This is just FYI, I'm not claiming to be an expert, nor responsibility for any misrepresentation of any kind. I've been trying for several days to find out what automatic transmission is in my wife's 08' MINI. Her car is out of warranty and for the sake of longevity, I'm going to perform all the proper maintenance. I build transmissions and as far as I've ever known, and this my opinion, and after talking to other techs. There is no such thing as a lifetime, or for ever fluid, no such animal. MINI dosen't give you much info so here goes. This is an Asian Warner known as Aisin AW, model 09g also found in the VW beetle, and has been used since 04 to 2010 to present I believe. Good transmission. when you look for filter and gasket look for that model. As far as fluid MINI or BMW choose what they wanted to use, so stick to the recommended specs. Dirt and heat are what kills transmissions, so my advise keep it clean. I've seen trans go over 300,000 miles. That is all!!!!!

 

Something interesting I've found in all my research. VW recommends the fluid to be changed every 40,000 miles. That;s the same trans. as previously stated, VW has been using the trans since 04'. Without many issues, there are some but not many. I'm checking on how to drain the converter but without a drain plug it just about impossible, unless its pressure flushed. on a side note, VW first stated the fluid to be life time but later advise for the fluid to be replace every 40-50k. Isn't that funny!!!!!!

 

Thank you for reaffirming a statement that is rarely echoed on this forum.
Great advise on every 40K mile service for auto trannies.

- Erik

 

Truly sorry for he over statements, but it's very important. Just got the filter kit and eureka it fits!!! Now to the fluid spec.

 

I started a thread in Stock Problems,Issues, Gen 2 Minis, called 'Our sealed automatic transmissions'. I have come to believe that the Aisin automatics do need fluid change, despite being labeled as 'sealed'. It cost me $200 to replace two quarts of the ATF, because it was long and difficult to do it, at my local independent garage.
The drained ATF was very dark,much more so than in our Hyundai of similar mileage (45,000). I plan to post a photo of the ATF there.
I think we need to do this oil exchange about every 30k miles, if we want a long-lived MINI, beyond the usual warranty distance.

 

That's what I was stating in my previous post. VW came back and stated to have the fluid replaced at 40,000miles, due to the fact of transmission issues. Draining the torque converter is an issue since the cooler has the sealed coolent running threw it instead of trans fluid like conventional coolers. So I'm trying to come-up with a devise that will unbolt from the cooler, install the unit so that the fluid can be flushed.

 

Please keep us posted on this with all the details you find. I want to change my fluid also, I don't know how.
Please take photos, or a video would be very nice.
I want to keep my MINI for well over 300k miles.
What is recommended fluid type and or a part numers and how much is needed?
I just found this link !! http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...uid_Change.htm
It has pictures, and alot of information also.
Here is a NAM link for some more information:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...id-change.html

 

So I TOTALLY agree the fluid needs to be changed. I did at 50k because I noticed a tiny bit of slipping. Totally improved shifting...did it again at 60k and it improved it again.


The fluid you need to use is JWS3309. Get it at the Toyota dealer, $6/quart. Toyota Type-IV.

Get the fill tool adapter to fill it from underneath the car (about $20). On my second drain and fill it took 45 minutes total (25 minutes to jack the car). And $12 in fluid.

There are a few threads in the Stock Problems section.

Very worth while service procedure. Fluid is DIRT cheap compared to repairing the tranny.

 

Oh don't use that link from Pelican if you are just doing a fluid change. There is a drain plug. The pan holds about two quarts. Just keep swapping the pan fluid every 15k, or some interval like every oil change or every other oil change.

 

my friend has a transmission shop ...

when he gets an asin in for a fluid change, he puts the car on the lift at the end of the day, then drains the fluid COLD, BEFORE RUNNING THE CAR, first thing the next morning ...

he says this way he get 4+ quarts out ...

he measures what comes out, puts that much plus 1/2 quart in, runs the car and transmission thru all the gears until warm, then uses the factory procedure to set the proper level

his manual states our trannys hold 6.6 quarts, so using his procedure yields an approximate 2/3 fluid change

scott

edit ... he also drops the pan, cleans it and installs a new filter .... the main thing is the cold drain