[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Easy way to fill the manual transmission of a 2005 Mini Cooper S. This may work on other models years. [/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]After completely draining the transmission remove the air filter and air filter box. This will require removal of the computer. Not a big job, couple hose clamps, couple screws and wire connectors gets you to the point where the air box can be pulled out. The only thing left holding it are two rubber isolation mounts, wiggle the air box off the mounts.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]This will expose the top of the transmission and shift linkage. On top of the transmission housing where the shift linkage goes in is a small plastic vent cap. It is removed by twisting and pulling. The opening is where you will be able to feed your 1.8 quarts of synthetic gear oil.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I used a piece of tygon tubing that fit into the hole tightly. I forced the tapered spout of the gear oil bottle into the other end of the tubing and just held the bottle upside down until it drained.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]To have it drain faster, leave the fill plug out of the tranny this will allow the oil to displace air in the transmission. If you poke a small hole in the gear oil bottle when you are filling it will prevent creating a vacuum in the bottle as it drains. If you put a big enough hole in the bottle you can add the remaining .8 quarts into it and not have to swap bottles.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Soon after the last of the fluid drained out of the bottle I noticed a trickle of oil coming out of the fill hole. This indicated that the proper amount of gear oil was added.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]I found this much easier than snaking a tube down to the fill hole. You can see the fluid flowing through the tube and you don’t end up with spilled fluid all over the place. The hardest part of the job is reinstalling the hose clamps on the air box intake. Whole job including the initial drain took about 45 minutes.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]Lubricate shift linkage while it’s exposed.[/SIZE][/FONT]
[FONT=Calibri][SIZE=3]To complete the job, reinstall the vent cap, reinstall air box, computer air filter and hoses.[/SIZE][/FONT]

 

I have a 2005 R53 trans in my car, and I've done the job twice with one of these:

I've had it for years, and don't remember where I got it. I use it often, on my truck axles, and manual transmissions. Don't need to remove anything other than the plugs. I calibarate my level on the roof of the car while on level ground, drive the car on ramps, then jack the rear of the car until it's level again. Fill the suction gun, slide under with creeper, and go. I think I had to fill the suction gun three or four times, but I was all done in 10 minutes or so, not including time leaving to drain.