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mini should have lifetime tansmission oil. i dont know why you would need to change it but if you wanted to change it i would take it to the dealership and pay them for new lifetime oil. I would stick with whatever mini puts in it from the factory, the transmissions seem to be fine without any changes.
PS i hate taking my car to dealerships but to never change it again its worth it.
MINI specifies MTF 94 which refers to Texaco's product number. This is a GL-4 spec product with a 75W-80 viscosity index and is a semi-synthetic..
For extremely smooth shifting with excellent protection you may wish to consider Amsoil MTF (GL-4 spec also) which is a Fully Synthetic Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (5W-30). This will transmit more power to the front wheels.
Also, double check with your dealer to determine if the MINI tranny is GL-5 compatible.It has some very corrosive additives that may be harmful to your synchronizers.
For extremely smooth shifting with excellent protection you may wish to consider Amsoil MTF (GL-4 spec also) which is a Fully Synthetic Synchromesh Transmission Fluid (5W-30). This will transmit more power to the front wheels.
You're joking about the 5W-30, right? Are you familiar with different viscosities? Manual transmissions and differentials require high-viscosity lubricant. Putting something as light as motor oil in your transmission will overheat and destroy it. Yes, you will put more power to the wheels, but.......
EDIT- After reading Amsoil's product description, I see it is intended for use in Mini's, but I still don't feel comfortable at all about such a low-viscosity lube.
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Sorry about not being more specific but I don't know what viscosity. Just research it and see what they recommend. I would not go any other then what OEM would be.
You're joking about the 5W-30, right? Are you familiar with different viscosities? Manual transmissions and differentials require high-viscosity lubricant. Putting something as light as motor oil in your transmission will overheat and destroy it. Yes, you will put more power to the wheels, but.......
EDIT- After reading Amsoil's product description, I see it is intended for use in Mini's, but I still don't feel comfortable at all about such a low-viscosity lube.
The real spec you are looking for in a gear lube is shear strength. For petroleum based lubricants, viscosity was(I guess still is) highly correlated to
viscosity. The new all synthetic lubes change that paradigm, offering superior shear strength with lower viscosities. That said, I would wonder whether the synchronizers would still work properly (and long-term) in a low friction environment. Since I always double clutch in a downshift, I haven't put them to the test.
On Amsoil's site there was mention of not using this oil with clutch type limited slips. I can't remember what type of limited slip is used as an option in the R56?
Personally I've been using Amsoil forever and a swear by it, the engines I've used it in always ran/run smoother and have less audible engine noise especially from the valve train.
I have spoken to Redline many times about their oils for Minis and this is what they suggest:
D6 ATF for R56 with the same viscosity as OEM
D4 ATF for a slightly thicker oil for greater protection but potentially can be a little harder shifting in the winter
MTL for the thickest oil and recommended for R53
I have been using MTL and D4 on my different cars for over 15 years (mostly BMWs and Porsches). I am thinking of using D4 in my R56 next year when I change my manual transmission fluid. I think Redline makes some of the best fully synthetic oils for the manual transmission. The shifting is much smoother and crispier.
I have heard good things about Amsoil but just do not like the way they sell their product so I have never bought anything from them.
ATF= Autotragic? Automatic Transmission. Or does that matter. Cause after the warranty is up I am going to change mine out with some better fluid so that I can increase the smoothness of shifting.
