I want to change my transmission fluid and i dont know how to refill it. i know it says lifetime but it does not sounde or feel right and the dealer thinks its normal. i went to drain it and possibly collect all the flakes of gears and bring them to the dealer to prove there is something wrong.

 

Look here and also follow the link provided in this thread:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...n-my-mini.html

But I would not be going to the dealer telling them how you drained your lifetime transmission fluid; if you think there is something wrong, take it back to the dealer again and ask someone to drive it and ask them to look at it again. The fluid is very expensive, and if they know that you drained it and filled it yourself that is a great reason to charge you for any repairs that might need to get done, instead of covering it under warranty, regardless of when it actually broke. Also if your car is an automatic then refilling it is a huge job.

 

It is not a manual, man.... it isn't just POP! drain and fill. Be careful what you get yourself into... I changed the fluid on my simple 1992 Protege Auto, and that was a horrific experience.

 

You are way more likely to introduce a problem than to expose an existing problem by replacing the lifetime tranny fluid.

 

[quote=AkFarina;2667185]"Let's say I drained my transmission fluid {title} ......."and i dont know how to refill it."


Doh!

 

It IS lifetime fluid. You only need to change it if you have thousands of track-only miles. With just street driving, no matter how hard you drive it, it will be perfectly acceptable for >100k miles.

If you did foolishly drain it without knowledge of how to refill it, I definitely suggest learning about what you're getting yourself into before doing it next time. Nevertheless, put the drain plug back in, remove the fill plug, and fill it up with recommended fluid from the dealership until it comes out the fill plug. You'll want to use a clear tube and a siphon positioned above the engine bay. Check the owners manual for fluid type and approximate fill volume.

 

i did not drain it i just dont know where the fill plug is and it sounds like i dont need to change it.

 

Some basic questions. What model do you own, and is it an automatic or a manual? Are you experiencing a problem, or are you just trying to do preventative maintenance? If you'e having an issue, what was the disgnosis from the dealer? Have you already attempted the fluid change, or are you looking for DIY instructions?

A little more info in your original post would have made it easier for others to help out.

 

sry about that is is an 09 manual mcs, it is more preventative macitence. the dealer said it was normal because i drove a brand new mini same type with 3 miles and it did it even worse( the grinding of gears when you shift 2-3) i have not attempted the fluid change im looking for diy instructions.

 

Huh?

 

what part

 

Sorry, I was making fun of your spelling and punctuation. It's just easier to read a post if all the words are spelled correctly and the sentences are complete etc. There is a spell check option you can use before submitting. Anyway sorry.

If I remember correctly it's the automatic that has the lifetime fluid in the transmission. I think the manual can be changed. As I understand it the automatic transmission fluid cannot be added without dropping the subframe. But since yours is a manual the above scenario probably does not apply.

Still, if your car is under warranty I would not drain the fluid or change it. I would encourage the dealership to drive the vehicle and experience what you have. Then there is no question and you won't jeapardize your warranty coverage as stated in a previous post.

Pat

 

Don't drain. If it is experiencing 2-3 gear shift grinding, take it back to the dealer, have him drive it and hear it.

 

haha sorry about the spelling. its a habit from work we type everything in short hand. i brought it to them and they have heard and felt it but they say it is normal and will go away after time because we drove a brand new mini and it did the same thing but even louder and more violent

 

That is wierd. I plan on taking delivery of my MCS with a manual the first week of March. When I get it and get a few miles under my belt I will let you know how it works.

Pat

 

Wow, that's weird. My 09 hasn't had any of that shizzle going on. Maybe you should check with another dealer.

 

BMW's instructions for R56 manual transmission attached. I have no idea of the location pictured in the document.

But I don't know what you hope to "prove" to the dealer. You don't know what the normal condition of the oil should be.

 

i do not but if metal flakes come out, bad news bears

 

Ummm, that is NOT normal and you need to emphasize that. Just like i was told my car shifting stiff was "normal" but then it turns out there was a service bulletin for exactly what I was complaining about. Who cares if another car on the lot is worse, then they both have the same problem. Be firm with the SA and even have a Tech go for a ride with you. Don't let them convince you you are insane lol.

 

He has a manual... isn't it okay to change out a manual transmission's oil on a MINI? The fluid for automatics is some serious stuff... I thought it was opposite for the manual... normal, I should put it.

 

I read the Bentley manual, it seems there's no need to drop the sub-frame to change AUTOMATIC (6-speed AUTO to be precise, not CVT) fluid. It looks like the drain plug is the very same place where filling is done. There's a fill tube inside the drain plug for refilling. I don't get it why don't they just design the sump with 2 damn holes, one drain and one fill.

I am also concerned about the lifetime fluid for the auto fluid. This is my second automatic ever owned, and the first with lifetime fluid. I hope BMW's strategy is not to make it last long enough for warranty period, then walk away clean from any failed tranmission.

Sorry I am referring to R53 model.

 

Sounds like a scam, yes, but I believe I heard the SA say it (the fluid) is good until 100,000. Then it should get a fluid change.

Hopefully that is a testament to the durability to the transmission... but who knows? Time will tell.