MotoringFile reports that serious issues have arisen with 2001 through 2006 MINIs due to premature oil pan gasket failures that, if unchecked and unrepaired, can cause oil starvation and engine detonation. Read the article on what to look for, where to look for it and how much it will cost to repair if you find you have this problem.
Here's a video from White Roof Radio on how to check your oil - an essential step to preventing an oil pan gasket failure from causing damage to your MINI.