Thanks, Jim.
I checked other coils and none had any oils. So I ordered the valve cover gasket and will try to do it myself in few wks. Do I need a sealant of any sort for the job? I would like to be ready and get all the necessary tools possible.

jh

 

No sealant necessary.
I suggest buying the gasket from MINI. Ask for a NAM club discount, maybe they'll give you a break.

 

Is this only happening on "S" engines or are the non-S ones at risk as well?

 

N12 is "non-S" engine and with this much milage, I don't think it is a risk, but a part of maintenance - like tires, I guess.

 

Ah, so I guess I should just buy a vc gasket and keep it handy for when I need to do my 50k maintenance around 5-6 years into ownership? *rubs chin*

 

I wouldn't do that, if you're serious, just because I'd rather have a fresh gasket if the time came to replace it. Who knows if sitting on the shelf at your place for 5 years would make it dry out, or harden?

 

I hadn't thought of that.....could happen, it's true.

 

So today I set out to replace the valve cover gasket. I removed all the clips and bolts. How much force do I need to use to remove the cover? I tried to lift it up, but it won't budge. Do I need to use flat screw driver to lift it up? I don't want to crack or damage the cover by doing so. Any suggestion?

TIA

jh

 

Make sure you have every bolt out including the two middle ones

 

thanks… I made sure all the bolts were out.. I used the flat screw driver to lift the cover up carefully and it came off. now the gasket are replaced and the coil #1 as well.. will see if that would fix the misfire issue tomorrow.