Hey guys,

I picked up some dealer transmission fluid for the Mini (MTF-94, 75W80), and I'm surprised at the color. I have it in an clear jug, and it's nearly opaque...a brownish hue throughout. It feels the right consistency for something 5W30 (on oil charts), but the whole darkness thing is...concerning? I really want to be able to swap it out tomorrow without worries. Tell me I'm not crazy.

- Matt

 

Bumpity bump bump bumpity bump bump.

 

I think that is because the transmission fluid in a MINI standard tranny is 5W30. I replaced the factory fluid in my 5-speed with Amsoils replacement for the stock fluid. It's labeled Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid, SAE 5W-30, and it is rather dark. My 5-speed shifts smoother than ever after the change. How did you determine you needed 75W80? Does it say that on the bottle?

 

I can't tell you why the stock Mini gear oil is so dark, but I just got some from a dealer and it is exactly as you describe. Given the 75W80 rating, I thought it would be much more viscous, but in fact it seems just a bit thicker than ordinary 5W30. Don't get bent out of shape about the color, though. Color does not predict oil performance.

BTW, I wouldn't risk filling the gear box with anything but the specified 75W80.

 

Well, I picked swapped it out today...no more notchiness. I absolutely love the feel now. As well, changing gears when cold is much smoother.

Forum searching. I found and saved a picture one of the guys here took of the container the fluid comes in: a 25L container labeled MTF-94, 75W80. The dealer knew exactly what I was talking about and obliged. It came to about 8$ a half-liter...I picked up two liters total just to be sure I was over the amount required (2.1Q, if I remember the thread correctly).

I went with the stock Mini stuff, as I think it was khuevo who said he had it analyzed and its awesome. That, and Redline (and every other brand) can only come as close as 70W80, or 75W90.

It should be...the 75W80 rating is for transmission fluid (oil). Engine oil is weighted on a different...index, I suppose. I don't know the specifics to be honest, but I do know this to be true. I think it is anything 70-75W80-90 that's equivalent to 5W30.

- Matt

 

Based on the unusual number of transmission failures of the Midland 5-speed, I decided to try Amsoil in hopes of making my tranny last a bit longer. No idea if it's better, or worse, than the stock MTF 94 stuff. There is no question my tranny shifts a bit smoother with the Amsoil, however.

 

My Getrag makes me smile, with its NORAD-like construction.

- Matt