I just bought a used 2003 Mini S 6-speed manual with 93,000 miles. Drove it home (50 miles), drove it around the next day (maybe 10-20 miles). On the 3rd day I thought I better check the fluids, wash it, get it cleaned up, etc. Got home from work and heard a clicking noise from the engine as I pulled into the driveway. Checked the oil, dipstick was dry. It took 3.5 quarts of oil to bring it full (and it only holds 4.5 quarts!). Two days after that, it's a quart low again. I still hear occasional clicking from the engine but other than that it seems to run OK. No oil spots on the driveway, and the oil light never once came on. So today I took it in for an oil change and the technician saw evidence of a leak, possibly between the engine and tranny. But it was just one of those drive-thru oil-change places, so I don't put much faith in his analysis -- it was clearly based on a quick glance.
So, just how screwed am I? Clearly, I have a bad oil leak, possibly a rear main seal?
And now, I have some level of permanent engine damage. Could the clicking be lifters, damaged by the extreme low oil level? What is most likely to be damaged by severely low oil?
Used cars. You just never know, do you. <sigh>
Tim
So, just how screwed am I? Clearly, I have a bad oil leak, possibly a rear main seal?
And now, I have some level of permanent engine damage. Could the clicking be lifters, damaged by the extreme low oil level? What is most likely to be damaged by severely low oil?
Used cars. You just never know, do you. <sigh>
Tim