Hey guys,

I notice under my car today that there were spots of oil on the concrete floor. They are pretty close to the passenger side front tire. It wasn't a puddle but spots. The car must have sat for probably 5 hours. I checked the oil and still had it on the dipstick, so It must have just started happening. Any ideas on what it could be? Just got the car in June and it only has 27000 miles on it, so hopefully its still under warranty.

Thanks,
Joe

 

It would still be under warranty unless you bought it used, and even then it should be I would think. Anyway, you probably want to take it in to a dealer to check it out. Hopefully it is something simple. Good luck!

 

Look under there and see where it is leaking. Most likely it is around the drain plug because it isn't tight enough. If it isn't go to dealer and get it looked at.

 

I bought it used. I was told that the warranty is good till 50,000 miles and it had to be serviced a mini dealership. I took out an additional warranty that takes effect once the mini cooper one ends. Is the drain plug on that side? I haven't had a oil change since I got it. I was planning on making a appointment for the 30,000 mile check up this month.

edit: I was possibly thinking that (drain plug) or the gasket on the filter. Really haven't had a chance to look underneath it, and don't know much about Mini.

 

seems to be leaking from above that you can see where the oil is collecting. Does mini have roadside assistance? I live about 35 mins from the closest dealership, and not sure if its safe to drive.


edit: the top of the engine and the underside of the hood is clean and has no oil. If I reach my had up in there its covered in oil.

 

isn't the chain tensioner located on the passenger side of the engine? Do you hear a loud rattle/hammer like sound when you first start the mini in the morning?

 

I doubt that the chain tensioner is the problem. Hmm consider cleaning up the oil that is there and let it sit over night and take a look at it again.

 

no unusual noises. No loss of performance. I jacked the car up and started it and watched the oil drip from above that location. No oil on the driver's side front and i'm assuming from the oil filter (driver side front between the engine and the headlight). The oil doesn't seem burnt or that it has gas in it.

Any other ideas?

 

My guess - front main (crankshaft) oil seal. To see the source of the leak, you have to remove the passenger side wheel and pull the wheel well liner partially away. Look behind the main crank pulley - that's where the seal is. If it's wet & oily behind the pulley, you've found your culprit.

The good news - it's an easy fix for a MINI dealer. I wouldn't D.I.Y. this job, let your dealer handle it.

My '08 Cooper recently had this problem, dealer fixed it under warranty. No leaks since.

BTW - if the oil seal is leaking, it's OK to drive as long as you make sure to keep the oil level above the minimum mark on the dipstick. Don't wait too long to get it fixed, though - the leaking oil will eventually get on your accessory drive belts and cause them to slip and ruin them.
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I wouldn't suggest this as DIY because it is under warranty. Though if it wasn't I would do it myself.

 

Hey guys got it fixed. The cause of the leak was the timing chain tension seal. Everything was covered by warranty, minus the oil change. Ran me $86. Thanks for all the advice