Hi guys, I need some advice. There was a piece of metal on the freeway from yards away it looked like a bouncy ball. I couldn't avoid it, it came right into the front grill.

#1: What is this front radiator? Can I assume it is the A/C cooler? My A/C went out shortly afterward..

#2: Why is oil dripping slowly from the front? Is there anything else that might have been hit at the same time?

 

Yeah, that is the condenser for you AC, not going to be cheap. As far as the oil, best way to figure out what is is to smell it.

 

Yeah.. I know.. Bummer. BMW wants $530 for it. Now I need to figure out how close the next cooler is behind the AC condenser. Hopefully it's not an 'oil cooler'?

 

Found a link for the AC CONDENSER for only 116! Stealer wanted $530+.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/02-03...Q5fAccessories

Now I need to figure out what is mounted behind the A/C Condenser. Can someone please tell me ?? I need to know where this oil drop is coming from.

 

There should be nothing with oil in it behind the a/c condenser. Behind that is the radiator.

 

Maybe a flying(or bouncing) oil filter hit your MINI.

 

Are there any oil lines under the condenser. I am curious to know why the front bumper has oil sprayed on it and a few drips overnight directly underneath the stock lip.

 

haha, i wish it would have been one of those drop-in paper filters and not a chunk of metal. I'll post a picture so you guys can see.

 

Your insurance should cover it minus your deductible. Thats assuming another driver kicked it up towards your car and you just did not hit it.

 

The A/C system has oil in it for lubrication. That's what you are seeing.

 

Yup

 

What he said.