I searched until my hands just about fell off. Here, Google, Mini2, Motoringfile, etc etc. Didn't come across any DIY thread on how to drain/fill the automatic transmission fluid on an auto MCS.
Here is what I know:
-what tools I need (well, not really yet but I can figure it out by looking at them)
-the transmission is a sealed unit (no dipstick, just a drain and fill bolt)
-the transmission needs to use OEM ATF (I'm not gambling with off-the-shelf stuff)

In theory, the replacement should be similar to replacing the fluid on the manual tranny or a typical differential, which I have experience with from doing it on my Subaru.
Here is what I don't know. What level should the ATF be at? Do I fill it all the way up to the fill bolt? Usually I would just go by the amount that drains out, but I don't want to run the risk of the ATF being at lower level and just refilling again at a low level.

As such ... does anyone have a link to a DIY thread that I somehow managed to miss? Does anyone know what the fluid capacity is?
I plan on doing the typical drain/refill 3 times. This should be cheaper than what the dealer wants (local BMW charges over $300 and the Mini dealer that's 45 minutes away wants $280)

The car just rolled 60K miles and I've heard the "fluid is good up to 100K miles" story before. I laugh at the notion.

 

See post 2 and 4 in particular:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...t-located.html
See this thread too:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...id-change.html

Also compliments of gromit801:
I'm guessing you're talking about the automatic tansmission for the Mini? The CVT?
There is no dipstick. Nor is it a sealed unit.
You need to remove the splash shield under the engine.
The use a 6mm hex key to remove the fill/check flug from the side of the tranny.. The fluid should be level with the bottom of the hole.
It's all on Page 020-28 of the Bentley Press Mini Cooper Service Manual. Amazon carries it.
If you have a manual tranny, which one do you have? 5 or 6 speed? Again, there is no dipstick, and you have to check the fill hole on the side of the tranny.

 

He has the MCS auto, therefore no CVT - it's the Aisin built 6 speed.

 

Bentley Press Mini Cooper Service Manual 02-06

 

Can't do without that thing, can I?
Guess I gotta fork the money.

 

I know I want one too, 3 of them (for $50-60 bucks) got snatched up here on NAM before I could PM the seller, I also want the one that shows codes too.