Working on a rebuild of a 2012 R56 N18 Cooper S hatchback (automatic) stock build, that had a few bad exhaust valves.

I pulled my head to have it rebuilt at the local head specialist. When I got it back, this side plate had been removed. (it's the plate on the drivers side that the high pressure fuel pump, etc mount to.)

It doesn't look like there was RTV on it, and I can't seem to find a gasket on any parts website.

Do I just bolt this on and hope for no leaks, or is there a recommended seal strategy.

Thanks for any tips. I'm new to minis.

I can’t help with the sealant or gasket question, but seems like the shop was kind enough to remove that piece, but not clean it up?! Lame

Yeah, the head came out sparkling clean. New valve seals, sanded flat. Looks brand new. But apparently he felt this shouldn't be included in the hot soak and cleaning. I'm a bit bummed, but it's nothing that won't clean up with some solvent and scrubbing.

I'm guessing from the oil stains that there's got to be some oil bathing this part of the head casing... hence my worry that the head wall, and this plate, really just overlap against each other and get bolted tight.

Thanks for letting me know there's no seal or gasket that I'm missing here.

There is sealant between the flange and head. I apply a thin bead of Loctite 5790 and torque the bolts to 10nm. I know this is an old thread but I recently looked this up as mine was removed by the machinist as well.