R53 upper sump oil leak

[Neal500griff]

Hi, wonder if anyone can help!

My 2003 R53 Mini Cooper S has developed a small oil leak, no significant oil loss, just slight drip from bottom end occasionally.

Took it to my regular garage and they say its a slight leak from the upper sump? Said minis of this era “came out the factory with the leak” and that’s its a massive job to fix it and too big for them. They referred me to another specialist garage who say its an engine out job to fix it and labour charge alone is going to be at least £1,500!

Love my mini but not sure its worth spending that much on!

I’ve scoured you tube etc and replacing ordinary sump doesn’t appear a massive job but can’t seem to find anything about an upper sump at all, does such a thing even exist??? Anyone any ideas?

Was also wondering if trying some wynn oil seal or similar oils additive might do the trick, anyone had experience of those?

Thanks.

[E-bmw]

Never heard of an "upper sump" on an r53.

By definition a sump is at the bottom.

[Neal500griff]

That’s what I thought, all I can find on internet is stuff about an ordinary standard sump on bottom of engine as you say!

[E-bmw]

Basically, you need to find out where it is actually from and then get a price for the actual issue.

Most common places on the r53 to leak are:
Sump.
Rocker cover.
Oil sensor.
Oil filter housing.

None of these would cost £1500 to fix.

In fact all of these could be fixed & then leave enough for a service, brake disc/pad change, MOT & tyres for £1500........ OK, maybe not tyres, but you get the point.

[Neal500griff]

Thanks, that’s why I posted, what the garages’ have told me make no sense.

Going to get it up on axel stands at weekend, clean it up and see if I can see exactly where the leak is.

If its just the sump may have a go at that myself, seems straight forward but think you need a special tool to get the belt off?

[jfdi]

The belt tension tool can be had for about £20.

[Neal500griff]

Great, thanks

[E-bmw]

You won't need the belt off to do the sump.

[Neal500griff]

Thanks, That should makes it even simpler!

[President Merkin]

If your car has air conditioning, you will need to remove the aircon compressor and therefore the serpentine belt.

[Neal500griff]

Yep, it’s go AC, so not as simple then, and I’ll need that special tool!
Thanks

[E-bmw]

President Merkin said:

If your car has air conditioning, you will need to remove the aircon compressor and therefore the serpentine belt.

Is that due to where it mounts then?

[President Merkin]

Unfortunately due to where the compressor mounts, it restricts access to the sump bolts on the front offside of the oil pan.

[Neal500griff]

Hi, thanks for the schematic, very useful. Where can I find that and drawings for rest of the engine please?

[President Merkin]

www.realoem.com