[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Hi fellow mini owners![/SIZE][/FONT]
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[SIZE=3][FONT=Times New Roman]I am having an issue with my cooper S. It seems there is a trail of oil on the front of the engine, left side. It seems to be dripping from what I believe is the intercooler intake? The MINI mechanic seems to think that it isn’t a big deal. It has been happening for three years now, since I bought the car used. He seems to think that it has something to do with the seals in the supercharger going south. He claims to have seen this before, not quite to the amount of leakage I have but he has seen it. The car seems to run just fine, but I am starting to get a little concerned about the amount of oil collecting in this area. It seems to collect in heavier amounts during/after a longer highway drive. Please see attached picture and let me know what you guys think. I am trying to get some feedback because the nearest dealer is four hours away and I do not want to drive there and pay them outrageous amounts of money just for them to tell me I need a new charger. If I need a charger well I will purchase a used one and have my local guys change it, but only if I need it. Like I said the mechanic claims it isn’t a big deal which I am fine with. But I am looking for a second or third opinion. [/FONT][/SIZE]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Thanks a lot for your help.[/SIZE][/FONT]
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[FONT=Times New Roman][SIZE=3]Best Regards,[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT='Times New Roman']Josh Piela[/FONT]

 

I had this exact same problem. Turns out the clamps that hold the flexible boot between the supercharger 'horn' and the intercooler were loose. Tightened the clamps (it takes a Torx screwdriver) and problem solved.

 

I will give that a try. I will clean up the area and tighten things up and see what happens.

Thanks for your input!

Regards,
Josh

 

Looks like loose intercooler boot on that side.

 

Much better news than what the mechanic was telling me.

Thanks again!

Regards,
Josh