I am looking for some info on my 05 Cooper S 6 spd trans. What kind and how much gear oil does it use? Is it easy or necessary to change it?

 

I believe the R53 trans specs the same fluid as the Midlands which goes like this: from the factory they are filled for life. This is BS to me and a lot of people. On the non-S trans, there are 2 metal plugs that are removed for draining and refilling the trans. I used RedLine MTL (manual trans lubricant) which costs maybe $6-7 a quart. It's good stuff. I bought 3 quarts because on the non-S trans, the fill capacity is like 2.1 quarts. But, this is all R50 facts. Double check or if possible, someone correct me on anything here.

 

ditto for the S

same oil
same drain fill and check method

 

http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/foru...read.php?t=474 for a how-to

 

About 2 weeks ago, I changed the gear-box oil on my '02 MCS using Redline MTL. It took about a half-hour. I also changed the oil/filter, using Royal Purple (great stuff!).
It definitely improved the smoothiosity of the shifting.
The next step is to install a short-throw shift kit. I'm not sure yet which one, though.

 

I changed my Midland fluid to Amzoil and it shifts smoother. I'm also hoping it will reduce the probability of my Midland crapping out.

Royal Purple in the engine feels like a couple of extra HP....maybe.

 

"Royal Purple in the engine feels like a couple of extra HP....maybe"

Damn straight!
The only place it really matters is the place between my ears....

 

Thanks for the info everyone

 

Red Line MTL in my '03 S- happy with it so far.

Can't answer as to the difference it made vs. before switching from the factory fill though, as I also installed a B&M shifter during the same foray under the car.

(off-topic, but also running Red Line 5W-30 in the engine)

 

Related question...

I've got the car up on jack stands doing a rear sway bar, brake lines, ATE, etc. Conveniently, putting in MTL was on the to-do list and I happened to have 3 quarts on the shelf from the last car.

Bentley indicates (and I knew this ) that the fluid should be warmed up. Can I warm it up in neutral on the stands or do I need to drop it (putting the wheels on first) and tool around? It would save me a little time if I can but if not... that's just another couple beers worth of effort.

 

The stuff pours very easy, seems to me like just leaving the plug out for a while would drain everything.