OK, simple question here but... what is a good reference to make sure my MINI is level when setting the transmission fluid level?

I checked the fluid once on a lift and a second time in my garage. The difference in temperature was about 10* C and a big difference in fluid coming out. I'm wondering if I had the car completely level...?

I had it on the lift two days ago and set the transmission fluid at about 46* C (the higher end of the acceptable temperature range).

Today, I wanted to check it with the car cooler so I checked it around 36-39* C as measured by INPA. When I took off the drain plug the temp was around 32* C (ambient) and fluid immediately started coming out. Eventually, by the time the car reached around 39* C, I had removed about 28 oz's of additional transmission fluid before the stream came to a stop.

When I drove the car, it was pretty smooth except the 1-2 shift was pretty rough / had a significant flare. This is matched with a S2 solenoid error in the TCU, so possibly a real problem with the transmission.

 

I ended up rechecking the fluid level and adding a little extra. The result smoothed out the shifting dramatically and I felt comfortable selling the car. Its now on to its new owner!

Initially using the driver's side window sill as a level reference didn't work. I think the car was a bit tipped back and thus I was able to draw out a little more fluid.

Instead, I taped some rope from wheel center to wheel center and leveled that. Alternatively, I could just look at how level my garage was and adjust from there.

I'm surprised at what a difference less than one inch in the front end made. I drained nearly about a quart too much out with the front end being just .75-1" above level...