On Wednesday I plan on changing my transmission fluid and need to know what size the drain plug is, does anyone know what size my transmission drain plug is?

Thanks,
Systemlord.

 

I don't recall the size of the drain plug but there is a thread on here where the process is explained in detail including the size of the plug. I changed mine a while back and it was the easiest thing I've done under the hood in a while. Round up a helper and be sure to use a funnel with some clear tubing attached for the refilling process and it will go quickly. Good luck!

 

Here is the write - up for my 2008 MCS. Not sure if yours is the same (if the info is in your sig block I can't see it on the mobile app). For mine it was an 8 mm hex head.

http://www.totehmoon.com/blog/?p=650

 

Thank you both, no to figure out how to make my Mini level with only two jack stands and one floor jack...?

 

I don't remember what size the plugs were but I recommend what colatownmini said about having a helper with funnel and clear tubing. I did the same thing and it was very easy.

 

I have a hand pump that attaches to the 1 gallon container so I don't spill the trans fluid all over my engine.

 

Not gonna happen. The car really only needs to be level for the filling part so if you have a funnel and a tube you could put the car back on 4 wheels and fill from the top till the fluid runs out of the fill hole. Then maybe jack it up from the side so you don't dump fluid out of the trans and sneak in and put the fill plug in.

 

Now there's a good idea, as long as my right front tire is removed that will allow me to get in there and plug it up once full. I won't have access to my brother's garage until early next week!

My transmission is notchy even after it's warmed up, I expect that old trans fluid to be dirty after 52k!

 

Easiest (and safest thing) is build or buy a set of ramps...they are great to have around....
Heck...makes oil changes even faster...some scrap 2x6 lumber, some 2x4 blocks (Or more 2x6 scraps) and a handful of screws...maybe a dab of construction adheasive...and you can have a pair of ramps stronger than store bought for almost free....

 

My Redline MTL arrived today. I just might do that, build some ramps. My brother has some very interesting tools in his garage, a metal cutting saw that zigzags downward through metals like a hot knife through butter! Compressed air 24/7, he hasn't unplug his Sears 20 gallon compressor in 19 years, it's louder than hell and turns on at least once a day for 19 years!

 

Important announcement for Mini owner 1st gen:
I own a base 2004 mini cooper with 144,000k miles and was told by my friend who works for Mini Cooper in southern CA. that all 1st gen mini 10yrs old or before 150,000k can have their power steering pump replace for FREE(recall). I was also surprised that when I told them about my concern about the mini transmission problem I saw on the web they acknowledge it and offer a FREE transmission replacement even though my tranny is still working and has no sign of problems. They said because BMW recognized the lawsuit and wants to fix the 1st gen transmission problem. SO GO AND GET YOUR FREE POWER STEERING AND TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT!!! you will save over 10,000 dollars.

 

i don't really concern myself with leveling out the car perfectly.. a little of the old stuff won't ever hurt anyone, and anyone it's gonna be coating everything in there regardless so it's not like you can get all of it out realistically. if you want you can just run some extra fluid through the trans, that's what I did.

Here's my how to w/ pics - https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...52-post96.html
i do an oil change first, but then trans fluid. Very easy job, 8mm hex for drain and fill, and used a pump. very easy, and very easy to access. i used amsoil mt90, but i know a lot of guys who use some form of redline cocktail in their cars

 

Thanks for the link. I plan on pumping some fresh Red Line MTL into the tranny until it drains fresh fluid, than cap and fill. Were you able to get a torque wrench in there or is there little room to work with?

 

i didn't, i just used my discretion lol. given how easy they broke loose i just got it to about how tight it felt like. i could probably get a torque wrench in there without much issue though, just angle it more horizontally if you can.

 

The reason the car needs to be level isn't so that you can get the old stuff out. It's so that you get the right amount of the new stuff in. It would be like filling your engine oil by only checking the dipstick and if the car is on a big incline the dipstick won't be accurate and therefore you have no idea if you have the "right" amount of oil in the car.

 

^ good point