I have an 09 MCSm and for the past 8 months I have noticed a slight oil smell when driven hard/hot. I looked under the bonnet and noticed that there was a little oil around 3 of the bolts on top of the engine. The car hasn't really had any oil loss, but I do change my oil around 6k miles myself. Ive brought it to the attention to the dealer twice now and they basically blow me off and say that its ok. I don't like my car smelling like an old 57 Chevy and don't believe ANY oil should be coming out there. Whats your suggestions?

 

As you are not loosing any oil and everything seems to be as it should....
I'd super clean around all the bolts that you suspect oil to be bleeding from and take pictures if necessary. Drives hard and long to see if your can see a further oil leak.
Could the oil be from some oil spill from your own fill? Easy to check...good luck...

 

Valve cover leaks possibly? Maybe check, retorque the bolts and observe the results. good luck.

 

I did. We (the SA and I after I asked why come nothing was done again) whipped it off the bolts last time I was there around 4k miles ago. Now its pooled up around the indention where the bolts go. Every other good cleaning I detail my engine bay so it looks like a new car when I open it up, except around those bolts.

 

I know its not easy to do but could you ask the dealer to put it in writing?
1) That you are informing them of an oil leak.
2) You have asked them to remedy the situation.
3) They have inspected your car and find no defects.
At least you have some documentation if the issue goes south...

Ask a friend for a recommendation, go to another garage, see what they say/recommend. If/I'm sure your car is weeping oil there is a solution....as previously mentioned ...valve cover gasket?
Good hunting...

 

I've heard, in these forums, of leaks caused by a cracked head cover. Do a search for oil leaks.

Dave

 

Any other MINI dealer nearby?