Losing oil, filthy backside!

[Matt UK]

Hi all, I've got a 2005 Mini Cooper S (the supercharged one). It seems healthy enough but it's using oil - about 1 ltr every 1,500 miles.

Car has 80k miles on the clock, is warmed up gently but then often used enthusiastically on my 25 mile empty b-road commute. Not thrashed or mechanically unsympathetic, but not baby'd either - the throttle and the rev range is used as God intended when an open stretch is presented.

I've read that BMW say this is acceptable, even down to 1tr/1000miles the cheeky gits. I gave it a wash today and had a check around. No leaks under the car and engine bay clean. However the exhaust tips are very sooty and the boot/bumper feel almost gritty - closer inspection reveals oil spot deposits.

Also, I've noticed that when hot it can sometimes get a bit of a rough idel 'chug' going on like it wants to stall, even though it never does - not sure it this is related or not though.

Apart from that though it seems a happy little car - so terminal / easy fix / live with it and buy oil in bulk? I'd appreciate your thoughts / experiences.

What could be casuing this? I'm curious.

[lel]

Its definitely burning oil if it isn't leaking anywhere. Either piston rings, worn bores, valve stem oil seals or head gasket would be the most likely cause IMO.

Has it just started using oil or has it always done it? Regardless of what BMW say is acceptable i wouldn't be happy with it using that much.

[Matt UK]

I'm not sure, I only bought it 3 months ago.

[lexusboy]

Most of the Mini Coopers I have seen and worked on have had leaking sump and rocker cover gasket.

[BFG TERRANO]

My bosses daughter had one that does exactly the same. She was told its normal, just check weekly and top up as required.

[Slidingpillar]

Bit hard to tell, but is it using more oil when the dipstick is at max, compared to halfway between max and min? If that is the case, keep the oil level down a bit.

Now sold the car, but my Morgan 4/4 did that.