I have several friends that swear to using the Redline MT-90 or MTL fluid. They say that its helped make their tranny smoother. Anyone had the same experience with the Mini? If so, which are you running - MT90 or MTL

Where approximatly is the drain/add plug? Is there a how to on this?

Thanks,
Erik

 

I e-mailed Redline several months ago and asked what their equivalent is to the stock mini trans fluid - MTL. I bought two quarts but haven't put it in yet. I did spot the drain plug under the front left corner of the car when doing some other work put haven't sighted the fill port yet.

 

im always hesitant to try aftermarket tranny oil as it deteriorates much
faster than factory. Let us know how you like it. :smile:

 

I put Redline MTL in 96 Accord a number of years ago. Made shifting much smoother especially on cold winter mornings. Before MTL, when very cold could hardly shift 1st. to 2nd. until trans warmed up. After MTL, no problems.

 

>>I have several friends that swear to using the Redline MT-90 or MTL fluid. They say that its helped make their tranny smoother. Anyone had the same experience with the Mini? If so, which are you running - MT90 or MTL
>>
>>Where approximatly is the drain/add plug? Is there a how to on this?
>>
>>Thanks,
>>Erik

You are going to have to remove the heat shield near the tranny. Remove the lower plug which is the drain plug. Then remove the plug that is above and to the left. once this is done, allow the fuild to drain completely. Re install the lower drain plug, and torque to 43 NM. Then pour in the Transmission fluid in the filler hole until it over fills, then allow it to drain until level with the plug hole. Reinstall the filler plug and torque to 43 NM. Then you are done.

 

I put Redline tranny fluid in my Bimmer, and it made the shifting more notchy and clunky.....until the fluid warmed up. Not butter smooth all the time like the stock BMW fluid.

$0.02

 

I picked up a beater 528e several years ago and thought the synchros were shot, but Redline fixed/covered up whatever was causing the problem. Had it in a 635 and in my current 98 Maxima with good results. I plan to put it in our Mini when I get around to changing the oil. Been very happy with it every time I've used it.

 

Only one gear oil is approved for both manual transmissions on the Cooper, Texaco MTF 94. Kind of a short list.....

 

I'd actually remove or at least loosen the FILL HOLE FIRST.

You may be able to get the drain plug out, but you're SOL if you can't get the fill hole opened.

 

>>>>
>>I'd actually remove or at least loosen the FILL HOLE FIRST.
>>
>>You may be able to get the drain plug out, but you're SOL if you can't get the fill hole opened.

excellent advice!! fill hole first, in case you have too much trouble. I was able to access both plugs without removing any shields. I had to rig a longer hose to reach from the top of the engine to the fill plug, though. All you need is an 8mm hex socket and a long hose for the fill.