As I try and maintain my vehicle per manufacturers recs - I called to schedule a routine fluid change on my 2003 Mini CVT. The service rep stated that the fluid change was not necessary - that in early 2003 the fluid specs from Mini had changed and the newer 2003 and on Cooper CVTs (including mine) came with a lifetime fluid. As the change is relatively expensive am I wasting money by doing this - and also has anyone else received the same info from their service reps? Recommendation that came with my Mini definitely recommended a change at specific intervals.

 

I guess you COULD get a "second opinion" from another MINI dealer if you are in doubt. I can't speak for myself, as my '03 Cooper is an early model. I already got the fluid change, and yes, it IS expensive.

 

After I had my second CVT fluid change (Inspection II) I started having tranny/bearing noises with my MINI. I wonder if MINI is changing its tune on the CVT fluid changes to avoid "issues".

 

I had some leakage probs [at about 4k] when I first got my MC, so when it came time for a fluid change, I was all for it. Given the cost, however, I'm not sure I'll be doing THAT again anytime soon, unless the leakage problems resurface. That said, I'm certain they are a thing of the past, as the car has run fine ever since they were corrected. My MC has 33k.

 

And just biting the bullet on the transmissions that fail before the warranty period is out....