OK i really need to figure this out. strange fluids are forming on my garage floor and i see it when i pull out in the morning. it looks and feels somewhat like oil. this has been happening for a few months now. ive checked my oil level and it seems fine. if i describe where the fluid is leaking can someone please tell me what it could be. my car is a 2007 MCS 18000 miles.

if you were directly standing there facing the front of the car, the fluid is forming on the left side. about a foot from the front bumper and a foot in from the tire. i feel like i heard the oil filer was on the other side. is the oil drain plug on that side and could it be leaking? anybody have any idea? im waiting to take it to the dealer next oil change in 1500 miles but this is really concerning me. thanks.

 

In order to find out what kind of fluid it is you need to put a garbage bag under the vehicle at night and then you will get a sample of the fluid in the AM and determine if its oil, coolant, brake fluid or whatever.

 

The oil filter is closer to the right side as you face the front of the car (driver's side). The drain plug is in the center.

The fluid is probably from an alien life form that accidentally crossed dimensions from Planet 9.

 

"The fluid is probably from an alien life form that accidentally crossed dimensions from Planet 9."

i would actually be ok with that over an oil leak.

 

The alien life form would probably have a different opinion.

Have you checked the transmission fluid and the brake fluid levels?

 

Perhaps MINI had a left-over motor mount from an '05 and installed it into your MINI! Seriously, are the R56 motor mounts fluid filled and if so, has anyone had a leaker? Definitely put down some white paper towels or something to see what color the fluid is.

 

I discovered the same type of leak yesterday. I garage my mini and had no leaks. I went on a short drive to the store Saturday and returned home- and about a 1/4 cup of oil leaked out in the same place as you describe. It appears (orange/red hue) and feels like transmission oil (manual) (to clean to be engine oil) - as far as I could tell it looked like it was coming somewhere from the trans. housing. My "service" light came on as well, but I think that was just because it was about due for service. Needless to say, I have to call the dealer first thing in the morning - I just hope it's not serious -

 

Try getting under the car and see if you could trace the origin.

 

sounds like tranny fluid if it is a light red and coming from the front driverside (isn't that where the tranny is located? I know they tried to mount it more centrally to avoid torque steer).

 

Well, my first maintenance experience has been great so far, used the roadside assistance number on the suggestion of the dealership, they were here in 15 minutes to pick up the car and took it to Morristown MINI.

They just called me and told me the oil was coming from an axle seal that either was bad or "came loose" (that's a little worriesome) Ordering one today for install tomorrow.

 

Maybe it's coolant.
Check your t-stat housing, water pump, and the usual suspects.
Slippery stuff.