Hello Everyone,

This is my first post so go easy on me! I brought a 05' MCS w/152k miles at a stupid good deal. In very good shape. Whomever had it took decent care of it. With a little love, I am hoping to drive this as my daily.

Here's were the dealer's recommendations:

Bad Thermostat (Fixed)
L.F. Strut Torn (Fixed)
Replace Left Strut (Fixed)
Oil Leak (Crankshaft Gasket and Oil Pump)
(Fixed CS Gasket)
Replace Control Arm Bushings
Replace R.F. Axel Seal
Replace Rear Brakes

Since buying the car, the oil light would come on here and there, eventually turning off after I stepped on the gas. I brought it in for an oil change last week and the folks at Valvoline said I didn't have much oil and I knew it was leaking oil. So I went and got my CS Gasket fixed. Before I took it in, the oil plan was leaving from the front and it was wet beneath it. A day later, I sprayed some degreaser under the the engine (after the gasket change) and tried my best to clean a lot of the junk and oil from underneath there and I say it was a success. I drove around for an hour+ until the degreaser dried up. A few hours later I got a check engine light (P2270 - O2 sensor).

After cleaning the oil plan, I waited a day to check it again and the pan was dry however, my oil light stays on. It turns on after 30-45 seconds after I start the car. I did a few searches (yes I did some research) and I am unsure what I should do. I thought replacing the crankshaft gasket would be the fix. I felt around the oil housing filter and I didn't feel any leaks. Could I possibly have a bad sensor or a new oil pump? I also noticed the car is still leaving a small amount of oil (I think its oil) however this time, its leaving from an area behind the front passenger wheel.

The dealership wanted $500 to fix the CS gasket while the shop I took it too charged $300. Question: If I had took it to the dealer, would they have changed the oil pump too? I thought the oil pump was in the the oil pan and they would of had to drop the pan which would have been more money. I just want to make sure I am not doing any damage to my vehicle by temporarily driving it. I checked the oil level and I have plenty.

I apologize in advance, I am not too familiar with Mini's. Before I brought the car, I did some research and I know the stuff I needed done were common issues so I wasn't too upset. Considering what I've paid for the car, putting any amount into the car would still keep me in the green. I absolutely love driving it and I am also tempted to say its more fun to drive my Mini than my GTI. I appreciate anyone's help, advice, or suggestions.

Thanks!

 

I would put in an oil pressure gauge. An analog one. One that you will know it is reading oil pressure. The idiot light may have a short in the sensor wire or the sensor may be bad. But if you knew if your oil pressure was good, or not, you know where to look next. You are at a fork in the road, you need information to make a good decision on what path to take. Or you can throw parts at it.

 

For the Control Arm Bushings I'd recommend the powerflex rear bushings here and the Madness front bushings here. Output shaft seals here. We have awesome brake kits here. Or just rear brake parts here. Be sure to check the rotors and replace if needed. There is also a brake pad sensor, which is in that link as well. It is on the rear right wheel (image below). If the pads are well worn there is a very good chance you are going to break it trying to remove it. Do yourself a favor and order a new one when ordering your brake parts. If you need help with any of these repairs, we have great DIY tech articles that may be of assistance to you. For P2270, here is a NAM thread with some good information. For the oil leak, I'd get under there and inspect the area in which you believe it's leaking from. You can then do the same clean up if it's pretty messy and watch to see where it may be originating from. Check your motor mount as well and make sure you aren't seeing fluid from a failed motor mount. For reference, check out this thread here. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Thanks gpwpat and Pelican. I have you booked marked. I brought my thermostat and strut mounts from you guys. Awesome service!

THX

 

If possible, I would do the the oil changes yourself. It is easy to do, and you don't risk some heavy handed "tech" at Quicky Lube cross threading the oil filter cap or stripping the threads out of your oil pan drain.