Hi all,

some weeks ago I changed the oil pan gasket on my 06 r53 and filled up with 5w30 Castrol Edge. Since that day I realized that the car started to leak some oil. Not much, maybe 1 or 2 drops each day.
Before the gasket change, the oil pan had already some oil stains but I never manage to see oil drops on the floor. The oil density was also 5w30 although from a different company.

I have cleaned it to check where the leak could come from and it seems to be somewhere between the pan and the transmission (See attachments). So, on the right side of the pan if you are looking from the front of the car.

Btw when I changed the gasket I tried to change also the crank sensor O ring but didn't manage to. It was too hard and the position was not very comfortable. Is it possible that the leak is coming from there and somehow find its way to the right side of the block?

 

Since you are getting more leaks after changing the gasket, the new gasket (or it's installation) is probably at fault. When my oil pan gasket started leaking, it looked a lot like your pics. Look up at the oil pan bolts (especially the ones in the back) to see if they are covered in oil. If it's the case then it's probably the new oil pan gasket. Was the mating surface clean and the bolts tightened in the proper sequence to 23 ft lbs if I remember correctly.

 

Thank you. I'll have a look on my next holidays

 

Often a leaking crank position sensor is mistaken for a leaking oil pan gasket...
Drips down to the same area....
The change is simple compared to an oil pan gasket....and about 5¢....
Many folks (shops included) have been adding a dab of black rtv when doing the install...
The o-ring shrinks or splts with age, leading to the leak....

 

There are a few diy's on how to change it...
Most favored way is to lift the motor up a couple inches like when a pulley is done...
And yes...oil dies get blown around....

 

When I changed the pan gasked I tried to do this as well, but I didn't manage to unplug the connector and I had to finish because I needed the car the next day. I have to check it again when I have more time.

Do you know if changing the o-ring implies changing the oil? I guess that the sensor is in an upper position and the oil will not go out but I would like to be sure

 

When I changed my CP o-ring, I did not change/drain the oil.

 

Done

 

I think I have found the mistake. I have tightened the bolts from the transmission to the sump at 31 Nm.
The torque for these bolts was not mentioned on the manual I was using so I thought they were at 31 Nm as the other ones.
After re-reading the manual today I realized that the torque for these bolts was not specified, only the code 21 11 1AZ was mentioned. Afer a quick search, this means 85 Nm, which is way more thight.
As the oil was dipping from that zone I'm almost sure that this could be the cause. I will check next week, as my torque wrench is 100km away :p

 

Goes without saying....keep an eye on your oil level till you gfugure it out...
Minis have a odd way of drip oil when moving and not leaving spots on a garage floor to warn you!!
Hopefully you found it!!
I WOULD monitor for the CPS gasket....seems most every MINI I know has needed one...heck many got oil pan gaskets done when the leak did not stop till a CPS O-RING was done....

 

Yes, next week I'm planning to put again the car in service mode and check the CPS area. Let's see if I'm able to unplug it this time