2004 MCS w/ 6 spd manual, March 04 build date, no LSD. Time to change the transmission oil. What do members recommend? MTF-94? Redline? TIA.

 

Redline MTL seems to be highly recommended. I am using royal purple Synchromax which also is working well. I chose royal purple mostly because I could go out and get it at NAPA, whereas I never see Redline in stores.

 

6 speed Getrag GS6-85 up to 7/2004: MTF-94
6 speed Getrag GS6-85 from 7/2004: MTF-LT-36 speed Getrag GS6-85 with limited slip from 1/2005: MTF-94
6 speed Getrag GS6-85, GS6-53 BG/DG from 9/2006: MTF-LT-4

And if you have a limited slip, use MTF-94 regardless. There was a service bulletin a while back where people with LSD were complaining about noises in their LSD. Apparently, the MTF-LT fluids which some had were too slippery and causing the LSD to not work properly. Switching to the MTF-94 solves it.

Of course, if you're out of warranty, you can try something else. Like one of Redline or Amsoil's products. Both are excellent and almost impossible to beat.

 

My Mini dealer wants $32 per quart for the oil; can this be even remotely reasonable?

 

Manual or automatic?

If you have a manual, you could possibly use Redline MTL or D4 ATF.

 

See my first post. Manual, non-LSD.

 

If it is 4 season car, then I would think the Redline D4 ATF will be quite reasonable. Redline MTL is a little thicker so will have a harder shift during winter cold weather.

 

The lifetime lubes from BMW/Mini are very expensive. However, I do not think any lube is lifetime. That's BS. If you're Mini is still under warranty, use the factory stuff. If it's out of warranty, go with Redline's recommendation.