Guys,
I have searched several times and haven't found a how-to on how to change the gearbox oil in the Cooper S. Mine has 25,000 miles (10 track days) and I think it's time to change. I called Redline and they said I need the MTL fluid. So, here's my questions:
1. How many quarts for a full fill?
2. I assume I need a pump to put the fluid in, what kind of pump do I need?
3. Can someone type up a quick how-to and add it to the forum?

One other question, does the MINI have clutch fluid, and if so, when should it be changed and with what?
I'm working on getting the Bentley manual but I want to see if they update it for 2005 MINIs.

Thanks for your help!
Aaron

 

The MCS uses a "lifetime" gearbox fluid...that said, it won't stop me from changing it either. I'm almost at 50k miles and I plan on doing it before summer is out. There are two bolts on the tranny...one is a drain bolt and the other is for fill/level. After draining, you fill it up until the fluid starts flowing out of the fill bolt. I haven't been under the MINI ltely so I can't comment on how accessible it is but I used a funnel with a 2-3 foot extension to do my other car. The MCS takes between 1.5 and 1.7 quarts.

As for the clutch, it's tied to the brake fluid reservoir. There is a bleed nipple on the slave cylinder but I can't comment much on it as I haven't flushed my brakes/clutch yet.

 

I've been looking for MTL gear oil locally since this subject came up recently in another thread and Pep Boys is supposed to be a dealer and keep it in stock but doesn't in our area for some reason.
Car Craft - no luck
Kraegens - nope
Napa - no way

Anyone have other suggestions?

 

Our NAPA carries Redline fluids (MTL or MT-90). You can always order it online from Summit Racing.

 

Do a search on the reline web site - they will tell you the local preferd dealer (it will NOT be the pepboys). In Atlanta it is "Blind Hog Racing" - great place. MTL is great stuff - I am at 20k with 5 track days and plan on changing mine soon to MTL. I have run it in at least 5 cars and it alwyas improved shifting - especially at hot and cold extreems.
Wes

 

Seven Mini Parts recommends, sells, & uses Redline products. Mike recommended using MTL in my tranny, said it makes a difference, he was right! http://www.7ent.com/newmini/index.cfm

 

Thanks - perfect!
Buying a couple of quarts right now.

 

Maybe to late but I get my Redline supplies from www.myoilshop.com
I don`t know what the price of the tranny fluid is but the 5W30 is $7.00 a quart or at least it was

 

I have ordered from myoilshop.com several times for my 300ZX.
Fast good service, and one of the best prices. MTL is $7.00.

I will be ordering MTL soon. I will change trans oil at least ever 25,000 miles.

 

What about Royal Purple?? I was thinking about using it in my Minis tranny.

I put it in my wifes Explorer V8 engine about two months ago. After adding royal in her engine I took the monster for a drive. The first light I stooped at I thought the engine died. The thing runs so smooth you can't feel the engine at idle.

I've read there tranny fluid is just as good.

LongBoard

 

I have seen people debate RP vs Redline for years.
They are both great improvements over most OEM. You will be happy with either. I will stay with Redline because I know MTL is fine for the MINI and just don't know what application from RP.

 

Here's my tip.....Remove the fill plug FIRST!!! If you drain the tranny & then can't get the fill plug out you are truly screwed. A friend of mine had that happen to him on his Dino. What a royal pain that turned out to be.

 

EXCELLENT POINT!!!
I have heard of this happening in more than a few instances. Porsches are notorious for this.

I also plan on replacing my tranny oil every 30K miles.

 

That is also my plan.

 

B&M synthetic in my box...

 

I run 10-30 Full syn Mobil 1 motor oil.

Its what all of my Turbododge and Integgy friends run.

Works great. Cheaper than MTL Redline, shifts smoother and easier to get your hands on!

Sid, you runin ATF in your tranny? Quickshift?

edit: Oh yeah, i change my gear oil with every oil change, lol. I have the only mini that eats 7.5 Quarts of oil during an oil change

 

Motor oil in your gearbox? I use B&M synthetic gear box oil...thick stuff

 

Thanks to everyone for your help! I'll be using Redline MTL. Here's some advice I got via PM:

It will take an allen head for the plugs; I’m not at home to give you the correct size. Undo the upper and then the lower to drain. It takes 1.5 L to fill. I used a fluid pump (looks like a fat syringe) but that was a mess. I know someone that used a funnel with a hose snaked from the top and it was easier. I used stock fluid.
The clutch slave uses fluid from the brake master reservoir. I flush the clutch slave every other brake fluid flush dependent on environment and usage but once a year for street and since you have track days in the mix more often. The arm on the slave has to be compressed to bleed; I use the MINI tool but a block of wood will suffice.

 

Well, I was running thick stuff, and MTL, then I asked what some of the other guys i hang out with run.

I heard everything from ATF to motor oil and never once heard anyone mention any gear oil, lol

I tried heavyweight regular gear oil for a while and I didnt like it, it felt like I had my shifter in peanut butter.

As long as its full synthetic, I dont think its an issue. From what i'm told the synchros are kinda touchy when it comes to partial-syn oils...

 

The transmission fill and drain plugs on the MCS take an 8mm allen at 32 ft-lbs torque. That fluid pump mentioned above is called a suction gun and it wasn’t worth a darn for this task.

 

Anyone ever run ProLong in their tranny? I have used it in the past and have had good results, smoother shifting. I'm getting ready to change the fluid in my MCS (6 speed) and will try it in here, just wondering if anyone has used it in their MINI?

 

If you have a LSD, you might want to be sure you fill the tranny with fluid that has the proper modifier.