My First Post!

I purchased a used 2004 R53 Mini Cooper S a few months ago. It has ~69,000 and is pretty well kept. I did a lot of research before even considering an R53 and it sounds like oil leaks, weeping oil pan gaskets and crank sensor o-rings is quite common. This mini has had both oil pan gasket and crank sensor o-ring replaced a few years ago by a previous owner. Here are some pics of where the oil is accumulating. I get about a drop on the garage floor every 3-4 days, depending on how often I use the car. I have not had to add any oil in the past 1500 miles I've owned the car.

I'll be taking it in to a mechanic in about a month or so to complete an R56-S brake caliper upgrade so will be asking the mechanic to take a look at the leak at that time also. Hoping to get some info/ideas on what in might be from this enthusiast community before taking it in. Looking to do track days and HPDE events soon so any info is GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Loving the mini so far,thanks in advance!

 

Nada?

 

CPS is in the front, so probably not that (though it could migrate). Check back edge of valve cover - that would lead there.
Tough to track down a leak that slow. I've notice the same recently - If I track it down I'll let you know!

 

Other possibilities include the oil cooler, and the rear main seal.

 

Check oil filter housing for leaks. Also above that is the cam position sensor. A common one it seems

 

Oil filter housing gasket or...oil spill from Oil filter Change?? or poor oil filter O-ring!!!

 

Took the car in for the r56s front caliper upgrade and had the mechanic take a look at the leak as well. Ended up being the oil filter housing gasket so we replaced. Looks to be pretty dry now so fingers crossed that there are no other leaks.

Thanks for the input everyone!

 

I guessed correctly (see # 4 above); what do I win?