Hi all, I've been browsing all the forums for a couple of months now, finally decided to register and make my first post.

The 2006 R53 Auto was purchased 6 months ago, with 55KM on the clock (now close to 65KM). I recently decided to change the trans fluid as the trany had some harsh shifts from time to time. So I fill-n-drained three times following the instructions online with this oil http://www.penriteoil.com.au/product...d_products=336 . After the third time, we discovered that the transmission maybe overfilled, as I could smell trans fluid sometimes when I'm driving. And the engine/drive train started to make some louder vibration noises during 1st gear take-off. I then followed the procedure to check the levels, and ended up removing 4 litres from the box. I then took the car to work one day and discovered the shifts were even worse then before. Tryed to reset ECU, but still didn't get any better.

Sorry, English is not my first language. I would appreciate any opinions from everyone.

Many thanks.

 

It sounds like the fluid level still might not be correct. 4 litres sounds like a lot to be overfilled by. Also, I'm not sure the Penrite LV fluid is correct for the Aisin transmission in the MINI. It calls for JWS3309 fluid which can usually be found for less money at a Toyota dealer, but Penrite LV says it meets this spec.

http://www.penriteoil.com.au/product...d_products=709

You can try rechecking the fluid level to make sure it has enough then see how the transmission responds, but I would change the fluid again with JWS3309 fluid if it were my car.

 

Thanks RB-MINI, I will get 3 x 4 litres of the LV fluid this weekend and try flushing the box. http://www.penriteoil.com.au/product...d_products=709
Or Shall I just get some 3309 from Toyota instead?

I'm pretty sure the fluid level should be equal or above standard level at the moment, as all I did was removing the inspection plug when the car was cold, and approximately 3.5L drained out.

I will update you guys in the weekend.

 

While you go to flush again, maybe see if our tech article might help give you a different perspective as far as directions go and some more information about the process. You can check it out here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...uid_Change.htm. Penrite has some good stuff. Used to run their oil before they pulled out of the U.S. market. If you want other fluid options we also have some here: http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item0. Good luck and let us know what happens.

 

As long as the Penrite LV meets JWS3309 spec it's probably fine.

 

Update: I filled the box with 4 litres of Penrite LV after flushing. The car now shifts beautifully. I'm so happy, thanks everyone!!! I will update again in 1-2 weeks time.

 

I'm back. Today I noticed the car shifted hard from 1st into 2nd gear a couple of times. Now I'm starting to think maybe the fluid level is not right. What is easiest way to check fluid level? Reason I ask is that I think last time, I drained too much up when I followed the instruction. Maybe I was doing it wrong. Any help will be much appreciated. Thanks.

 

You'll definitely first want to check the transmission fluid level to be sure it is correct. To check the level, essentially, the fluid level of the transmission needs to sit right at the top of the overflow tube. When filling the transmission with fluid, you leave the inspection plug out and any extra fluid drains out, leaving the correct level in the transmission. Again, please take a look at our tech article as it goes over this process and provides in detail more information. http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...uid_Change.htm

 

With the fluid between 95-113 degrees remove the drain plug. If over filled, fluid will drain. Let it drain until it starts to drip then re-install the plug. The fluid expands and contracts with temperature so you need to make sure the fluid is in the temp range. Not sure if you can use a diagnostic tool to check the trans temp on a 2nd gen MINI through the OBD port, or get a readout on one of the gauge displays in testing mode.

This video might help as it's pretty much the same transmission and explains the how the fluid level is measured around 1:45 in.

 

It could be a worn valve body, which is fairly common. Do a search on valve body, there are several threads in here. A harsh 1-2 shift is a symptom.

 

Thanks guys, really appreciate your posts. I will check fluid level tonight. It's quite weird that last time when I took the inspection plug out when the car was cold, and it drained 3.5 litres out... is that even possible? I hope I don't overdrain this time. Will keep you all posted.

 

Was the engine running when you did that? If it was off you likely drained too much. The proper procedure is to have the car running when you check the level and the car must be sitting level as well, not jacked up at the front. Temperature is very important.
Also are you sure that the stand pipe is in there? There is a little pipe that goes into the drain plug hole that is about 4 cm long. If it is not there then you can't get the level right.

 

Thanks Aspen, wish I saw this earlier. Last night I have already drained with the car OFF again... I put the inspection plug back in after 2 litres came out (and it was still draining). The car drives fine, but I worry that maybe I drained too much again. So just to confirm, I have to have to car ON when I check levels?

The stand pipe is in there.

Thanks.

 

Yes, the engine must be on. And the car can't be a normal temperature. It has to start cold and as the fluid warms up you remove the plug and see if any fluid drips out. If none comes out you would be too low so fill it with some fluid and start over.

 

Update - All done yesterday. I even replaced the filter. The fluid should be at the correct level now. Car drive beautifully. Thanks for all your help.

 

How long did it take to drop the subframe to replace the filter? Keep us updated on how it's shifting in a few weeks and months.

 

I didn't drop the subframe. All the bolts are accessible after rising up the engine a bit (I didn't even take the lower mount off).