Hi all. I just received Bentley's MINI Service manual and it says that the manual transmission fluid is a "lifetime fluid" and never needs changing . Well I definitely do not trust that info unless the lifetime is 100k miles and double clutching is used religiously. I've got 35k miles on my '02 and, while I know it doesn't need it soon, would like to know what interval I should be changing it. Also, I'm keen to Redline MTL and would like to know which one would work better (70w-85 or 75w-90). It says the fluid in the MINI is MTF 94.

 

The people I have spoken with that are using Redline in their trans all use MTF. Although I have been using Redline 5W30 in engine, I have not yet done anything with the transmission (only 10K miles), however, I have used MTF in several Honda Trans. with no problems.

 

Hey Kapps, I hope this isn't an obvious question but doesn't the Bentley Manual indicate a spec for the gearbox oil?

If not, maybe we could check with the gearbox manufacturer.

Thanks for posting, good question.

 

All it says is BMW longlife MTF 94 which I assume is ~94 weight when hot. I'll try searching around getrag...

 

I would ask Redline:

http://www.redlineoil.com/tech_requests.asp

Red Line Synthetic Oil Corporation
6100 Egret Court
Benicia, CA 94510
PHONE: (707) 745-6100 or (800) 624-7958
FAX: (707) 745-3214

 

Good idea. I did some searching and it turns out MTF 94 is really 75w-80. I'll definitely check with Redline before I do the change. Thanks.

 

I'm in the middle of a clutch change and need to know what to put back in the transmission. I've already purchased some Mobile 1 synthetic gear lube, but after reading things online, I'm not sure this is the right thing to be using.

I've just sent a request to Redline using the link above, but rather than wait for them, was curious if you already had the answer. Should I pick up some Redline MTL ?

 

I have heard various users using Royal Purple with better results than Redline. RP seems to shift better than Redline. http://www.rpmoil.com

 

Amsoil has their "MTF" product as well, according to my distributor it is a suitable replacement for the MTF-94 used in the MINI gearbox....

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/mtf.aspx

 

I see lots of posts from other boards where people claim synthetics like Redline MTL, etc greatly improves shiftability, esp in cold weather. Can anyone confirm this for the MCS, or is factory fill good enough?

 

I have a lighter flywheel (15#) that generates "clatter" at idle speeds. I changed the factory transmission fluid from the stock to Redline MTL, and the magnitude of the chatter has decreased substantially. It's hard to say if shifting is easier, but I'd like to think so

 

Evening all, since we're on the subject of MTL . is Redline compatible with
the MCS gearbox with the factory LSD? is BMW using a additive to the lifetime gear oil for the box's with LSD? Thanks awaiting
comments.