Hi all,

Car: 2005 Mini Cooper R50 hatchback, CVT. No level tube — it has the front-facing level/overflow plug plus drain/fill plugs.

I’ve done a few drain/refill exchanges and want to make sure the final level set is correct. Most guides (including this forum's from How-Tos section) say the level check is done with the engine ON, at a specified fluid temperature, but I’m trying to confirm what the actual MINI/BMW dealership procedure is for this CVT.

If anyone has access to the factory steps or has done this at a dealer, can you share the exact procedure? Thanks!

--Mike

 

Hey Mike, I have access to the TIS (Technical Information System) through AllData. Send me an IM and we'll connect so I can get the required information on your car.

 

I can’t answer the question you have asked. But, I can tell you that the Bentley manual outlines an involved CVT fluid change procedure, with caveats about exhaust gasses, i.e. engine is on for at least part of the process. I don’t know if the information they provide is the factory procedure.

 

In the Bentley manual, part of the procedure involves lifting the front wheels off the ground and revving the engine in D to about 2500 rpm.
I’m planning to skip that step. I don’t have access to a proper hoist, and I’m also not comfortable revving the drivetrain with no load on the wheels. Free-revving in gear with the suspension unloaded doesn’t seem like something I want to do outside of a controlled shop setup.

 

Correction: they just remove the wheels rather then attach to a hoist.

 

Every Automatic I have ever checked is done running. Manual transmissions are done off. BMW / Mini have temp values of when you check on BMW, and for the 6 speed automatic on Mini r53.

 

Do a search. I had issues with a url.

• Preparation: Ensure the car is on a level surface, preferably using a lift or four jack stands to keep it level. The engine must be running.
• Temperature Check: The transmission fluid should be between 95F and 115F

but again - runnung

 

In case anyone wondered, the difference is about 600 mL. Thanks for the replies!