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.

[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!

[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?

[Neal500griff]

Great, thanks

[Neal500griff]

Thanks, That should makes it even simpler!

[Neal500griff]

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

[Neal500griff]

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