Hello all,

Looking for some advice please on a new purchase. 2005 Cooper S automatic with 52,000 miles. The car is in very good shape, valve covers, bushings, power steering line replaced in the last 10000 miles.
The automatic is shifting well but I'm aware of the unreliability of these as the miles increase. Would you suggest I replace the transmission fluid now?

Thanks for your input!

 

Wow. Zero responses. I'm the original owner of an '06 R53 that now has 52K. The Steptronic has been reliable but today there was a slight slip after rounding a corner. I use the manual mode a lot, since the onboard computer wants to keep the engine revs at 2K or below. :(

Naturally, the Mini manuals have zero information other than the usual "go to the dealer". Nope. Not the one we have here.

Any feedback on auto trans service is appreciated.

 

I have an '05 R53 with the automatic/steptronic its still chugging along at 166k miles. I believe the transmission on this car was rebuilt or replaced at some point, because it still shifts very well except for some jerkiness when going into first gear sometimes.

After a quick search there are some articles on how to perform the transmission fluid change yourself, but for me it seems a bit out of my league: there are bunch of different things such as having completely level ground, the fluid needs to be at a certain temperature when checking the level and to be able to drain fully. They say the fluid & filter are supposed to be changed every 50,000 miles, even though BMW calls it a "lifetime" fluid.

https://www.pelicanparts.com/techart...uid_Change.htm

 

I’ve heard service at least every 40 thousand. I have a stick so I may incorrect.

 

The Bentley doesn't include removing the pan or replacing the filter as part of the fluid change, but then it also toes BMW's line on lifetime fluid. It just details a simple drain and fill that doesn't look much more difficult than what I used to do every other oil change or so on my ex-wife's Acura.

 

That "lifetime fluid" business with BMW didn't work out too well for them....or the unfortunate owners. I subscribe to the belief that NO fluid is lifetime. THANKS for the Pelican link. I'll talk to my indy mechanic that does the work on both the Mini and 911. He's seen it all and I can trust his judgement. One slip does not constitute a breakdown, but I'm going to get it looked at soon. Thanks for the feedback.

 

Benefits of a fluid change probably outweigh the risk of leaving the original fluid in there for additional miles. This, coming from a guy who only drives manuals, so my advice is worth exactly 2 cents!

 

I have 150K on a 2005 MCSa. This was the master thread I referred to when refreshing my fluid ( I used the OE fill - Toyota Fluid ). https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...id-change.html

I did have the valve body rebuilt at 130K. The Trans is doing pretty well - it does get a bit grumpy going from reverse to Drive, and back ( parking situations ) But only when hot

looked at my records - rebuilt valve body in Spring 2015 @110k, not 130k.

 

How often do you refresh the fluid? Mine is at 166k, I'm wondering if I should even bother messing with the transmission (doing a drain and fill or maybe dropping the pan and replacing the filter as well) at this point in the car's lifetime.

 

I did the first change in late 2014 / 105k. Checked my records - valve body @ 110k - spring 2015. He just turned 150k in August - now living in San Diego. I drained fluid out, measured what came out, and refilled that amount thru the Torx bolt hole on top. Not the fastest, but it worked. I did it 3 times in a 2 week period, to get fresh fluid in.

 

Im in San Diego as well...... we should hook up some time..... FUll agreement ......no fluid is lifetime, My 06 MCSa is at 87000 (bought at 80k) in 11 months ive completely transformed her and is very modded, i just did my first fluid change and got out almost 3 quarts.... measured and filled exact same amount thru top hole , two weeks later drained and filled again. While I wasnt expereinceing any tranny issues i thought it prudent to do this before issues arrise, Trans performs way better now, I use sport manual and manual quite often and never cease to be impressed with this tranny. I have a 15% pulley reduction,one step colder plugs (irridium) K&N (diy) CAI in the stock box with its back cut out and extended into the cowl area ......BIG performance gains. AND i have the One Ball Mod , fiberglass cowl scoops, 08 aluminum trailing arm upgrade with Monza lowering springs and Roll center compensators (outer ball joint spacers) Bilstien B4s , Cravenspeed tower defenders, adj Rear lower camber links, front and rear godspeed Sway links, 19mm rear sway bar, Drag dr 19s with 205/55/r16 Forceam HENAs, 180 degree thermostat, High speed fan direct switch, Aftmkt Coolant temp guage, Sunbelt Radiator and modified lower coolant hose route over SC bypass with increases hose diameter increasing coolant capacity. I run at an average of 85c to 95c on average..... Reducing the avg running temp ADDS much life to the engine IMHO. Many other mods to much to list..... But im pretty educated with the r53 but would welcome sharing knowledge when needed ...... Always willing to help with problems if needed since we are neighbors.......