I'm getting close to pulling the pin on an LSD/clutch flywheel swap, and I'm looking for people from colder climates (Northern USA or Canada) to chime in on what manual transmission fluid they've found works for them.

 

I would go with OEM fluids. Theres no need for anything more.

 

Now granted, I have an R50 with the Midlands, but I used Redline's stuff. I forget if it was 80W90 or 75W80. I think it was the 75-W80. I live in PA and we've had a fairly cold winter at some points and I have no complaints on it. Bet on it being way cheaper than OEM fluid.

 

Dude...you should have ran the Redline MTL instead of their gear oil (unless you have an auto then I dont know). That stuff goes in my 3-series diff...

 

+1 for Redline MTL

 

+2

 

Im still waiting for 40k to change my fluid with redline MTL. Im sitting at 39,200 or so. I want my intervals to be even.

 

+3 MTL

mb

 

What is the MINI recomended change interval?

Is Redline MTL good for use with a LSD?

 

Redline MTL.

I think there is a different version of Redline MTL to use with LSD, MTL-90 maybe?

 

To MINI the transmission fluid is lifetime meaning they say you never have to change it.

 

Thats the line I encountered.I find this hard to accept.
After seeing so much about changed tranny fluid extending the life of a tranny,how does this jive(jibe).
Where's Dr.Obnoxious?He'll know.
I have an MCSa,sitting just shy of 20,000.
I want to be pro active,not drinkin dealer coolaid.

 

Redline tech support says that MTL is the right stuff for both the LSD & non-LSD Mini transaxles. (MT90 is a higher viscosity ~90wt transmission fluid.)

Redline MTL provides slightly smoother shifts than the factory fluid. (Synchros seemingly do their job with less force required.) You get a "silkier" shift in my 2005 MCS w/LSD

 

Thanks. My 06 MCS is at 42K miles now. I'll probably drain and refill soon.

 

Thats funny...because the Redline tech said for the LSD you should use MT-90.. I dont know then. It has everything to do with the synchros..

 

Anyone use Amsoil fluid for a 2005 manual transmission?

 

I don't follow what the factory says for a lot of things. This is one of them. The plan for me is a transmission flush every 30k miles or so (which would be about once a year). I have one of the Redline fluids in right now (not sure if it's MTL or MT90) and that's what I plan on sticking with.

 

I did use the MTL and I could have sworn it was 75-80 or something like that on the bottles. I asked on here and everyone said MTL. I wouldn't use gear oil if no one said to.

 

Redline MTL. Works great and smooth shifting on the coldest of mornings here in New Jersey.

Rich

 

If it had 75-80 or something like that...You have the gear oil and not MTL...

 

+1 for Redline MTL

Changed my 32K mile factory fluid and the shifts were a bit better.

Thankfully the factory fluid still looked good.

Dave

 

How many quarts of Redline MTL would someone need when changed their trans fluid?

Thanks

 

get 3 qts. Make sure the car is level when you fill it. Removing the p/s pump fan will allow better access to the fill plug. It will take about 2-1/2 qts.
MTL is the proper fluid for all 5 and 6 speed MINI manuals, especially in colder climates, and it is a GL-4 and is both 5w-30 and 70w-80. (don't ask me how, engine oils and gear oil viscosities are rated differently). MT-90 will work ok in very hot climates.
---Someone asked about the fluid in an MCSa auto trans, the aftermarket information suppliers (Mitchell, alldata) do not have info on this oil yet. I'm hoping to pick some brains at the dealer soon, but I guarantee it is not a generic atf, probably Esso LT71141 (Pentosin ATF-1) or similar. I have been looking with no luck so far, so the best bet, if you plan a service, is to get it from the dealer until the specs become clear.
CVT trans in the Cooper use Esso EZL-799, you can ONLY get this from the dealer, and anything else WILL damage the trans (thats not just a dealer scare tactic)
--Dan

 

You want to try to prove me wrong again?

 

AMSOIL Synthetic Manual Synchromesh
Transmission Fluid

I run AMSOIL in everything I own for the last 10 years.