Ok, I've been doing some reading and research yet I can't seem to find a solution to my problem. I own a 2008 Clubman S, and as the temperature drops the transmission is starting to become very notchy (sometimes grinds even) shifting into second gear. The clutch was replaced this past summer, so I'm hoping that a transmission fluid change might be in order. According to what I've read I require MTL LT-4 fluid (I don't have a LSD).

So my question, are there any alternatives beyond going OEM? Redline and Amsoil list on their website that they don't have any fluids for my car. I'm worried that new OEM fluid might not make that much of a difference as my car only has 55km (~35 miles). I realize that the previous owner might have not been the best manual driver (hence the need for a new clutch so soon), and I've had great success with Redline products in my miata before, but it looks like they don't make anything.

So am I stuck with OEM or are there other options that I can't think of.

 

That's a good question that I would also like to know the answer to.
I bought magnetic engine and trans drain plugs and already changed and installed the engine and I'm trying to determine the correct manual transmission oil.
Way Motors recommends Red Line MTL for manual trans but doesn't specify the years.
Mini Mania doesn't recommend Red Line MTL for a 2013 Cooper S and recommends Red Line ShockProof Light.
I've used Red Line Shock Proof Heavy in my Harley transmission for years and it has proven to be a great gear oil, albeit very thick.
Royal Purple has a gear oil that is rated for GL4 and GL5 applications but Royal Purple doesn't have a great following in the Harley world because of reported accelerated wear.
I've a been a Harley rider for over 30 years (yes that makes me old) and this is my 1st Mini, I've come to realize how similar the Harleys and Minis are and how they share some of the same quirks and maintenace issues and performance upgrades.

 

can't help with an alernate fluid, but i have a good friend that owns a transmission shop

he recommends manual transmission fluid change every 2 years or 30,000 miles, whichever comes first

i have followed his advise on my last vehicle, a 1997 gms sonoma and at 288,000 miles, the transmission shifts as good as it did the day it was new

scott

 

You can call redline to see what they recommend for the car. Alternatively, you can also check on their website for recommendations.

I remember in previous conversations with Redline, MTL is what they have been recommending in the past.

 

According to redline's website they don't manufacture a product for 2007+ minis. I will try calling them this week to see if that truly is the case. Otherwise it sounds as if I might be stuck with the OEM stuff. Hopefully changing it helps get rid of the notchiness/occasional grind

 

Redline, AMSoil, Royal Purple... they are all going to be better than stock. Approval ratings are a good thing but there is a lot of paperwork that gums up the works too. You can't fail with these top brands regardless if they are "approved" or not.

 

Update from Red Line Oil,
I emailed and asked if I could use Red Line shockproof Light as sold and approved by Mini Mania and Red Line MTL as sold and approved by Way Motors, here's David's response from Red Line.
I hope this information is helpful, I'm still a little confused.

[FONT=Arial]Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, do you know what fluid is called for? Most of the GS6-55BG transaxles call for a MTF-LT-4 fluid, a special product we don’t offer a cross for. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]The MTL is used in some late model Mini 6 speed Getrag transaxles where the MTF94 is specified. [/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]
[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]The ShockProof gear oils are very unique products, designed and better suited for racing and some speciality applications. They contain a friction modifier and can be too slippery for synchros, the low temperature/cold flow likely better with some of our other products and also due to appearance wouldn’t be recommended while under warranty. [/FONT]
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[FONT=Arial]Regards, Dave[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial]Red Line Oil[/FONT]

 

my friend that owns a transmission shop recommends fluid changes every 30,000 miles, regardless of the type of fluid used, so you can just use the mini type 3309 fluid, (cheaper from toyota) and change regularly and you should have no problems

scott

 

I've been running Redline MTL in my R56 S with no problems. I know alot of BMW and MINI guys that replace the MTL LT-4 fluid with MTL. I haven't heard of any issues.

 

FWIW, Amsoil recommends using OEM fluid as they have no substitute.

http://www.amsoil.com/mygarage/Vehic...+MINI+COOPER+D

Unfortunately, BMW doesn't sell their stuff by the quart and if the car is under warranty, like mine, I don't want to risk having an issue should I need to rely on the warranty. At $200 for a 5 Liter jug, I may just suck it up and have the dealer change the stuff for me.

http://new.minimania.com/part/NMG730...luid---5-Liter