Thoughts on draining and refilling the transmission fluid?


I have 03 R53 (manual) with 202k miles. The transmission is original and has only had the clutch cable replaced once.





I've heard that there is no problem and it will help the transmission feel much better.





But i've also heard of several cases of cars of all types having transmission issues after changing the fluid in a "sealed transmission" with "lifetime fluid" such as ours.

 

Manual trans isn't considered a sealed transmission. Those are usually automatic or cvt with no dipstick and those stupid procedures to get the correct temp and level like we have to do at the Toyota dealer where I work.

The lifetime fluid is some crap invented by people who rather charge customers for a new transmission than flush the fluid a couple times during the lifespan of a vehicle. I changed my trans fluid with MTL Redline maybe 2 years ago and it's still doing fine. I had some issues where the second gear wouldn't go in if I went pedal to the floor in first and then shift to second and it's no longer happening, so either the Redline fixed it or it fixed itself.

 

I wondered if I was wrong about the "sealed" part...obviously I was, oh well.



I'm like 90/10 on doing it vs not doing it, mostly for your reasoning there. I mean can it REALLY hurt it? if changing the fluid makes something go bad, there was already something wrong with it anyway.

 

I would change it.

 

Automatics over 100k = Don't change

Manual Transmissions = Change as much as your heart (and bank account) desires!

Just did mine at 114,000mi with Redline GL-4 75W80, it's the most glorious of improvements. Went from "crunchy potato chip" shifts to buttery smooth! Best $30 I've ever spent!

Great write-up on changing manual trans fluid!

 

I changed my 6-speed transmission fluid at around 110,000 miles. Went with Redline Synthetic like everyone else uses. Didn't really notice any different in how the transmission "felt".....but I figured it couldn't hurt to change it. Probably won't change it again until the car is well over the 200,000 mark.

 

Changed mine with Redline MTL, at 110000 miles, on an '06 5 speed Getrag.

 

Changed mine at 88k with MTL.

Super easy to do, there is no reason not to.

Stephen

 

If I had a manual transmission, I would change it every 20 K miles and use synthetic fluid. Remember friction is happening inside the transmission case so you get metal particles floating in the old fluid. Change it.

I do have an automatic 6 speed transmission and I change that every 10 - 12 K.

 

Easy change, do it.

Best course of action if it hasn't been changed to your knowledge.

1. Buy a gallon of Redline MTL 75w80 (GL-4), and a bottle pump.

2. Drain old fluid, which will be very dirty.

3. Refill with new fluid.

4. Take a short drive, making sure to shift up and down through all the gears.

5. While gearbox still warm, drain just changed fluid which will have "rinsed" the dirty internal components.

6. Replace with fresh fluid.

 

gallon? it only holds just over 1.5 quarts

 

I had it done yesterday. 202,783 miles on it and it's never been done.

I used Amsoil Manual Synchryomesh Transmission Fluid. I can already tell it's smoother.

 

Understood, but if one is doing their own gear oil changes (as do I), it makes sense (financially) to buy in larger containers. The same applies to doing one's own engine oil changes. Cheaper to purchase by the gallon, opposed to quart-sized bottles.

 

Congrats on your change. I was going to say the same thing that Sarom said, basically if it's an auto, don't touch it, but your manual should be changed regularly, as soon as the shifting quality diminishes.

 

A couple thoughts....
Oil in a manual transmission lasts a long time...it never really gets hot (for oil), and heat is what breaks it down.
100,000 miles imo is more than an adequate change interval if you wish, especially if you are not a "gear grinder".
Do CAREFULLY SELECT which oil you use...
Some have used replacement and found shift very stiff in the winter if you live in a very cold area....
Since the oil change on a transmission is done so infrequently, it might be worthwhile to go to the MINI dealer to get some...you might need to bring your own jug.
A pump helps get the oil into the fill plug if you diy it...I always just used a section of tubing and a funnel...one person stand over the car, pours it into the funnel while the other holds the tune in...when the opening overflows, just yank the tube out, and put in the plug...have a oil changing pan handy to catch the excess....
One more tip...remove the FILL PLUG FIRST, then the lower drain plug...just so you are 100% sure it's not stuck....if you were to drain it, and be unable to refill it, you would be in a world of hurt.
But it is simpler and easier than even a motor oil change....

 

THIS. Also, don't make my mistake and buy a 3/8" drive 8mm hex bit for a 1/2" drive breaker bar...the 3/8" to 1/2" adapter made the tool too long to fit in the space.

 

Hi,
I have several manual Minis and I change the oil with MTL as soon as I get a new to me Mini. I have 4 manual(2/2004, 2/2005) and 2 cvt autos (2008) (I do not recommend the autos with CVT trans, as they all seem to crap out sooner than later. They do need to have the fluid changed also, if you want it to keep working!)
They need regular oil changes to keep your transmission happy and healthy, but make sure to use the correct stuff!
It is an easy job, if you use a pump.

 

Perhaps CVT's are different, I didn't think about that!

I've always heard that automatic transmissions will deposit some of their friction materials off into their oil as they wear down..and if they've deposited enough (100k+ miles), the oil will actually help the transmission "grab," if you will.

I'm not super mechanically educated, though. I learned how to work on cars from forums, so I'm probably not the best to weigh in on the CVT-lubrication debate, haha!

 

I changed my tranny oil at 151,000 miles and replaced it with Royal Purple XPR 5-20 oil as recommended by Royal Purple Tech. The tranny shifts smoother.

 

redline MTL in the manual trans. Shifts like buttah. Change every 30-40k. NO issue with changing it after that many miles, but if it were an automatic, different story.

 

That seems like overkill......that Redline fluid should be good for a lot longer than 30,000 miles.....probably more like 100,000 miles.

 

I believe the recommendation is 3yrs. Or 15,000 miles for every change. Well, that is how I do mines.

 

Tt

 

For transmission fluid changes????? I'm pretty sure MINI doesn't specify a transmission fluid change interval.

 

I'd rather spend $40+ than a new transmission every 3 yrs.