I can't find mention of this sensor in my haynes or Bentley manual. Maybe I am not looking smart enough. There appears to be an oil leak from it or somewhere near. (It is coming out of the block just below the water pump inlet and to the right of the dipstick assembly.

Thanks!

 

Crank position sensor. Common source of leaks. Requires new o-ring. Very easy to do now that you have removed everything that gets in the way.

 

More often than not, leaks from that location are from the intake runner-to-supercharger connection, not the crank sensor.

 

Thanks guys. I seemed to think that was about all it could be, but I am only available to work on the car every few days and did not have time to go page by page through the manual(s)

Right, I will r/r the seal on that and the dipstick while I have it nekkid. I have been looking through the manual to see what can/needs to be replaced at this time.

I am pretty sure my alternator is toast and that was causing the sounds that precipitated this ordeal. It is at a rebuild shop right now and I am anxiously awaiting the verdict. $600+ @ MINI, $300+ aftermarket. Supporting a local guy, priceless.
The OEM alternators for that iteration MINI is a Denso Tenn unit, made about 2 miles from my house. I was tickled to find that out. The time line for it makes me think that my son was working there during its manufacture. How cool is that? German engineered British car made with Japanese components manufactured in Tennessee. Interesting