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Stock Problems/IssuesDiscussions related to warranty related issues and repairs, or other problems with the OEM parts and software for MINI Cooper (R50), Cabrio (R52), and Cooper S (R53) MINIs.
Can someone please help and let me know where this like might be coming from?
When I heard there was a small leak I expected the crank seal/crank sensor since
it wasn’t near the oil pan.
The dealer tells me me they may require to remove the transmission or engine to access it, although it’s very small and they said didn’t not need to be addressed unless it gets worse and I maintain my oil level. I trust my SA but they don’t see R53’s anymore so I was
hopeful someone here might know the source.
I suspect it's the oil pan gasket. If it were the rear main seal you would be getting oil coming from the weep hole in the bell housing (the small crescent shaped hole next to the bolt head seen in the center of the 2nd pic).
But as the SA said, don't worry about it until it gets worse - just check on it (and your oil level) regularly.
Great! They estimated 3.5hrs to change that plus about $100 in parts. Sounds like another box checked in expected maintenance once I get to it. I think that may be a summer 2026 project I just changed my oil.
Anything else preventative to get at once the oil pan is off?
Honestly, if I had an oil leak that small I'd be happy! Unless it gets really noticeable or bad I would just monitor it. You can add oil for years for less than the repair cost, but of course it's your choice.
Thanks guys! Always nice to know it’s not a concern. It’s always great to have an idea where it’s coming from so I can budget for the repair. I have very basic skills and tools so while I’d love to learn, that’ll take time.
I hate to spoil the party but I think it's actually the rear main seal. You can see that from the wheep hole there is a trail to the lowest point of the engine. This happens also because of driving wind.
Also the bolt at the wheep hole has a circular dirt shape.
If you ever decide to go there I would recommend to change the clutch as well, "since your in there"
If you want to be really sure you could take the slave cylinder out and stick an endoscope in there to get a better view.
