At 40K I'm changing tranny lube on my DD and have some questions.

Is 40K too long an interval? The old standard with petroleum lubes was 24K. Still true w/synthetics?

I plan to use Redlne D4 ATF. Heat is my main concern in these parts, not cold weather shifting effort. Is D4 the correct choice?

I'll be putting in a Dimple drain plug, but have heard recommendations to put one in the fill plug as well. True? Why?

At 40K is a tranny flush recommended or will draining the old lube when hot be sufficient?

I'm a cautious SOB and want to give the tranny good protection. My MINI is a keeper, not a weekend warrior. Well, sometimes!

Thanks for any help!

 

I have heard MINI says the tranny fluid is lifetime. I don't believe that at all. You shouldn't need to change it right now though because if I am not mistaken its synthetic and you should get at least 60k out of it. I am not sure what type of fluid you need though but, I definitly would like to find out.

 

I have an 02 Justa with manual trans and about 50K on the odo.I just changed my fluid with Redline MTL 70W80 and when draining the old fluid it was a little dark but no noticable smell to it. It seems to shift a little smoother and I see the cost for material as cheap insurance.

 

I called Redline a week ago for their recommendation of tranny lube. I told them I'm putting in a Torsen differential (Ford SVT, same as Quaife). I was told to use their MTL (75/80).

 

Many years ago (way before the Mini), one of the first things I'd do on a recently purchased used car was change the fluid in the manual trans. I'd fill it with Mobil-1 synthetic and wonder why I started getting that "crunch" in several gears when shifting. After reading up on the redline manual trans lubes, I gave them a try and the problem was solved.

I've had the Redline MTL in my 07 Mini for ~20k miles now. Compared to the original fluid, I'd agree shifts are a bit smoother. Shifts are still noticeably smoother in warm vs cold weather with the MTL. I've been using Redline fluids in my transmissions for quite some time and like the way they perfrom.


-my 0.02