1st Gen R50 Cooper Manual Transmission Fluid

Discussion in '1st Generation: 2002–06 R50, R53 & 2004–08 R52' started by zman70, Aug 11, 2016.

  1. zman70

    zman70 New Member

    Aug 5, 2016
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    Recently acquired '06 Justa. Planning to change manual transmission fluid. I have seen conflicting info on which fluid to use.

    Some say Redline MTL. I've also seen a chart that calls for Redline D6 ATF.

    Are these interchangeable?

    Getrag 5-speed


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  2. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I use Redline MTL in my s. But some of the guys use different brands.
     
  3. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    #3 ZippyNH, Aug 11, 2016
    Last edited: Aug 11, 2016
    There is an active thread on NAM....
    one guy used the redline d6 ATF...fluid was burnt and discolored after a few miles...several chimed in...like Detroit tuned, saying the ATF mentioned did not meet the needs of the tranny.
    I have no dog in this race, but it seems that the ATF is not only not slick....but it is very thin...
    If in Doubt I might use the OEM...bring a jug...they have barrels...
    Perhaps there are reasons the thinner fluid is suggested by many euro boards...bet mostly mpg...in the USA where more miles are run and with higher typical sustained speeds, I would err on the side of more protection.
    The one one issue some folks have mentioned is stiffer shifting in extreme cold...something the OEM fluid handles ok...so again, the OEM might be a good option...and since manual transmission fluid is changed so infrequently, cost should not play into the decision imo.
     
  4. Crashton

    Crashton Club Coordinator

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    I used Redline MTL in my R53. Worked like a charm. Don't use ATF.

    MINI says it uses lifetime fluid & it does. When the transmission is replaced you get new fluid. :wink:
     
  5. zman70

    zman70 New Member

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    Redline MTL it is. Hope to get it done next weekend.


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  6. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    Okay, I'm confused. Redline D6 ATF is an automatic transmission fluid (hence the ATF name). That is very different than lubricant that goes in a manual transmission. I can not fathom why anyone would put ATF in a manual transmission. Redline MTL is a manual transmission lubricant (hence the MTL name). It seems like a no-brainer, to me.

    Did I not get a memo somewhere along the way?

    CD
     
  7. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    caseydog could you please keep up with the pack!
     
  8. ZippyNH

    ZippyNH Well-Known Member

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    I saw that on thir website a long time ago...made me wonder, cause they are very different...MTL USUSLLY has lots of zinc as an extreme pressure lube...
    I'm wondering if the d6 redline is their only compatible (I use that term loosely, places want to provide a lube for everyone even if it NOT the right thing....one reason I get nervous when folks proclaim redline/royal purple is best for anything) fluid for use with a clutch should limited slip differential....
    Know that the OEM fluid for years with a limited diff with an option WAS different....but didn't think it was radically different...
    And the guy that used d6 had a bad experience....so obviously not the right stuff.
     
  9. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    I'm givin' er' all she's got, captain.

    CD
     
  10. JMC40

    JMC40 Well-Known Member

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    I'm replacing mine tomorrow with Royal Purple Syncromax, '09 Non-S. Seems like it gets good reviews and is a replacement for the $40+ a quart MTF-LT-4...
     
  11. caseydog

    caseydog Well-Known Member

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    When I worked for car magazines, I got Royal Purple products for free. But, there is no way I would have used them if I weren't presented with evidence that they were top-shelf products. I used them in my Audis, and my Audi service advisor told me on the down low that free Royal Purple oil was a very sweet score.

    CD
     
  12. JMC40

    JMC40 Well-Known Member

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    This is the first time I have ever used anything by them. I just can't swallow using the OEM stuff at that cost...
     
  13. Guapish_Fliver

    Guapish_Fliver New Member

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    I choose not to to skimp on petroleum products anymore.

    I bought the OEM stuff, after tax 2 quarts was around $100 at the dealer lmao. The car took slightly less than 2 so I considered drinking the rest as to not waste any, ouuuu-wee.

    That price made me feel like I was putting some real good juice in there...
     
  14. MCS02

    MCS02 Moderator
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    I use RP in my son's Mustang and my wife's R57. I believe RP is on par with Amsoil.
     
  15. RallyMini370

    RallyMini370 Well-Known Member

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    I rally/race a Justa , I use Redline MTL or 75W90 if they work well under racing conditions then it should be good for the street.
     
  16. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  17. BlwnAway

    BlwnAway Well-Known Member

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    Any quality Full Synthetic 75w90 will work in most situations, if you want a little more protection in the higher temps, use 75w140.
    As far as brands, everyone has their favorites, I use RP products simply because of how good the inside of my motor looked with all the miles it had on it, but any of the high quality synthetics are a good choice.

    It's hard to believe that anyone would think a light weight ATF oil could be substituted for a gear oil, that's just mind boggling.
     
  18. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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  19. Dave.0

    Dave.0 Helix & RMW Powered
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    This is also very good.

    [​IMG]
     
  20. zman70

    zman70 New Member

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    I agree the auto transmission fluid seemed strange. Saw it as the recommended fluid on ECS and some other sites.


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