Does anyone have opinions on Royal Purple oil for the Mini. I have heard it is great stuff.

Also, what about Synchromax for a 5 speed transmission? I ask because I can get it locally, whereas the Redline I would have to order and I hate waiting and paying for shipping.

Thanks.

ETA: Or, what about Gear Max instead of Synchromax? Below is what the Royal Purple website says. I've looked for information in the manual but can't find anything.

 

For anyone interested, Royal Purple emailed me back and said Synchromax is the perfect oil for my 2006 Mini. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

 

I have only heard good things from Royal Purple users, pretty sure it adds at least 25 bhp too!

 

Great stuff, use both in mine!!!


Does not add 25 HP. LOL

 

used RP Synchromax in my 540i 6-spd transmission and have been very happy with it!

 

My Corvette got switched from factory fill to GM synthetic under warranty to improve notchy 1-2 shift when cold. It didn't do much that I could feel. My first track day in chilly weather the transmission over temp warning came on after about 30 minutes.

I have since changed to Synchromax and generally can run hard on warm days without setting off trans temp warning. A modest improvement that I would attribute to slightly lower friction or better heat transfer properties. The cold weather notchy 1-2 shift is still there.... it's a Corvette thing.

I just bought a 2006 MCS 6 speed and will probably switch to RP or Redline when the time comes to change trans fluid. It is probably overkill for a street driven car, but it can't be anymore expensive than BMW oil.

 

I used Royal Purple products on my E36 m3 and they work very well. Compared to the Redline transmission product, the Royal purple Synchromax had significantly less grind and notchiness ( I tried both).

I emailed royal purple regarding my 2002 Mini Cooper S and they recommended Royal Purple XPR 5W-20 (part #01011, quart bottle); capacity 2.1 quarts.

This is for a 6 speed transmission (aka transaxle).

Will be putting it in this weekend.

 

TX1911fan got a RP recommendation of Synchromax and xman11 got a recommendation of XPR 5w-20 for the same application?

 

I noticed that as well. The only difference is TX1911fan has an '06 5 speed while I have an '02 6 speed. I emailed RP about this.

 

I asked them about my friend's '06 MCS with a 6 speed, and then said he should use the same thing, Synchromax. I'll be interested in hearing how they respond xman11.

 

They recommended the synchromax for the 05-06 cars with the 6 speed, the 5x20 is recommended for the earlier cars as Mini changed their recommendations at that time too... What I was told.

 

minimarks is correct. and so is TX1911fan and myself.

Below is the response from Royal Purple.

Quote:
The transmission fluid spec for the Mini changed at July 2004. Before this date, MTF-94 is the factory recommendation and it is basically a motor oil. After July 2004, the spec is MTF-LT-1, -2, -3. The MTF LT- fluids cross to Synchromax, which is a lighter viscosity fluid.

 

I have used RP and liked it.

 

I found a MINI TIS at thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...sion-lube.html

It covers what transmission is needed for all 1st gen minis.

 

I just changed my transmission fluid with Royal Purple XPR 5W-20. I was able to drain and fill about 1.6 quarts. The old "lifetime" fluid was clearer than I expected. With the new fluid, the shifting seems to be smoother, or at least as smooth as before. I'll get a better idea after I drive it a few more days. Once again, RP delivered

Also added a dimple magnetic drain plug. It's a very nice piece. I wish I could afford more than just one.

http://www.drainplugmagnets.com/

 

How often are you supposed to change the transmission/clutch fluid? I have an R50 and an R53, both 2002 models. The R50 has about 72k on it, and the R53 has around 30k, but sees several track days/year. Would you recommend different fluids since the R53 is driven a bit harder on the track? I have no issues with sticky shifts or other transmission issues at this time.

 

VV,

I would change the oil for both of them. You could use Redline synthetic fluid for both. It could provide better protection for the tranny.

 

Thank you, Slinger. Will do!

 

Used RP 5w30 for about 7k, about 15 AutoX on it, lots of stop and go. Sent it off for an oil analysis and the lab said it could have gone to 10k without issue. Had a very high magnesium content, could have been an anomaly though. Definitelly like it more then the M1 I am running now (switch was due to cost). I am switching back next oil change and sticking with it.

 

I bought a 12 bottle case of the Royal Purple 5W30 last week for $109.00... It's literally purple in colour...
Changed the oil but when installing the oil filter can managed to shear a section of the o-ring right off. Ugh! I discovered this by CHECKING FOR LEAKS with the engine running after the change and also noticed the one inch section of o-ring lying on the ground. Glad I checked!
Had to drain the brand new oil, remove the can/filter, and reuse the old o-ring. No leaks the second time.

 

Going to give Synchromax a try this weekend. My car is going to bleed purple.

 

Amazon has a pretty deal on this oil right now, $88.49 for a 12 pack including shipping!

I've been using Castrol Syntec but I think I am going to try the RP this time around. Getting ready for the Dragon!

 

A little off topic.... im running AMS oil 15w-50 in our race car.

Are any of you using the synchromax trans fluid with aftermarket LSD's, thats what RP recomended to me, but other people say to use the RP 75w-90 GL-5 Max gear oil

 

I don't think that Synchromax has the friction modifiers required for most limited slip differentials. I run that in my six speed manual on the Corvette. Likewise I run Maxgear in the differential, as it is a LSD. No additives required.