I just got over with my break in period and i want to put fresh fluids in my mini. i checked my owners manual and it doesn't tell me @#$% about the type of transmission fluid or how much, it also does not say how much oil to put in when you change the oil with a new filter and all? and after i drain my transmission fluid where would i fill it back up on the mini?

 

I would think you do not need to change the transmission fluid after the break-in period (assuming 1200-2000 mi), auto or manual.

For the motor oil, 5w30 Castrol Syntec is recommended about 4.5 QT approx with new filter. Fill in 4 Qt first then check the dip stick to see how mch more you need. I use 0W30 Castrol in the winter and 5W40 (or 0W40) Redline in the summer.

 

Automatic or manual? If manual, I asked the tech guy for the BMW CCA, and he recommends Red Line MTL changed at 1200 miles, then every 30,000 thereafter.

 

There are two types of Red Line for the manual transmission, MTL and MT90, depending on the OEM transmission fluid needed (ie GL4 or GL5 etc). I remember more recently in the last 10 years or so to be using MT90 on BMWs but if you are interested in changing the oil, you should call Red Line and they can check for you. Generally manuals run about 2 qts, usually less. I have not done a Mini yet but I am giving the specs for manual 3 and 5 series, Porsche 911 and Lotus Elise.

I generally change my manual transmission on my cars quite often, every 2 years or so. I am still not sure if you need to do it after break in. I do it more often if I track the car a lot.

 

As for the Automatic; drain is all too easy and refill is a huge job.

[Single post link here about one Auto Transmission refill.]

Open that whole thread for one of the best DIY discussions on Oil/Filter changes.

The Automatic Fluid is supposed to be "Lifetime" or 100k miles, WOF.

The ATF has to be a special BMW Fluid, very expensive juice.

There is no dipstick or other way to check level, or feel/smell the fluid.

 

FYI here's the fluid for the AT:Mobil ATF 3309