Has anyone ever noticed an oily residue on top of there engine? Specifically right around the area where the spark plug wires enter the engine. I removed the wires and inspected the spark plug areas and they were clean and dry as a bone. Also no evidence of any other leaks...

I wash my car weekly and always open up the hood and wipe down in there to keep it clean, I've never noticed oil there ever. It was clean, then I took a drive to Vegas for a weekend then when I returned to LA to give it a wash I noticed the residue. Below is a picture.

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/oilb.jpg/

Thanks

*UPDATED*

So I took my 08 MCS to the dealer because it is still under warranty. They fixed it as it was a leaky valve cover assembly. The exact wording was "found oil leak from valve cover vent valve, installed new valve cover assembly".

 

Does it look anything like this

 

Yes I think so but not quite as bad, see my pic...

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/13/oilb.jpg/

 

It's hard to tell from the picture.
I always have a little bit but I don't see
any leaking going on. I check my oil regularily.
Plus, just had my gasket replaced awhile back.
Are you sure it's oil and not condensation?

 

I guess I'll clean it off and see if it comes back. I keep an eye on my oil, haven't seen it go low. It's not condensation for sure...

 

That was weird, originally when I pulled your post the link wasn't
there and then all the sudden it was there.
Anyway, I answered but I don't really have a good explanation.

 

I believe it's leaking from the cover that has mini logo forgot name. It's heat sealed so the oil is probably leaking from there. I had the same problem I removed it and applied some heat resistant plastic steel and closed it. Perfectly fine now.

 

^^^Good piece of info to have. I'll do that if I ever get the leak.

 

Fixed

 

So, how did you fix it. Just tighten cover or remove and apply some seal?

 

 

I had updated my original post...

"So I took my 08 MCS to the dealer because it is still under warranty. They fixed it as it was a leaky valve cover assembly. The exact wording was "found oil leak from valve cover vent valve, installed new valve cover assembly"."

 

Mine leaked and smelled like oil every time I pulled in my garage.

It was the PVC hose on the right hand side. There was a crack on the fitting it slides on to.

Dealer fixed it.

 

I'm happy it was a free fix and no damage was done but the new valve. Over assembly they put on doesn't have the mini emblem on it. They said that's what the new ones look like but still... I'll have to buy an emblem and glue it.