Okay so new member...and new to MINIs almost entirely-

My sister just picked up an '05 MCS, and it has a limited slip dif.

With it being FWD, I guess the dif is in the transmission...and I can only assume that they're pumping the same fluid. Based on the reading I've done, BMW MTF-LT3 is the appropriate fluid for a drain/fill. Is this the case even with the limited slip option?

The transmission is pretty notchy, so I thought I would investigate how hard it is to replace the fluid. Being 6 years old, it's time for it anyways.

Any help is appreciated!

 

Here ya go.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ion-fluid.html

 

I had the transmission(manual) fluid changed last summer. After reading dozens of posts arguing what fluid to use ranging from OEM to the plethora of aftermarket types, I finally ceased my rectal analysis and relented to calling a Mini dealer to eliminate any doubt. Giving them the model, year and the fact that it was LSD equipped, they told me the recommended OEM fluid. Finally I concluded that I couldn't go wrong with OEM fluid. My indie shop changed the fluid and I have to admit the shifting is a tad smoother. Hence the debate was over for me. Good luck. PS--FWIW

 

If you do this yourself remember to loosen the top plug to make sure it will come out. Don't want to drain the tranny and find you can't fill it.

 

awesome! Thanks for the links...still learning my way around. I have some royal purple synchromax that is an alternative to MTF-LT2 for use in my own car, but with the limited slip in the MCS I think I'll stick with OEM.

fwiw... MTF-LTx stands for "Manual Transmission Fluid - Life Time (version X)", or that's what a BMW tech told me once, but it makes sense.

I will also add, after seeing that writeup, it's easier with a transfer pump.

www.mcmaster.com and search item 1061K11 . For ten bucks they're incredibly useful.

 

Let us know that manual pump works out for you and if you had to use anything else to make the hose go down there (just wondering if the hose length is long enough).

I had seen one that Harbor Freight sells and the hose seemed longer.

http://www.harborfreight.com/multi-u...ump-66418.html

 

The one I have was from NAPA maybe 10 years ago, and the hose lenth has always been fine. I also have a few rolls of different hoses that I've collected over the years, so I was never really worried about it. The one from McMaster appears to be identical to the NAPA one, so it probably is- It also has a metal housing, versus the plastic housing of the HF unit.

I've used that pump for countless transmission fluid changes, and it always works great. I do use it for everything from brake fluid to anti-freeze, so I have to be sure to flush it out with the drained fluid before I start sucking new. I suppose that I'd be happy with either one. I like the fact that the action of the piston is super smooth (especially with transmission fluid in it!), so you can be under the car and fill the transmission up *just* enough without it running over.

Since the hose comes straight out the bottom, I usually hang it up next to my shovels with a rag under it. Most of whatever was in there just drips out over a short period of time, so cleaning it for the next use isn't bad.