Hi All,

I'm getting closer and closer to 100K miles and am going to change my transmission fluid soon for my manual '05 MCS. I read on a great DIY thread here that people mainly have used the OEM fluid and Red Line MTL fluid.

I went to all the auto parts stores in town and none of them carry Red Line.

So I went on Amazon and was about to order two quarts of the fluid and it came out to be $36.33 (with regular shipping) and $28.98 with "super saver shipping."

Now, Royal Purple was $20 per quart at the stores around town. So my questions are: Has anyone used Royal Purple for their MINI? Is it even worth spending the extra $4/$10 for it?

It's not much of a higher price. But if Red Line is a good enough fluid than I would rather save the money and put it towards other maintenance ideas.

This has nothing to do with OEM fluid, I don't want to drive to the dealer to pick up the fluid.

You're thoughts?

 

Personally, I would stick with Redline for longevity and street use. Royal Purple is great for racing where the fluids are constantly replaced but you want the thicker fluid.

 

Very good point! I didn't think about that, I will order Red Line then.

 

I agree with Evasive on what you should use, but I'll add my two cents for your questions.

I run Royal Purple in my Challenger, oil, gear, and transmission. But I also race her and I'm changing fluids twice a year (so far). The only other oil I'd consider is Amsoil and will most likely change to it this year. When I convince my wife, I'll do the same in her MCS.

 

Mainly when I see an ad/commercial for Royal Purple there is some sort of muscle/race car in it so that makes sense then.

I drive my car hard but not that hard

 

I can get Redline stuff locally (Speedway Motors) and have been changing my transmission fluid every 20,000 miles for years now. I have never had a problem, transmission shifts like new. It was $25 for two bottles last I bought it.

 

I've used Royal Purple MaxGear transmission lube in my MX-5, VW Scirocco and now my '04S with excellent results over many years. Never used the Redline products but am a fan of Amsoil engine oils, which I use in the Mini and my Honda motorcycles.

Eric

 

Been running Redline MTL for 22,000 miles. Very smooth - synchrnos love it. Plan to change every 30,000 miles.

 

I use Redline, but realisticly for a street car its just different flavors of Cool-aid

 

We have an 04S, 100k, 6spd, with original transmission oil. Should I change it and is it just a matter of draining and refilling?

 

Yes. I believe there's a step by step instructions in the How To section.

 

Which Royal Purple and does the 2005 MCS have LSD or not?
The thinnest Max Gear is a bit thicker than MTL or the OEM Texaco MTF-94 for LSD transmissions.
The Synchromax or Redline D6 would be close to the OEM BMW MTF-LT-3 for non LSD transmissions.


http://www.royalpurple.com/wp-conten...S_Max_Gear.pdf
http://www.royalpurple.com/wp-conten...Synchromax.pdf
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=45&pcid=7
http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=115&pcid=9

 

I am running Amsoil in my MCS no LSD, and seems to shifting bit stiff until the tranny warms up. Anyone else run into this ? ?

 

Which Amsoil MTF?
Amsoil doesn't give a recommended fluid, but the Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 5W-30 is just a little thinner than MTF-94 and MTL,
and should be a reasonable choice.
The Manual Transmission & Transaxle Gear Lube 75W-90 looks to be too viscous.

 

I have a 2002 MC, 5 speed and just replaced the fluid with Redline MTL on friday after replacing the clutch the previous weekend. I had to order it from a local speed shop as it was not available in my city (Windsor Ontario) and I had to wait 4 days. Cost me $12.99 Canadian per quart. After 3 days in the car, the trans shifts very smooth with none of notchiness I had before with the original BMW fluid. Even when cold. I would of went with the Amsoil if I could not get the redline as both are special order in my area.

 

Agreed, I've used both and they are great. I have an independent auto parts store near where I live that carries MTL (Cooper's Auto in Wetsport/Southport) so that is what I am running now, the only place to get RP that I knew of was 1.5 hours away at the time.

 

I used Royal Purple Syncromax..its absolutely amazing...and you don't have to change it every year, or every 2 years for that matter ...the transmissions don't see the type of heat engines do. For everybody driving with the occasional power shift, your fine.

 

I think it was the latter.

Maybe that is why initially shifts are a bit too hard until warmed up.

 

Actually you hit the nail on the head ! I checked Amsoil site and they do recommend the 5W-30 for MINI Coopers. Just not those with LSD's. And only as a replacement for the MTF-94 not the LT-3. Those using it to replace LT-3 fluid will see about 1-2mpg loss of fuel economy and stiffer shifting when cold.....

Amsoil for MINI


APPLICATIONS
Recommended for automotive and light-truck applications that require synchromesh transmission fluid. Applications include manual transmissions and transaxles such as New Venture NV T350, NV 1500, NV 2550, NV 3500, NV 3550, NV 5600, and Tremec T4, T5, T18, T56, T176, TKO500, TKO600, TR 3450 and TR 3550. Replaces MTF-94 fluid for Land Rover, MG, and Mini Cooper. Replaces Honda Genuine MTF fluid for manual transaxles and Texaco MTX fluid. Not for use in engines, hypoid rear axles, limited-slip or wet clutch applications.



Thanks!

 

This is going to sound dumb, but could someone post a direct link to the "How To Section" ?

I was looking through the massive list of subforums and just can't find it.

I'm sure once you point it out it will be blindingly obvious.

 

It's in the Modifications Sections:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...fications-196/

Or go here:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ms/how-to-340/

Hope this helps...

 

Exactly the push I needed, kazlot, thanks!

 

The Redline transmission fluid was delivered today, hoping to change out the old fluid this weekend

 

Redline is one of the very best lubricant manufacturers out there. I put them right up there with Amsoil. Royal Purple is just an also ran.

I'd go with the Redline. Call them for a recommendation on which lube to use. They're very friendly and helpful. Make sure you tell them whether you have limited slip or not. Don't 2nd guess the lube weights and think that heavier is better. it's often worse.

Note: Amsoil does NOT make a lube appropriate for Mini 6 speeds running limited slip. (Gen 1 with real limited slip, not the electronic 2nd gen version.)

In my book, 100,000 miles is WAY too long to wait before changing transmission lube. I do it every 30,000 at a minimum. Meshing gears is tough on any lube. And I don't believe for one moment the marlarky about "lifetime lubricants". It's BS.

Finally, the factory stuff is a full synthetic which works as well.

 

I agree, I have only owned the car since 81,000 miles so I am still doing things on the car. After this I will be changing it every 30,000 or so miles.