2012 N18 Countryman CooperS All4 Auto leaking oil from Valvetronic Actuator

[Jezdawes]

Hi

I've had a very slow, one drip per day of oil on my 2012 Mini Countryman 1.6 petrol R60 CooperS All4 Auto. After a number of months the entire bell housing and underside of the engine was coated. After cleaning off with brake cleaner it was difficult to see where the oil leak was but having read through many forums and getting advice my first port of call was the oil filter housing. I removed and replaced the gaskets but there wasn't really any sign of leakage from the housing. I also replaced the turbo lines at the same time as recommended. I reassembled and fault code P13C9 - Vanos exhaust control fault, camshaft stuck came up and the engine was misfiring. I replaced the two vanos solenoids and cleared the fault codes and the engine was running perfectly. However, the slow drip of oil is still there.

Now I knew the leak must be at the rear of the engine I took a closer look and found that the highest point of the oil appeared to be around the valvetronic actuator. I removed the electrical connector and found that it was full of oil. I am assuming that this is the cause of my leak and if so then it is probably the actuator rubber seal but I am really struggling to find a supplier of these and any instructions on how to replace it. Also, if this is not the cause of my initial leak, could the failure of the vanos solenoids and the misfiring have cause increased oil pressure forcing the oil through the shaft of the actuator? I'm hoping that it is not the case and that by replacing the seal I will solve my leak, anyone else experienced a similar issue or have any advice on how I should proceed?