I have a 2012 countryman base 1.6L. There is an oil leak in rear passenger side of engine. I have searched all the threads on oil leaks and did not see this one. I check from top to bottom of engine.

The leak is rear passenger side at back. From what I can tell the oil is leaking where the enginer holder bolts to the bottom of block just about the oil pan. The oil is leak down the engine holder, part item 4 of diagram, and down this to where it attaches to the engine mount, part5 of diagram.

Any ideas?

 

First guesses would be the valve cover, very top of the engine. They're known to develop leaks in the corners. In this case, the rear passenger corner and leaking down. Next guesses would perhaps be the camshaft chain tensioner or VANOS. I'm not sure either of those leak frequently. And I don't think you want to mess with the cam chain tensioner unless you know what you're doing, could conceivably effect timing.

Without more pics or info I'd guess the valve cover.

 

Almost the first year of Countryman S production had issues with the timing chain tensioner leaking oil on the N18 engine. Perhaps someone didn't torque your tensioner to spec?

SIM 11 05 12
Service Action: N18 Timing Chain Tensioner Oil LeakageInspection/Seal Ring Repl

SITUATION
An oil leak can develop from the timing chain tensioner mounting location.
CAUSE
The timing chain tensioner seal ring material is too soft, resulting in lost tension during the timingchain tensioner tightening sequence.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action involves certain R55, R56, R57 and R60 MINI Cooper S vehicles with the N18engine which were produced from 7/2010 to 5/2011.
In order to determine whether a specific vehicle has had this Service Action completed or is affectedby this Service Action, first check the B-pillar label for code number
54. If code number 54 has beenpunched out, the campaign has already been performed. If code number 54 has not been punchedout, it will be necessary to utilize the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) orthe Key Reader. Based on the response of the system, either proceed with the corrective action ortake no further action.
PROCEDURE
1.
Remove the intake air filter assembly as per Repair Instruction 13 71 000.
2.
Inspect the area around the timing chain tensioner for traces of engine oil.
3.
If no leak is present, reinstall the air filter housing as per Repair Instruction 13 71 000. If a leak is present, proceed to step 4.
4.
Replace the timing chain tensioner seal (gasket) ring with P/N11 31 7 631 972 and utilize the proper tightening torque as per Repair Instruction 11 31 090.

 

They have an N16, that was the n18 problem. i think we need to see higher up on that part that has the oil on it.