Just came from the dealer and they say m 04 R53 has a bad Oil Pan Gasket. They quoted $705... Anyone have this replaced at a 3rd party mechanic? If so, whats a realistic price?

Also, how dangerous is it to drive this way? I check the oil twice a week, and the level is always the same.

Thanks,

-Mike

 

Most likely, the oil leak is minor. My old '02 MCS had a leak for four years before I fixed it. Lost like a third of a quart every couple of thousand miles.

Did the repair last May. Bought the gasket myself and had a friend mechanic put it in. He was able to drop the pan WITHOUT lifting the engine (as the dealership says). I also had him replace my A/C compressor at the same time. He charged me $200 for all the work.

If the mechanic can do it the same way, you're sitting pretty. To me, it should be no more than $300 parts and labor.

 

I have the same problem, was quoted about the same price and it's been leaking for about 3 years.

When the time comes to do it, I'll probably check with Waylen or Axels Automotive..

 

I talked to a guy over the weekend that was quoted $800 from the dealer to do the job. He told them he'd have it done some other time. I just had mine done, but fortunately under warranty. If it wasn't for this board, I would have never known to look for it!

 

Quoted between $390-450. Not bad I guess... Im heading up to The Rover Shop to have Dustin work on it. He seems to know MINIs pretty well, but its a hell of a drive from Chicago.

 

Is it leaving spots on the driveway? If not, why bother with it at all? Doesn't seem to be affecting the level, and he checks it regularly. I wouldn't spend the money - I think it's a non-issue, Just keep an eye on it.....

 

Mine has shown oil on the pan for more than two years, never a spot on the garage floor, and never shown a drop in oil level between (10K miles) oil changes.

Not worth fixing, but if I did, I was quoted $350 by an experienced MINI wrench.

BTW, I would not recommend the Rover Shop - try Mini-Madness instead, or German Autowerks, both in the Portland area. Both have lots more MINI experience and facilities.

 

Some of that on the oil pan could be from the crank sensor o ring that is known to leak in the front by the radiator then blow down onto the oil pan. Quick fix with RTV silicone, after you pull the front and radiator...lol

 

You dont trust Dustin? He seems to know all the problem areas, and he owns a Mini himself. Seems like he works on them a lot. Im in Chicago btw... Long haul from Portland

Also, the oil seems to be collecting ONLY below the bottom half of the oil pan. The crank seal might need to be replaced as well.

Couldn't the oil just be seeping out while driving on the highway due to pressure? You would never see an oil spot on the driveway... I dunno... Im only down 1/2 a qt after 3k miles since my last change. I might let this go and keep oil in the boot. I just wish I could check the oil easier, that damn dipstick sucks.

 

I would just let it go till it starts dripping. The cost of the oil pan gasket change is not cheap. I had my gasket, main seal, clutch, ball joints, an more done in Jan to the tune of $2000.00!

 

We charge $426 plus tax, which includes labor, the gasket, plus an oil change with filter.

 

That's not a bad price. Way better than the dealership.

 

where are you located?

 

Glad I got the 7yr/100k extended warranty -- MINI replaced my oil pan gasket TWICE! Could this be a design flaw?

 

The oil pan in the Mini isn't just an oil pan. It serves as a mount for the A/C compressor and bottom engine mount. With all the vibration and torque exerted on it, leaky leaky makey more money for Mini. Perfect design if you ask Mini.

BTW, I think mine is leaking too... very slowly at under 35k.

 

The car would not be the true modern version of the original if it did not leak oil I lived with it on my mini and I can live with it on my MINI.

 

Learn something new every day. I have not been under my MINI long enough to study the pan, and I did not bother looking in my Bentley Manual. No wonder my friend hinted of replacing the gasket and the A/C compressor (had failed) at the same time on my old '02 MCS.

 

Quite right, English cars have a long tradition of leaking oil, embrace it!

Dave