D4 is supposed to be OK with LSD. I use it with mine.

I usually have 2 quarts available before I attempt the job but it will use slightly more than 1 quart.

Redline can be a little confusing about their names because their 75W90NS should not be used on non slip diffs. I always wondered what NS stood for.

 

Replaced the gearbox fluid today....very smooth. Thanks for all the help Slinger!

 

Which oil did you end up using?

 

Thought it was "No Sulfur."

This was taken directly from their website: "Safe for brass synchros, as it lacks the reactive sulfurs found in most GL-5 oils that cause damage"

This was labeled their application guide for the MINI (2006 model, Cooper S) with the MTL fluid, but I suspect that NS also refers to brass synchros and the reaction to sulfur (corrosion).

Try this link, their application guide is awesome: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?product=50204

 

see post #14.

 

I contacted Redline regarding the proper fluid for my Mini's transmission. The following response is from David Granquist, Red Line Technical Support:

"Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, in your Mini Cooper manual transaxle the MTL would be recommended and a good all around choice with limited slip. Mini previously used a lower viscosity fluid in the late model transaxles though found a higher viscosity more appropriate with limited slip due to noise issues. The D6ATF would be our recommendation in most late model non-limited slip Mini transaxles, the lower viscosity could certainly help low temperature shiftability."

 

Getting set to change the tranny lube for the first time (40K) and have a question. How do you put the new lube in? Do you need a lube pump or any other special tools? Is there enough room to use a small funnel to pour the new lube in? Still not sure how much lube the R56 requires. Read two posts that said "a little over 1Qt" (R53?) and another that said a little over 2Qts (R56?). The 2 MINI's are a tad different ya know!

Want to thank several of you for getting me to this point. Learned the trick of removing the fill plug first, got 2 Dimple Super Magnet replacement plugs and finally figured out the best lube for my driving style and environment (hot!). Per recommendations from people who really know trans-axles I picked up 3Qts. of the new Redline MT-85 75W85 GL-4. Hope I don't burn myself too bad dumping the old lube! LOL

 

I have a 2009 MCS and there was room to use a small (maybe 6") funnel coupled to a 3/8" PVC hose. I just wrapped electrical tape to make the seal. The hose will fit into the fill hole. Hold the funnel and fill it from above the engine compartment. Make sure you are draining the transaxle and not the engine. More than a few have posted here in NAM that they had some surprises!

I went with MTL as it is not generally that cold here in Atlanta. It is a bit thicker than stock but fine if I take it easy on the first shift are two in cold weather. The shifting was improved over the stock fluid (and it was pretty good with the stock fluid). I will change mine every 30,000 miles.

Good luck!!

 

Thanks mucho! That's the trick I was looking for. Will do the change today.

 

Got the lube change done and the difference is dramatic. Shifts and synchro's are now silky smooth with virtually no tranny noise. That Redline MT-85 is worth every penny. The old lube was a shock. Black as soot with contaminants and not much thicker then water. Also, the OEM plugs had no seals or even Loctite on them and were waaay to easy to remove. A real confidence builder, huh? I'm gonna go with a 30K change interval, too. Thanks again

PS: I measured and the R56 holds 1.75qts of lube.

 

Lifetime fluids are a myth....extended yes, but not lifetime.

I attached a nice PDF I found on an R56 manual tranny drain and fill. It sounds like all the Redline fluids mentioned in this thread are good. I am going to go with the thicker MTL for more protection and then swap fluid once a year.

Enjoy!

 

so which oil will be advised if we cant find any red line products around here?

 

I order my Redline on the net. Then either change it myself or have a shop do it since it is a messy job and tough without a lift.

 

How much do you need for a gearbox oil change?

 

Just did mine a couple months ago. 1.75qts will do the trick. BTW, I'd recommend putting in the Dimple super magnet plugs while at it.

 

Easiest way to put fluid back in is with a hand pump like this


Most auto parts stores have them for like $8.00. It's easier and less messy then a funnel and you can see when it is filled right away.

Also it's good habit to always make sure to loosen the fill plug before the drain. No point in draining the fluid if the fill plug is stuck.

 

Thanks. I'll have the fluid changed when I get the OSG LSD and STR installed