I have a 2012 MCS Clubman 6 speed manual with the N18 and trying to find info on what transmission fluid to use. I’ve read that many people use Redline MTL, but an email to Redline confirmed they do not offer an MTF-LT-4 equivalent fluid for this transmission. So I am now down to either the Motul Gear 300 which is full synthetic, or the Motul Motylgear which is a blend. They are both 75w90. Their website says that both of them are compatible with this trans, but I have not heard back from them after sending an email trying to get verification. I would rather not spend $90 for two quarts of the Mini brand, but I will if I need to. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

I’ve used Redline MTL in my 2012 Clubman S. Worked fine, but Lucas makes a 75w90 gear oil that has better gear change feel.

You don’t REALLY have to find an MTF-LT-4 equivalent, as the biggest difference is some “long term” marketing additives. As long as you plan on changing it between 40-50,000 miles, and 75w90 gear oil will be fine. I would suggest a good synthetic, though.

 

Thanks for the info! I saw that Redline also makes the MT90 which is also a 75w90. Any experience using that? Would you choose that over the Motul full synthetic? I used to run Motul 2 stroke oil in my motocross bikes so I’m a little biased towards them, but no prior experience with Redline.

 

I wasn’t impressed with the redline gear oil in the Mini. I just checked, and the MTL is a 75w80 gear oil. Maybe that’s why I didn’t care for it - too thin. I might try Motul on my next fill. I’ve heard good things about that.

 

I assumed a full synthetic would be best but then saw this on ECS tuning. The Motylgear is semi-synthetic, and here it says “recommended for MTF-LT-4.” But I haven’t seen that written anywhere else for this oil. Still waiting to hear back from Motul.

 

I can tell you from experience and personal use that I use the Redline MTL. I always feel the trans shifts just a bit smoother with it and use it in my personal car, and my customers cars with no issue for years.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/redline-mtl.html

But if you are stuck on the weight and cert factors you can use the Motul which I have used too.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/motul-...-gear-oil.html

 

I wonder why the Motul is $6 for shipping and the Redline is $10 shipping from Way. They are both 1liter bottles.

 

Thanks for the suggestions! I think I’ve finally made up my mind on giving the Motylgear a try. Living in central Florida where our “winters” are about 80F, I feel better about using the slightly higher weight of the 75w90 vs the w80.

 

Royal purple 75w90

 

I used MTL once in my car and swapped it out for the Genuine MINI stuff after having grinding/clashing problems in really cold temps. I'd rather put the right fluid in because $90 is far less than thousands for a new gearbox. Also, if you order from FCP Euro, you won't have to pay for it again if you change your fluid again in the future. Their lifetime warranty thing is incredible.

 

I used the Ford stuff they put in all the Miatas because i had some left over. Mine LOVES it.