Red fluid leaking from front.

[Zaku]

Trying to figure what could possibly cause this leaking from my girlfriends 2004 Mini. I did drive it before I noticed the leak and it seemed to have problems shifting gears. Im thinking it could be anything from the power steering, to the gearbox, or radiator. Included is a picture of the leak location on the right side of the radiator. (looking from the front of the car)

[Tabintab]

Only red oil I know of for a car is Automatic transmission fluid.

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TaB

[InjectedGT]

If you experienced shifting issues along the same time frame as noticing the red fluid leaking, it would be very wise to check the transmission fluid(I am assuming you're car is an automatic). Check the transmission fluid and get a flashlight and start hunting down the exact location of the leak. One good rule of thumb for a leak on a car is to find the highest and most forward point there is fluid. That's where the leak should originate.

While I am new to MINI's, I'm not new to the automotive world or BMW's in general. I do know BMW is notorious for using automatic transmission fluid in their power steering systems, so that's a good second guess. But with your note of shifting issues, I would start with the trans. Could be something simple like a worn O-ring in a cooler line fitting to something serious like a crack somewhere in the case. Find the leaks origin the best you can.

[InjectedGT]

And after looking at your picture of where you found the red fluid, it would lead me to think it's a cooler fitting, line, or cooler itself.