Greetings-

Have a 2009 R55 Justa Clubman (N12 engine) with just north of 80K miles. I've recently noticed it using oil, but no external evidence (no smoke noted, no drips on pavement, etc). Earlier this week I was stopped at a light with the heater running, and thought I smelled burning oil. Next light, same thing and this time I was alone so I knew it was my car. Since then, it seems to be accelerating as now I do notice a small amount of oil on the garage floor or parking spots- this seems to be located towards the front, almost center line of the car. The top end of the engine (valve cover etc) seems to be clean and dry with no evidence of leaks, and the vacuum pump has recently been replaced (was leaking around O-ring, but this issue is resolved). Any common issues facing this engine that I should prepare for? From reading around the forum some likely suspects could be the oil filter housing or oil pump (oil pump is somewhat noisy for ~10 minutes after cold start, then settles down).

Additionally, have an intermittent coolant leak- I can go a few days with no leaking, then suddenly I will have a noticeable puddle on the floor. Water pump was replaced ~50K miles ago- once more, looking around forum I'm guessing that I am most likely looking at a water pump, expansion tank or thermostat housing- but I would think that water pump or expansion tank wouldn't be intermittent, where the thermostat housing could be.

Thanks for reading/any input, and if anyone has any suggestions for a reputable independent mechanic in the DFW area please let me know. (With Christmas just behind us, I don't think I can budget a trip to the dealer service center!)

 

Just following up for anyone interested, as issues have been identified.

Coolant leak was twofold: coolant was leaking from the thermostat housing and the oil filter housing.
The oil leak was due to the oil filter housing leaking. The housing itself was not damaged, but the gasket needed replacement.

 

oil pump solenoid is prob. leaking. its on the back of the engine, right above the oil pan. it leaks, then wicks its way up the engine harness, to the DME connector.

 

I don't believe there is an oil pump solenoid on an N12..none on mine and it's a 2010, think they put one on in 2011

 

Contact PROmini in TX. I'd think they know a good local service tech.

 

Since we've opened up the N12 box again- Mine has been good, but just this past few weeks I've had difficulty starting it up if it's outside in the cold overnight. Once it cranked for well over 2 or 3 or more minutes before finally catching on, just as the battery was fading. I've treated them fuel, but the problem persists. Plugs are original but seem healthy otherwise and are under 70k.
No engine codes show up.
Hmmmmm...

 

It was the plugs. I replaced them and the hard starting ended. They are scheduled for 100k but they made it 70k. That's alright now that its all done.

 

I changed the plugs in our N12 at 45k - ran much smoother after that.

 

Has anyone had any problems with the valve cover leaking on the N12 engine? When I search "valve cover leak" all I find are references to Cooper S engines.

I'm asking for a friend who has a 2009 Clubman non-S (N12 engine).