Oil Leak Above the Valve Cover?
 

Just trying to figure out the best route to solve this issue.
I have a 2008 Mini Cooper (non-S) with about 110,000 miles on it. I noticed my valve cover seemed to have a light coating of oil on the left side a couple months ago. At first I attributed it to me spilling around the oil cap from checking my levels. After it persisted, I thought my oil cap was faulty, so I replaced it. That didn't help either. However, I just recently changed my spark plugs, and around the two left spark plugs (towards the passenger side) I found oil collecting around the valve cover bolts in the middle of the valve cover. What's strange to me about the leak is that it seems to spread upwards. On the top of the valve cover there's a cut out circle that usually has oil stained on it (pictures taken). I have no idea what is under this part, and I can't find it listed on any parts or diagrams. So my assumption it's just a cut out piece of the valve cover. There is never pools of oil under my Mini from the leak. I have found small amounts of oil collecting around the valve cover as well (also pictured).
My thoughts are it might be worn/broken gaskets, but before I spend $$ on the gaskets, I wanted to see if anyone else had this problem or something similar. I'd rather not have to buy a new valve cover because of the cost, but it might be the issue as well. I attached a few pics I took, so any feedback would be great. Thanks!

Valve covers go back. Gaskets fail over time. At 110k miles, it's probably due to the gasket having a leak. Best to get the gasket replaced.

Replacing a valve cover
 

I have a similar problem with my 08 S and had my valve cover seal replaced. Now I've been told the that the whole valve cover needs replacement to the tune of $ 700. 00. I may do it myself. It looks pretty straight forward.

It's a $3-400 part. That's ridiculous! Undo the wiring around the valve cover, remove coils and remove bolts! It's like 10mins to do this. lol.

Sadly you have to replace the cover too.it is sold together the gasket and cover as a kit.

Sent from me being awesome around my MINI!!

Valve cover gasket is a maintenance item.
On all my cars they seemed to go around 60-100K miles, yours has had a good life.
Luckily, new gasket kits are inexpensive (~$30) and very easy to DIY.
Parts: http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2008-C..._Cover_Gasket/
Instructions (among many other similar videos on Youtube):
Hope this helps,
a

That sounds a bit unusual, if not fishy.
Valve cover gaskets go with age, but the only time I've EVER heard of anyone replacing the cover was when a friend tried to remove it having left one bolt in place, and cracked it. These are hard plastic pieces that otherwise hardly ever fail.

Who told you that you need a new cover?
If true, understand what went wrong, and how.

Then order the new cover (comes with gaskets) for $300, and replace it in around 30 minutes. The $700 quote is a rip-off.
http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2008-C...h/Valve_Cover/

a

My 2010 Justa had a lot of oil on the topside of the same two spark plugs when I opened it up to change the plugs at 47K miles. Dealer said they replaced the valve cover gaskets under warranty. It does not appear from the work order that they replaced the valve cover. Pelican Parts has a gasket kit from the OEM supplier for $24.25. See: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/...pg3.htm#item13


I just checked and the tops of the same two plugs are covered with oil again. I hope they just did not bother to clean the plugs. I cleaned them and will check in a couple of weeks to see if the new gaskets are leaking.


DOC