Hi All,

Been searching for here for help with my 2013 R59 oil leak, but not having any success. It is a slow leak, some days it doesn't leak at all. Other days it is a small puddle. It does not look major (knock on wood!). Nothing from above the engine bay looks apparent. Jacked the car up and I think I found the source.

What bolt is this? And what kind of socket do you use?

Can I just increase the torque? Or does it need to be replaced? Or is this something bigger and more costly I need to address?? All advice welcome and appreciated!

 

That's an external torx (or e-torx) and no, you definitely don't just want to tighten it.

It definitely doesn't look like it's coming from that bolt or flange though, it looks more like something above is spraying down (note the line of oil from the threads to the head and beyond). Where exactly is this in the engine bay? I'd be looking above that bolt for the leak.

 

Thanks! I did look above but did not see any wet oil. This bolt is on the drivers side. On the computer, the picture looked fine but it changed on the website.


This is the correct perspective. You'll notice a small drip pointing down. I apologize for not knowing more about our cars! The oil rolls to the right, as that is the lowest point on the curved metal and when enough accumulates, it drips.

Is this the crankcase cover?

 

Check your turbo oil lines. Probably the feed line is leaking.

 

Agree with this as well. I had oil in the same spot and it was the turbo oil line. Not a hard fix, but not an easy fix either. If it is there recommend replacing the line with the Detroit tuned kit or one like it as that hose is steel braided and much more reliable. https://www.detroittuned.com/detroit...-oil-line-kit/

 

Is If that is the trans, I would suspect the "rear main seal" is leaking.

 

Thanks all. I'll check the turbo line and rear main seal.

 

The oil filter housing is also notorious for leaking. The gasket has a notch in it that can weep oil when the gasket starts getting old and needs replacing. That was the issue on mine a couple months ago.
http://www.hpmotors.com/2009-mini-co...sing-leak.html

 

Thanks again for the replays and suggestions. I cleaned up the area and checked the oil line but cannot see any fresh, visible oil, other than a small drop. The area near the drop is not covered in oil like some of the pictures and videos I've seen online.

Do I wait it out? Or start replacing parts in hopes I find a solution? I do not think it is residual oil from an oil change as I changed the oil in October. And what parts should I start with?

All advice/suggestions welcome. Thanks!

 

The leak I had left a spot about the size of a dime on the floor when it sat overnight. Not sure if that helps or not. I put up with it for about four or five months. Stuff like oil is supposed to stay inside the engine, so something is definitely not right. It sounds like you've ruled out the things that are *really* bad though. The usual suspect gaskets are not expensive to replace and not too terrible to work on. Valve cover gasket is easy. Oil pan gasket would probably be obvious if it was the problem. Filter housing gasket is a pain in the *** but doable. Maybe you can reach under there and clean that area, then see if it is still clean next time you see a drip.

 

Thanks gareese. My leaks is about the size of a dime. Oddly, I haven't had one for over a week. But I suspect it will happen again. I'll clean the filter area and see what happens. Thanks again!

 

Okay, ordered the DETROIT TUNED TURBO OIL LINE KIT and gaskets. Going to try and tackle this weekend. Have watched several how to videos. Hope this works. Thanks again for all the suggestions. Will let you know how it goes.

 

Haven't done that job myself but I don't think it's too crazy hard. Did you definitively determine that was the source of the leak?

 

Those heat shields will teach you new cuss words. Enjoy!

 

Haven't found the exact leaking spot but based on photos and videos from various web sites, I suspect the gaskets, not the oil feed tube. Replacing both since I'll be in there.