We have a 2006 stock Mini Cooper S that has decided to spring a leak. I'm no mechanic but I'm hoping this will be a relatively easy fix. The photos show the location and it appears to be associated with the silver aluminum "thingy". I don't know what it is much less what to do about it. I'm sure the dealership will want a mere $1000 tofix it so hopefully it can be a do-it-yourself job. Again, no mechanic in terms of diagnosing but we are pretty handy mechanically.

As background, we took the car in for it's last "free" service during which they told us we had an oil pan gasket leak that could be fixed for something like $1400. They claimed it had been leaking for a while but my very clean garage floor had not a single spot. Since that service I have seen some spots but just that, spots. This does not appear to be related to the oil pan, though, since it's up on top. Today there is a fairly large pool of oil from this source.

It's on the passenger side (American passenger side ) between what looks like the frame and a motor mount of some kind. Any help is appreciated.

 

That's your hydraulic motor mount. It seems they all do it. The part is like $100 and it's an easy fix. You might however try one of the aftermarket ones.

 

Your hydraulic fluid filled engine motor mount is bleeding to death. This is a common failure and definitely a DIY job. I think they sell for like $100. There are plenty of threads and complaints about this item. Just search here on NAM.

It looks really bad, but plain old Isopropyl alcohol is the perfect solvent for that hydraulic fluid.

There are a few different after market helper dampers (~$125) you can buy to ensure a longer life on your replacement, there is also now an aftermarket entire motor mount for ~$200 if you want to go that way.

Messy, but a simple fix.

Also, there is no urgent need to fix it today. Do some research, decide what you want to do, and then just take it a little bit easy until you get it replaced.

 

Thanks for the replies. I guess it looked like a motor mount to me but I didn't realize that's actually what it IS. We'll definitely attempt a repair ourselves. All I see is one bolt on top but there must be more. I'm sure if I run into trouble I can come back here ot the experts. Any advice on replacing it before I commit?

 

You might want to read some of the motor mount posts to get an idea of a how to. You do need a unique tool (large external torx bit) and a long extension to remove the lower bolt. It is not a hard job but you need the right tools, jacks, and jack stands.

 

Got the mount swapped out this evening. Took about an hour, all told. Had to buy a set of Torx sockets but hey, I'm sure I'll need them again . Had to jack up the engine from beneath the car, very carefully, to get the mount out/in. Nothing popped or groaned so I assume no damage was done. Test drive to work tomorrow!

 

Sounds good, now just clean-up with rubbing alcohol and you are done.