My 09 JCW sprung a leak and I can't figure out where it is coming from exactly . I have it narrowed down to the passenger side of the engine. It's not coming from the top or bottom, but in the middle by the pulleys. It doesn't leak when the engine is shut off just when it is running. I have it up on jack stands with the wheel and fender lining off. Still can't pinpoint the leak. It doesn't drip it's more of a stream. Any advice would be appreciated besides the obvious of heading to the dealer. Nearest one is 200 miles. Long way to trailer it.

 

Herman --There is a fluorescent dye that can be added to your oil. Using a blacklight you can see the source of the leak. I saw the product last week on "Trucks". I cannot remember the name of it, but you may be able to find it at the "Trucks" website. Good luck.

Try this website for a dye designed for oil.: http://www.amazon.com/Tracer-Product.../dp/B000JFHNTM

 

Are you sure it's oil and not coolant? The water pump is on that side. I had my water pump replaced because it was leaking.
Check your coolant bottle and see if it's low.

 

Ask the dealer to come get it. If its a warranty repair, call MINI Roadside and have it towed to the dealer.

 

I have had to oil leaks both times it was the Crank Seal Gasket.

 

That sounds about right. It's in that general area. I guess I'll have to make the call to have her towed. Not something I want to mess with! Thanks for you guys' help.

 

Come to find out it was the timing chain tensioner causing the leak. They towed it in and fixed it and put a new timing chain and tensioner on. They even towed it back over to me. Seems to run a little smoother now!