Why does our MINI One use so much oil?

Our MINI One 2011 is using an excessive amount of oil. The problem has appeared quite suddenly. In the past 4000 miles the car has used two litres of oil. Is this normal? My guess is the valve seals are on the way out, but why should they wear out in the first place?
Might be valve stem oil seals. Might be piston oil rings from being filled with synthetic oil on the line. Manufacturers don't regard half a litre every 1000 miles as excessive, but the fact is your engine is using oil. Not a regular complaint of this PSA/BMW 1.6 engine, but oil level does need to be watched otherwise timing chain damage can occur before all the obvious other things.
Answered by Honest John on

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