Just picked up a 2005 MCS and was going over it - cleaning, poking around. The two things i found were that the power steering whines and this "component" under the hood had leaked some fluid which was now turned into varnish on the engine compartment. Can someone identify this component for me. Pics attached.
Thank you.

 

I do believe you are now a member of the leaking engine mount club

you can search on it here for much more info

but I'm pretty sure that's a failed motor mount. There were a lot of problems with the fluid filled mounts.

If there's any warranty left, run don't walk, to a dealer.

If ya must, it isn't that bad of a DIY. Ya just need a jack to lift the motor a smidge.

 

As Capt indicated, take the car to the dealer to get the motor mount replaced as it may still be covered under warranty.

As for the power steering whine, it's normal that the Mini PS pumps whine since they are electric as opposed to being run off of a belt from the engine.

 

Once you get the mount replaced you may still want to get the dried juice off.

Be careful.

The paint under the hood is the color component of the base coat / clear coat system. The color end of this is weak, cuz the protection is expected to come from the clear coat. Several folks have been shocked to see the color lifting from household solvents like full strength Simple Green and Goo Gone.

I recommend a steam cleaner, but you may not have acess to one. (I have a small one I bought for about $70 bucks and use it on the engine and suspension components a lot....esp the 79)

And yes, the P.S. 'whine' is probably nothing cuz it makes noise normally. But the pump is visible from underneath and you may just want to ensure there's nothing wrapped around it. Look under on the driver side behind the front wheel, along side the oil pan....

 

Capt. BJ, K5 Cruizer -

Thanks for the information. I will check with the dealer on the Motor mount, in case the warranty in not transferable i will get into it myself - will be a part of the get-to-know the MCS project, next weekend. (I am out of town on business all week )

 

The warranty's transferable, so as long as you have less than 50k miles, the replacement mount will be covered. Also be aware that MINI has upgraded the motor mount, so it's possible that this will be the only time you'll need to replace it.

And ditto on the fragility of the underhood paint - I've had it start to come off on the rag when using 3M adhesive remover, and that's usually pretty mild on paint.

 

Sweet action! I am at 44k.
Thank you.