Hi all,
I'm relatively new to the MINI world, but so far I am loving it. I got an 06 MCS in June. I've put about 5000 miles on it since. It had just had the oil changed when I got it (in California), so now I'm thinking it is time for some fresh oil to get it ready for the Minnesota winter coming up. When I got under the car I noticed what looks like a bunch of hair line cracks in the pan. I can see no evidence of previous impacts/trauma or contact of any kind (no scrapes, dents or other telltale signs). I assume it has been like this for a while (I cleaned the pan to get to this view) and it doesn't seem to be leaking (I'm down about 1/4 quart in 5000 miles).
I searched and could find nothing similar.
So...does anyone know if this is serious? Are these just surface cracks that don't matter? Should I be very afraid and get a new pan (Ouch!) pronto?

TIA for the help.
mandd

 

Honestly not sure if those are crack or just from the casting....
I'm guessing from the casting (I remember looking at mine when doing an oil change and have similar worries...not as defined, but never cleaned it up as good)...with no evidence of an impact in your case, but it is possible somebody jacked the motor up improperly.... Maybe caused it to flex...just a guess..
Monitor it...I have glanced at mine a few times...no changes...so pretty sure the marks on mine are from the casting....

 

Zippy,
Thanks for the reply. I am inclined in that direction too. It seems like if they were "real" cracks, oil would be leaking. It is a little alarming to see them though...

 

Mine has the same cracks and I was worried. Then I saw the circle that looks like an oil plug had been filled in and thought I was in trouble. Realized it was just the casting.

 

Casting marks, no worries....