It looks like out of the blue my manual transmission 2007 Mini S Turbo with 63K miles decided to present me with another gift - leaking transmission fluid. First I thought it was coolant leaking again (I replaced water pump less than 5K miles ago) but upon examination I see that its yellow/brownish oily liquid coming from gear box (please see pix). I was wondering if there any sealant that I can use and fill up "the gear box" and then add new transmission fluid. I saw few videos on youtube where people claim it works. My gear shifts just fine and I think i caught it early. If not the sealant, what other options do I have? Or thats not even transmission leak? its more of yellow color and oily. I have no idea whats going on again. Time to sell it :(

 

There are three main areas where oil would leak. Either drive shaft seals or the main crankshaft rear oil seal (behind the flywheel) but this one would drip from the bellhousing and not the box. Never seen a leak from the actual box seal.

 

To seal the transmission case, you would have to remove the transmission and split the case to reapply sealant. A tedious job, and one that should be accompanied by replacement of clutch and other seals. If you can do the work yourself, can be worthwhile. If you have to pay a shop, can get quite costly.

 

I would go with the cleaning the area and monitor. it could be just a coolant leak from the thermostat or water pipe. I think transmission oil has a distinct smell to it besides being oily, of course. coolant can also feel oily and has a citrus like smell.