Engine Drivetrain 2nd Gen S R56 Manual Transmission Fluid Change

Discussion in 'Tuning and Performance' started by YesIFit, Oct 26, 2010.

  1. YesIFit

    YesIFit New Member

    May 25, 2009
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    With almost 32k miles, and more than a few track days on the car, I figure it's time to change the fluid out. Going to go with Redline MTL and doing this at our club's DIY-day at MINI of Dallas this weekend.

    Anyone done this yet? (I know BTWDriver has, but I'm not sure he'll be there.) Any tips/suggestions? I heard it can be a PITA.
     
  2. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    The most important part........ Remove the FILL plug first.

    When I end up doing mine, I'll switch over to the magnetic "Dimple" plugs.
     
  3. gregsmini

    gregsmini New Member

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    #3 gregsmini, Nov 1, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 1, 2010
    YesIFit, How did it go?

    Removing the fill plug first is a good suggestion. I have the magnetic plug on my engine and want to add one to the trans also. Also, what is the trans fluid capacity?

    Also, why the Red Line MTL? How did you decide which fluid to use?

    Thanks,
    Greg
     
  4. YesIFit

    YesIFit New Member

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    It was surprisingly easy.

    - Open the fill plug
    - Open the drain plug
    - Drain fluid
    - Replace drain plug
    - Refill fluid until it just starts to run/drip out of the fill plug
    - Replace fill plug

    I went with Redline MTL after receiving suggestions from other MINI owners. After driving it a little bit, the shift action definitely has more feel to it.

    The funny thing is that the R56 holds slightly more then the R53. My friend, who has a R53, helped me change mine and then we did his. We both had two bottles of MTL. My car took both of my bottles plus a little off the top of one of his. His car took the rest of that bottle plus slightly less than all of the last bottle.
     
  5. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    You can drain more out of the R53 if you tilt the car with a jack.
     
  6. gregsmini

    gregsmini New Member

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    Thanks for the quick response guys!:Thumbsup: Now to find the Redline MTL. I see Mini Mania has it, but it would be nice to find it here on the East Coast.

    Once I get my hands on some, that looks like the next project.
     
  7. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    #7 BThayer23, Nov 4, 2010
    Last edited: Nov 4, 2010
    Any good independent shop should have some. You won't find it at AutoZone. Look for race cars parked out front. =)

    Also here: http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-cooper/redline_70w80_MTL_mini_cooper_transmission_fluid_oil.html

    And here: http://www.waymotorworks.com/product.php?productid=16740
     
  8. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    I've talked to 3 good independent service shops and all said 50K on the tranny lube for a daily driver. Anyone heard different and why? I've got 10K to go. :D
     
  9. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    50k is what I heard, too.
     
  10. Metalman

    Metalman Well-Known Member
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    So.... If I understand this correctly.

    We all agree the MINI/BMW "Lifetime" (MTF-LT-4) manual fluid period is hogwash. Whatever lifetime means???

    Make the first change at 50K and continue at that period at every 50K for street and sooner if you track?

    No one seems to make an equivalent for the "Lifetime" (MTF-LT-4), and the best alternate , or one of the best alternates would be the Redline MTL?
     
  11. Nathan

    Nathan Founder

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    I'd also recommend that when doing the change you pickup some of the magnetic drain plugs to put in the transmission as well.
     
  12. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    Thanks Nathan! I'd already planned on a Dimple drain plug, but you make the 4th person who recommends one for the fill plug as well. I'm going with Redline D4 ATF as that seems to be the choice for hotter climates. :D
     
  13. BThayer23

    BThayer23 Well-Known Member

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    I have an R53 with factory LSD and I change my transmission fluid every 40-50k. It's pretty easy to do once you have the car up on jack stands - and give yourself as much clearance as is safe on your jack stands. You'll need either a funnel with a long tube or a fluid pump, along with a breaker bar and a torque wrench. I know MTL works for my car, but check with a knowledgeable source for your year/gen/transmission.

    Another "lifetime" fluid, the power steering fluid, should be flushed at a roughly similar interval, but that's a little more complicated.
     
  14. david in germany

    david in germany New Member

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    What do you guys think about Royal Purple for the fluid change?
     
  15. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    Greasy Kid Stuff

    After input from some very knowledgeable people, I decided to go with the new Redline MT-85 75W85 GL-4 gear lube. Got the Dimple fill/drain plugs, too. By ordering before the end of the year, Dimple gives you one of their new $30 sump plugs free! Will swap out the old Dimple plug on next oil change. :Thumbsup: :smilewinkgrin:
     
  16. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    Royal Purple

    I backed away from it when I saw that the gear lube they offer is a one-size-fits-all. They also do not list any MINI in their application guide. BTW, the
    Redline MT-85 I used is neat. Shifts and synchro's are now smooth as silk and tranny noise is virtually gone. :Thumbsup:
     
  17. david in germany

    david in germany New Member

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    I can't get the redline here. So far I have had great luck with everything I have run from RP. Maybe I will be the 1st with it then. :Thumbsup:
     
  18. Dwight

    Dwight Racing with the Gods
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    LMAO! Can't get Redline stuff here either. Had to order it direct from them in the Bay area. :Thumbsup:
     
  19. GFinch

    GFinch New Member

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    Why the MT-85 & not MTL

    I was ready to replace mine with Red Line MTL and then double checked the Red Line website, they indicated no replacement for the OEM oil. Scared me from proceeding. I'm guessing the Red Line doesn't want to go on record as having a "lifetime" oil. Any thoughts on this now as it's been 2 years since you made the change?

    BTW I have an '08 Clubman S with 6 Speed manual tranny
     
  20. yellowbritishrocket

    yellowbritishrocket Well-Known Member

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    i always went with Motul Gear300 75w90 fluid...race fluid FTW
     

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