I asked my dealer this weekend while they had it for other maint repairs is it would be wise to do a trans fluid flush. He said that I don't need too. He says the auto trans on the 2nd gen is pretty rock solid. I am thinking that at 72k it can't hurt to have them flush it. I don't feel these LIFE TIME fluids are just that, life time. Seems to me the trans would last longer if I did the flush in the next 5k miles or so before the car starts into its high miles life. He will do it if I ask but said it really is not needed.

 

Well your dealer is right in the fact the 2 gen MINIs auto trans are rock solid. But the key to keep them that way is to do a ATF flush/change. Its strange when I asked two different transmission shops about when a person should change the fluid they both said around 35k. They said ATF is cheaper then a new transmission. Sense then I change mine at around 35k give or take a bit. I think the term life time fluid reflects to as long as your warranty. Anytime after your warranty your on your own! lol. But again both transmission shops gave a big smile when I mentioned the term lifetime. He said to do myself a favor..and change your ATF. He said even your transmission would like a clean bath once in awhile

 

I agree. This summer I will take it to the dealer and have them flush it. Heck free money for them.

 

Do it since yours is already out of warranty.

You could even go to an independent mini mechanic.

 

I know of no independent Mini shops around here. I don't mind this Mini dealer working on the car. Trans flush I would think they can handle. Plus all the work ever done to the car has been at Mini dealers. If we ever sold it that will be attractive to others as it was for me when looking at this car.

 

Be aware that Mini doesn't make it easy to 'just flush it'. The cost was prohibitive for me, so I have my inde garage do a partial drain and fill twice a year, with my oil change. Even that isn't easy without some special tools. Those units are pretty well sealed and un-friendly to tinkering. I will find our former thread on this soon and post the link.
We all agree that you can't just let the automatic transmission age all alone in there.