R50/53 Transmission Fluid: To Change or Not to Change?
#26
08-11-2016, 08:39 AM
I'm pretty sure MINI doesn't specify a transmission fluid change interval.
#27
08-11-2016, 09:42 AM
#28
08-11-2016, 09:52 AM
I'm old-school. I change my fully synthetic oil every 3 months, traveling only 1400-1500 miles. I can say my '02 S runs and performs way better than some 05-06 S out there.
#29
08-11-2016, 09:57 AM
If you want to change your oil every 1,500 miles....that's your business. ...sounds like a waste of money to me. I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that.
#31
08-11-2016, 10:08 AM
If you are diy'ing it, and change your fluids so early, can't fault you from $$ perspective since you are still not spending a huge $$ in fluids...but if you look at the extra $$ spent as insurance, I don't think you are seeing good "bang for your buck" imo. With the risks of total loss beyong your control, or other issues happening that fluid changes won't help, just seems excessive.
But this is the internet, where the obsessive and OCD find a home, so who am I to judge.....we are all on a site chatting about cars right?!
#32
08-11-2016, 10:51 AM
If I changed my transmission fluid every 1,500 miles (we're still talking about transmission fluid right?)...at $40 a change, that would be $3,733 in fluid over the life of my car (I have around 140,000 miles on it right now).
That's money that could have been put away for other maintenance items like SC, suspension, brakes, shocks, clutch....stuff that you will eventually have to replace. I rarely hear about manual transmissions going out......so spending all of that money trying to prevent a problem that doesn't exist defies logic. I can see changing it every 60,000 miles just for peace of mind,...but 1,500 is insane.
Just out of curiosity.....what are your engine oil change intervals? Every 500 miles?
That's money that could have been put away for other maintenance items like SC, suspension, brakes, shocks, clutch....stuff that you will eventually have to replace. I rarely hear about manual transmissions going out......so spending all of that money trying to prevent a problem that doesn't exist defies logic. I can see changing it every 60,000 miles just for peace of mind,...but 1,500 is insane.
Just out of curiosity.....what are your engine oil change intervals? Every 500 miles?
Last edited by IQRaceworks; 08-11-2016 at 11:19 AM.
#33
08-11-2016, 11:27 AM
Also used Redline GL-4 75W80. Noticed a world of difference.
Changed at 140k, and the blackest of black liquids came out during the change
Also bought two magnetic fill and drain plugs
Changed at 140k, and the blackest of black liquids came out during the change
Also bought two magnetic fill and drain plugs
#34
08-11-2016, 12:03 PM
I agree that the transmission fluid needs to be changed every now and then......but I think that the longevity of the transmission is going to be affected much more by the drivers shifting style vs. how many times they change the fluid.....face it, there just aren't that many failures with the manual transmissions.
There is a reason why some guys can't seem to keep a clutch longer than 30,000 miles without burning it up, and other guys are going on 150,000+ miles with the same OEM stock clutch.
There is a reason why some guys can't seem to keep a clutch longer than 30,000 miles without burning it up, and other guys are going on 150,000+ miles with the same OEM stock clutch.
#35
08-11-2016, 09:08 PM
If I changed my transmission fluid every 1,500 miles (we're still talking about transmission fluid right?)...at $40 a change, that would be $3,733 in fluid over the life of my car (I have around 140,000 miles on it right now).
That's money that could have been put away for other maintenance items like SC, suspension, brakes, shocks, clutch....stuff that you will eventually have to replace. I rarely hear about manual transmissions going out......so spending all of that money trying to prevent a problem that doesn't exist defies logic. I can see changing it every 60,000 miles just for peace of mind,...but 1,500 is insane.
Just out of curiosity.....what are your engine oil change intervals? Every 500 miles?
That's money that could have been put away for other maintenance items like SC, suspension, brakes, shocks, clutch....stuff that you will eventually have to replace. I rarely hear about manual transmissions going out......so spending all of that money trying to prevent a problem that doesn't exist defies logic. I can see changing it every 60,000 miles just for peace of mind,...but 1,500 is insane.
Just out of curiosity.....what are your engine oil change intervals? Every 500 miles?
#36
08-11-2016, 09:16 PM
If I changed my transmission fluid every 1,500 miles (we're still talking about transmission fluid right?)...at $40 a change, that would be $3,733 in fluid over the life of my car (I have around 140,000 miles on it right now).
That's money that could have been put away for other maintenance items like SC, suspension, brakes, shocks, clutch....stuff that you will eventually have to replace. I rarely hear about manual transmissions going out......so spending all of that money trying to prevent a problem that doesn't exist defies logic. I can see changing it every 60,000 miles just for peace of mind,...but 1,500 is insane.
Just out of curiosity.....what are your engine oil change intervals? Every 500 miles?
That's money that could have been put away for other maintenance items like SC, suspension, brakes, shocks, clutch....stuff that you will eventually have to replace. I rarely hear about manual transmissions going out......so spending all of that money trying to prevent a problem that doesn't exist defies logic. I can see changing it every 60,000 miles just for peace of mind,...but 1,500 is insane.
Just out of curiosity.....what are your engine oil change intervals? Every 500 miles?
Last edited by -=gRaY rAvEn=-; 08-15-2016 at 05:39 AM. Reason: Edited for "Quality Control"......keep it civil please
#39
08-12-2016, 12:43 PM
A couple thoughts....
Oil in a manual transmission lasts a long time...it never really gets hot (for oil), and heat is what breaks it down.
100,000 miles imo is more than an adequate change interval if you wish, especially if you are not a "gear grinder".
Do CAREFULLY SELECT which oil you use...
Some have used replacement and found shift very stiff in the winter if you live in a very cold area....
Since the oil change on a transmission is done so infrequently, it might be worthwhile to go to the MINI dealer to get some...you might need to bring your own jug.
A pump helps get the oil into the fill plug if you diy it...I always just used a section of tubing and a funnel...one person stand over the car, pours it into the funnel while the other holds the tune in...when the opening overflows, just yank the tube out, and put in the plug...have a oil changing pan handy to catch the excess....
One more tip...remove the FILL PLUG FIRST, then the lower drain plug...just so you are 100% sure it's not stuck....if you were to drain it, and be unable to refill it, you would be in a world of hurt.
But it is simpler and easier than even a motor oil change....
Oil in a manual transmission lasts a long time...it never really gets hot (for oil), and heat is what breaks it down.
100,000 miles imo is more than an adequate change interval if you wish, especially if you are not a "gear grinder".
Do CAREFULLY SELECT which oil you use...
Some have used replacement and found shift very stiff in the winter if you live in a very cold area....
Since the oil change on a transmission is done so infrequently, it might be worthwhile to go to the MINI dealer to get some...you might need to bring your own jug.
A pump helps get the oil into the fill plug if you diy it...I always just used a section of tubing and a funnel...one person stand over the car, pours it into the funnel while the other holds the tune in...when the opening overflows, just yank the tube out, and put in the plug...have a oil changing pan handy to catch the excess....
One more tip...remove the FILL PLUG FIRST, then the lower drain plug...just so you are 100% sure it's not stuck....if you were to drain it, and be unable to refill it, you would be in a world of hurt.
But it is simpler and easier than even a motor oil change....
#40
08-19-2016, 03:05 PM
Just purchased in July 2016
Ok....so I have a 2006 .... excellent condition.... automatic 107,000.....shifts SMOOTH.....especially on the highway.
At a stop light it sometimes " lurches"... VERY slightly...feels like it wants to go and not stop.
Does this maybe 2 times at same stop light.
But not at the next ones.
What do you experts think it is?
Any and all help greatly apprreciated.
Thank you
Michael
Ok....so I have a 2006 .... excellent condition.... automatic 107,000.....shifts SMOOTH.....especially on the highway.
At a stop light it sometimes " lurches"... VERY slightly...feels like it wants to go and not stop.
Does this maybe 2 times at same stop light.
But not at the next ones.
What do you experts think it is?
Any and all help greatly apprreciated.
Thank you
Michael
#41
08-19-2016, 05:26 PM
Just changed the manual transmission fluid for the second time in 10 years and less than 50k miles. A little overkill? Perhaps, but preventative maintenance is inexpensive in the grand scheme of long term ownership. Better to spend a little $ every so often rather than a lot later down the road. After the first fluid change I did not notice much difference but this time it was noticeably smoother. The latest oem synthetic fluid made a noticeable difference. For thirty minutes of labor and the price of the fluid, I figure it's cheap insurance for the Getrag and my peace of mind. Besides I get a free inspection and test drive by the best independent BMW/MINI shop (Bavarian Auto in Wichita) in the Plain States.
Last edited by buzzsaw; 08-19-2016 at 06:21 PM.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
JWA
MINI Parts for Sale
3
03-20-2016 06:40 AM
