2007 R56 Standard Hatchback Mini; 120,000 miles.

Back in 2009 I was crossing a rough, narrow bridge behind a work truck. Piece of steel jumped off the truck, before I could avoid it, I ran over it. Oil pressure light came on, stopped, oil pouring out of oil pan. Replaced oil pan, gasket, etc.., etc.

A few weeks later, I found online somewhere a heavy aluminum plate that bolts onto the front underside and protects the oil pan. Don't recall where I bought it or cost -- but it was not much.

Recently Cooper developed a "buzzing" noise from under engine; the noise tracked engine speed and disappeared after 25-30 miles, after motor and tranny got warm.. Mini dealer today serviced automatic transmission and found the bolts on the aftermarket plate had slightly loosened, allowing the plate to "buzz" against the bottom of the oil pan. Tightened it, which solved the buzzing noise, however, the tech pointed out that I must have run over a curb or something because the protective aluminum plate was slightly bent and likely would start buzzing again.

I cannot find where I bought this aluminum plate and have no record of buying it. I have found skid plates online that run $250 and up -- that's not what I bought back in 2009. As I recall, the plate was under $100. It protected the oil pan but I did not have to remove it to change oil.

Anyone know what I am talking about - - - I surely don't!!

Thanks.

 

Can't you just take it off and pound it flat again?

 

Maybe so -- I'll crawl under the car tomorrow, check it out, see what I can do.

Thanks.

 

If you can't get your original to fit, I'll sell you my "never-installed" skid plate for $100 including shipping. Bought it from Mini Mania (G2NMA3041) late 2010 but couldn't use it --- won't fit around my 3" exhaust system. Pics available if interested. '07 MCS --- PM me for more info.

 

I'm gonna jump in here and say that if redwhite isn't interested, I am! I hit a rock with my lowered 2011 MCS a few months back, and punched a hole in the oil pan. New oil pan on, good to go, but still a bit scared it may happen again!

Chris

 

Go for it!!

I removed the skid plate, pounded out a bent corner, reinstalled.

 

That or you can get a new pan: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...137550483~brp/ We got new lower cost ones here.

For protection most people get this: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-rennline...plate/u03~rel/