Highlighted in red. Gave it a few gentle tugs and nothing really happened.

 

That's not a separate piece from the valve cover from MINI , Believe its molded / bonded. The front little cover snaps out that holds the ignition wires in the front.

That's the N14 Engine.

Here is a thread with more info and pics.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ment-help.html

Thanks and hope that helps.

 

Very interesting. As you can see, lots of dirt and grime up top. Wanted to make sure there wasnt a weird leak from under that area.

Guess it just needs a good washing!

 

Before you go hosing down the engine bay be sure to cover electrical and especially electronic bits with a plastic film or something. MINI engine bays are like 4 year old boys, they don't like to take a bath and often will refuse to function after the fact.

 

Yea, I was thinking about that. What do you suggest?

 

take the cover off, wash it in a shop sink, let it thoroughly air dry, and re silicone the corners where the gasket goes up and over the "humps" on the cylinder head.

 

Autogeek, Meguiars and Adams have videos and product for waterless engine bay cleaning.