a different improved solenoid/seal? in other words, will I have another leak when I am at 40K? I suppose only time will tell......

 

Well mine leaked at 12k miles (2012 S) so they haven't fixed the problem since yours leaked too. I'm gonna have them check it one more time before the warranty runs out.

 

The part got updated in 4/2013. So hopefully the new ones won't leak.

 

Good to hear that it is at least an updated part. Even though I have a 2013, the build date is 11/2012.

 

They only changed my wiring harness. So the solenoid might still leak?

 

Yea, not sure why they did not change the solonoid. I'd ask why. It's not like the wire harness is the faulty part here, it's just the symptom. The cause is the solonoid.

 

My wife drives an 09 S. She loves it.

The intake had to be walnut blasted after about 1-1/2 years (under warranty). We always used premium, but not "top tier." We switched to top tier fuels and haven't had any more issues. There was a recall I believe it was for a circuit board on the turbo, but it wasn't causing any issues for us. We also had the thermostat changed (also under warranty).

Other than that it has just been regular maintenance like oil, brakes, etc.

Though I will add that I took it out this morning (I rarely drive it). I heard a loud ticking from under the hood when I started it up. I'm worried it might be the timing chain. If so, hopefully Mini will take care of it even though it is out of warranty.

 

Here's what the SA said via email:

The wire repair kit is what is needed to repair that oil solenoid leak. Solenoid itself does not need to be replaced.

What I said originally:

In reading my invoice from the last visit, am I correct in saying only the wire repair kit was installed and the oil control solenoid was not replaced? Is the oil solenoid not the source of the leak?