2012 Justa

6MT

Car will be autocrossed 12+ times a year with the occasional track day

850 miles - Yes, the car is new, but I'd want to have the best fluid in the car as early as possible.

Input or feedback?

Searching only made me ask myself more questions. Thanks in advance!

 

Can't say I've heard of anyone using the GM fluids in a MINI. Seems most folks opt for the Redline. That is what I went with, but mine doesn't get the severe service of autocross and track days that yours will.

 

To tell the truth, it probably doesn't matter what fulid you use. (talking about quality fluids here, Redline, Amsoil, RP, Mobil1, Valvoline syn...) Changing it more frequently, (30K miles) is way more important...

 

Stick with the oem fluid, it is a very robust high quality product. No need to change it.

 

Robust, yes...

No need to change it? Eh, no.... At least if you want to own your car more than the warranty period...

 

I think he meant, no need to move to a different brand.

 

Ive seen a definite difference between Redline and Mobil1 in several cars. The Mobil1 tends to be too slippery for the syncros and shifting is not as smooth. I ended "crunching" gears on all but the smoothest shifts. Also, in the past, the GL5 lubricants could shorten the life of brass and bronze parts significantly. I'm not sure if the formulation has changed in recent years, but this could be an issue too.

-JL

 

And 30K changes are even a bit to conservative.

 

All depending on the heat cycles; I have changed my Jetta's manual transimission fluid on several accounts:
* http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...ge-(bluefox280)

Correct; GL-5 does ruin yellow soft metals (brass / bronze / etc).

The OEM fluid is a MTF-LT-4 (BMW Part No.: 83220421925)

- Erik

 

Same as short-changing engine oil, whatever lights your candle.

Not everyone will agree what intervals are best for either application, so go with what makes you and your wallet happy.

 

With an automatic, it is critical to only use the MINI recommended fluid, a lot of Chrysler Transmissions were ruined after using wrong fluid.

I would not want to take a chance of using a non-recommended Lubricant in a Manual either for warranty protection at the very least.

 

With a MT on a justa, what is the fluid capacity. I've got 38,000 miles on mine and am going to change it soon.

 

I'll check and get to you on Saturday.

- Erik

 

Mr. Bentley says 1.7 liters (1.8 quarts) for the Justa. 1.9 liters (2 qt) for the S.

 

Yes, that is what mini mania confirms. Its funny when I appiy my car info they filter out the redline option and show the only option is dealer fluid.

 

That's because :

"Sorry, Red Line does not currently offer a replacement for the MTF-LT-4 fluid" (taken from the Redline Oil site's application guide).

They do offer a replacement for the earlier Coopers and Cooper Ss that take MTF-94 (Redline MTL) or MTF-LT-3 (Redline D6).

 

So I'm stuck with dealer fluid. The only fluid I can find comes in a 5 liter bottle for about 150 bucks. Anyone sell it in 1 qt bottles? You only need 2 qts. This might be one place where it is more cost effective for the dealer to do it.

 

You should be able to use the Redline MTL 70W80. The LT-4 is a lifetime rating for the oil. Obviously, if you are changing the oil in the MT, getting something rated for lifetime is not a requirement. Kind of like with the motor oil - if you are not going to follow the extended OCI, then getting something with the LL-01 spec is not really necessary.

 

We use the Royal Purple here at the shop. we like it a lot and they all tend to shift smoother after, as well as some cars see a very small bump on MPG.