Three problems related to engine burning oil have been reported for the 2007 Mini Cooper S. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
This car has been a consistent user of oil. It uses a quart at about 500 miles. This engine has a reputation for problems on Mini Cooper S models and the peugeot models with that same engine. I've heard that later models don't burn oil. I'd like to know why BMW has not recalled them. First the timing chain, cooling system and high pressure fuel pump. , they paid for the timing chain and the fuel pump.
Upon acceleration when the turbo charger engages there is a high pitched squeal which changes tone depending upon the acceleration. Afterwards smokes starts leaking from the hood scoop and sides of the hood itself. It smells of burned oil. I noticed oil pooling at a connection point near the turbo charger unit. In mid-August the car failed it's emissions test due to a cracked valve cover. I had the Mini dealership replace the valve cover which was enough to pass inspection. However, the technician informed me that I had an oil leak in a line to the turbo charger that could start a fire and to watch my oil level closely. The cost to repair this (after nearly $900 on the valve cover) is simply beyond my means presently. Since learning about the possible dangers the car is no longer parked in the garage.
There is a defect in the design of the oil line feeding the turbo charging unit. Oil now leaks directly onto the turbo charger causing large discharges of smoke at lower (city) speeds from the hood. The burned oil smoke is not visible at highway speeds, although once one slows down for a ramp the smoke pours out again. Due to the high risk of fire the car is no longer parked in our garage. It is parked towards the end of the driveway as far from our house as possible. I believe that this should be an urgent safety issue seeing that the engine could catch fire at any time.