I'm worried about when I need to change the transmission oil on my '05 MC, at this time I have 45k miles. I will appreciate any help.

 

I changed mine at 30K (the same time I did the Mini's second and only oil change...now at 75K....lol) ...doesnt hurt.

 

what oil do you guys use for you transmission. This is something I have never done before and may be due as well being at ~40,000 miles

 

Yeah I didn't even know I needed to change the transmission oil

 

x2

 

I did it the easy way: at 42k Mini changed my transmission...

-skip-

 

I've changed the oil in a few transmissions. Makes a bigger difference in some more than others, regardless of mileage... makes me think driving style is a big factor... for the older Midlands, it seems to make a BIG difference in shifting smoothness. We've been using Redline MTL.

You probably won't get a straight answer from BMW/MINI regarding this as according to them all of their transmission come with a "lifetime" fluid... ..but they fed us the same line of b.s. 5 years ago when I changed the fluid in our M3.

Changing the fluid is pretty easy. With the engine reasonably warm, undo the fill plug then the drain plug. I use a funnel with an extension hose from the top side of the engine fished down into the fill hole. Much easier/faster than any of the consumer-pump set-ups I've tried. Will take a little less than 2 quarts. IIRC, the Getrag uses a hex-wrench (10mm?) on the plugs.

 

Are all the five speeds getrag?

 

The older ones were Midlands not sure of the date change to Getrag

 

I think they changed in mid 04

 

Is there much off a difference in shifting with a different fluid?

 

It seems to really depend... I haven't had to change the fluid in a MC Getrag yet, but there have been varying degrees in improvement to the 6spds and 5 spd Midlands. The Midlands with a bit under 50K on it made quite a bit of difference... and there was also a a lot of mettalic debris attached to the magnetic drain plug.

 

How can I determine what type of transmission I have?

I have an 05 Mini (R50) with 75k miles on it and afte reading the posts I think I need to change it. Does Redline MTC wotk for either type of trannie?

 

You have a 5 speed Getrag Greenie but can't recommend a fluid.

 

Thanks Crusoe for the info.

Do all 05's have Getrag's or is their an indicator somewhere on the car?

Also on another different issue how can I tel if I have a Duelmass clutch?

 

I have a 04 Mini R50, but I don't know if it is a Getrag or Midland. Can you tell from the VIN or do you need to call the dealer? I realized they changed from the Midline to the Getrag in 2004; therefore, the change only applies to the 2005 on models. My bad...

 

Anyone change the fluid on the Getrag 5 speed? The sticker on the transmission is a blue sticker and says LT-3?

According to Redline, that oil closely matched their D6 ATF, which is a pretty light oil. Anyone have any experience using this in their transmission?

Anyone try Redline MTL in the 5 speed Getrag? This oil is thicker, which seems like it would be better if you drive your car hard?