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I purchased a 2013 R56 with 120,000 miles six months ago, which I have just been repairing due to an oil leak in the engine compartment. I replaced my plastic valve cover with an aluminium one since the plastic was deformed. I changed the oil filter housing gasket, which was the primary source of the oil leak in the engine compartment. Prior to substituting the oil filter housing gasket, I was able to drive for about one week before experiencing significant oil loss.

Upon reassembling the components, the vehicle began successfully on the first two attempts; but, after the third attempt, it operated for around 10 seconds before ceasing function. An OBD reader indicated a 287D Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) related to VANOS Intake: Actuator Movement. Following the replacement of my intake VANOS, the vehicle resumed operation. However, each time I start the vehicle now, the engine revs fluctuate as if searching for idle for the first few seconds before stabilising. Occasionally, when accelerating from a standstill, the vehicle has a stutter and emits substantial oil smoke from the exhaust. A week after replacing all components, I conducted a fluids check and am still experiencing significant oil loss. I removed my coil packs and saw a little quantity of oil on the tops of my #2 and #3 spark plugs. I removed all four spark plugs, and each exhibited signs of burned oil, despite having replaced them six months before when I acquired the vehicle.

I have been attempting various repairs over the last six months and was seeking a more accurate evaluation of the issue without incurring significant expenses at a Mini shop. Assistance or insights about these matters would be appreciated.

While not attributing blame, I too experimented with an aluminium bake cover on our N12.

Was never able to achieve proper functionality. The PCV malfunctioned, resulting in an unmetered air leak into the intake system.

It was also exhibiting oil use and emitting smoke from the exhaust.

Replaced the OEM plastic valve cover, resulting in the resolution of all issues.

The presence of oil on the spark plugs indicates a potential issue with the rocker cover gasket or the rocker cover itself. Excessive oil consumption often results from a combination of malfunctioning oil control rings and defective valve guide seals. All Prince engines have high oil consumption attributable to the selection of low-friction oil control rings, which ultimately malfunction, and the valve guide seals harden with time. The smoke indicates valve guide seals, whilst the excessive consumption suggests piston rings.

While this is undoubtedly accurate, I recommend prioritising the replacement of the valve cover, since the aluminium variants often exhibit inconsistent PCV functionality. Inadequate PCV functioning results in increased oil consumption by allowing oil to be drawn from the valve cover region. The problem is not with the aluminium valve cover itself, but rather with the inadequate functioning of the integrated PCV system.

Prioritise the elimination of simple tasks, since such coverings are reportedly prone to complications.

If consumption persists after replacement, we will proceed to the intestines.

If I were in your position, I would replace the valve cover with an authentic Febi component, since they possess the appropriate spring rates for the PCV.

Subsequently, do a smoke test on the intake, exhaust, and each cylinder to see whether any smoke is exiting inappropriately.

If you want to peruse my discourse about the notorious 287D code