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I'm worried about when I need to change the transmission oil on my '05 MC, at this time I have 45k miles. I will appreciate any help.
__________________ '05 Astro Black MINI COOPER: Alta Cone Filter, Borla Cat-Back, Megan Header, MCS bumpers, side skirts, wing and pedals, Drag DR-13 18" wheels, Aero Kit Grilles, and more...
I've changed the oil in a few transmissions. Makes a bigger difference in some more than others, regardless of mileage... makes me think driving style is a big factor... for the older Midlands, it seems to make a BIG difference in shifting smoothness. We've been using Redline MTL.
You probably won't get a straight answer from BMW/MINI regarding this as according to them all of their transmission come with a "lifetime" fluid... ..but they fed us the same line of b.s. 5 years ago when I changed the fluid in our M3.
Changing the fluid is pretty easy. With the engine reasonably warm, undo the fill plug then the drain plug. I use a funnel with an extension hose from the top side of the engine fished down into the fill hole. Much easier/faster than any of the consumer-pump set-ups I've tried. Will take a little less than 2 quarts. IIRC, the Getrag uses a hex-wrench (10mm?) on the plugs.
__________________ "Market research is bunk... the public don't know what they want, it is my job to tell them" - Sir Alec Issigonis
Is there much off a difference in shifting with a different fluid?
It seems to really depend... I haven't had to change the fluid in a MC Getrag yet, but there have been varying degrees in improvement to the 6spds and 5 spd Midlands. The Midlands with a bit under 50K on it made quite a bit of difference... and there was also a a lot of mettalic debris attached to the magnetic drain plug.
__________________ "Market research is bunk... the public don't know what they want, it is my job to tell them" - Sir Alec Issigonis
I have a 04 Mini R50, but I don't know if it is a Getrag or Midland. Can you tell from the VIN or do you need to call the dealer? I realized they changed from the Midline to the Getrag in 2004; therefore, the change only applies to the 2005 on models. My bad...
Last edited by b0rkman; 05-03-2008 at 10:45 AM.
Reason: Never Mind