I need to replace a leaking timing chain cover on my R53 and thought I would forward a good video of the process. Entire gasket kit is around $30. As with all things Mini R53 it isn't difficult, just time-consuming.

 

Thank you for sharing!
Ironically -
I had just replaced a leaking crank poisoner O-ring and discovered how badly my timing chain cover is also leaking and is in need of replacing.
At the same instance I will be tackling the oil pan gasket. I can't say I look forward to having to do this repair.
I usually follow the Bentley manual. But as we all know - it doesn't cover every nuance of the unforeseen.
Which (IMO) makes these videos an invaluable companion/resource.

 

When I did this job (a long time ago) I did the main seal, oil pan gasket, tensioner, and ATI super damper all at the same time. There's also a couple of gaskets inside the cover for the oil gallies, don't forget about them too.
From what I recall, it wasn't nearly as tedious as I was expecting. I was most apprehensive about getting the old damper off, but a cheapo universal hub puller worked fine (I think I needed to buy metric bolts to attach it to the damper). Some of the bolts for the tensioner were hard to get at but an old fashioned cresent wrench worked (required some patience). Also, I don't recall having to lift the engine. It probably helps gain access to the tensioner, but it's not required to remove the tensioner if you remove the damper first (order of operations is backwards in the video)
Good luck! and don't use cheap gaskets!