My 2013 Coupe (10k miles) is at the dealership getting a new DME for this exact issue. No indication of an oil leak or any other issues. I just had the orange engine light come on when I was about 4 hours from home. Fun times in Mini-land.

 

what light?. The Limp Mode (engine with circle around it).

 

Sorry, didn't know there were different check engine lights!

The light that came on was the one in the middle "dinner plate" just above the fuel lights. From the user manual "engine malfunction with adverse effects on emmissions". So I'm a bit confused how this light and the oil issue are tied together. But the tech said oil worked its way to the computer and another is being installed. Hooray for warranties.

 

Just finished fixing this problem. I replaced my oil solenoid. It's no longer wicking. Mini now has a replacement fix wire. What it does is its a new plug for the side of your engine. The solenoid will still wick, but the new plug has two blades in it. So when the oil runs across the blades it would then fall back into the oil pan. Also with this fix, you don't have to remove your oil pan.

 

Jkapinos - Can you show a pic of the old design ?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/11417647238/



Thanks

 

The part doesn't look different. The fix wire is completely different. It also has you take the original wire and push it into the pan. I only have the new solenoid right now, but if it starts to wick I'll install the fix wire.

 

Has anyone had major issues getting this item fixed? Mini installed the new DME and engine wiring harness. The car would not start up and they suspected the wiring harness was bad. Another one was ordered and it did not solve the problem. They put the original one back on and the car started fine, but they can't give the car back to me like that since the wiring is soaked in oil. A third wiring harness is on the way. They have had my car around 40 days!

 

40 days? That is crazy! They let me drive mine til I could schedule getting it in to replace.....

 

If you go into limp mode, but don't feel that you loose power. It could be this problem. I went into limp mode several times after first noticing this problem. When fixing it, I saw no oil at the DME but a lot of oil at the oil solenoid wire, to where it connects to the main wiring harness. I cleaned the wiring harness plug several times with electrical contact cleaner and a rag. Since replacing the solenoid, I've driven at least 2,000 miles with no limp mode or oil leaks. Fixed and hoping it stays that way.

 

I had our mini in the shop yesterday for an oil change/tire rotation and received a call about the moisture on the wiring harness from the oil pan that could go back to the computer. estimate to fix this issue, 1750.00 and they would have to have the car for 2 days.


Does this sound right to you guys?

 

It depends on how they plan to fix it. One way is to install the fix wire I have pictured above. The other way is to install the updated oil solenoid and replace the wiring harness. That would mean they need to replace the thermostat. You could also need a new DME. You need to see exactly what needs to be replaced before you would know if it is a fare price. Just ask them how far the oil has wicked and if they say it made its way to the DME, I would ask to see it.

 

they said it was only a little moisture on the cable. Did not start moving anywhere.

 

Is this something that can be stopped from leaking out of the oil pan with a sealant? I know Mini won't do that but can this be done on my own before I have a problem?

 

I'd contact Mini and ask for goodwill repair assistance. This is a known issue that leaves the car unusable. There is now updated parts to remedy the issue, and IMHO that's the sign of a serious defect. You can claim that you feel unsafe driving the car on the highway due to the lack of power/stalling/etc...

 

What you can do is install the fix wire. You will need to pull the passenger side axle. So parts would be fix wire ($50.00) plus ball joint nuts and axle nut. The fix wire comes with a tool to install it plus instructions. This way you do not need to remove your oil pan. You will need to remove the rear engine mount in order to get to the area you need to install the fix wire.

 

Why is yours not covered under warranty?

 

That's insane to have to pay that much for a known defect.

 

Which year is it and how many miles do you have?

I also believe it should be covered by the warranty.

If you are not covered anymore by the warranty, ask a quote from an independent Mini specialist.

The dealer is trying to rip you off.

 

and my questions
Does this solenoid run at high or low pressure when activated.
or, if the solenoid circuit fails, does it default to low pressure or high pressure.
12v ?

 

I had my 2011 MCS in for an oil change and tire rotation last weekend and the tech noted on the paperwork that the "OVC leak engine oil." When I inquired further, the SA said it was a solenoid that was leaking oil onto the wiring harness but hadn't made it to the DME yet. I already had this procedure done in Dec. 2012 and comfirmed with them that it is the same issue. They said it was never a recall and merely a repair that was done when the car was under warranty and the repair would be at my expense this time. Has anyone ever had the leak happen again after having it fixed prior? If so, what was your course of action vs the dealer?

 

I was told today by my my dealership's SA the solenoid/harness fix on my car September of 2014 is a permanent fix, unlikely to repeat itself. Crossing fingers.

 

What is the part # for the new wiring kit?

 

That should be the part number. 11417647238

 

Thank you ECSTuning

EDIT: Just looked up mine. Part number replaced at dealer in Sept 2014 was: 11 41 8 609 973, that is the "Kit for wir" harnes part

 

Welcome.