2007 R56 Hatchback

Is there any way to check to automatic transmission fluid and add fluid if need be?

I have read a few statements that the transmission is "lifetime filled" however dealer serviced mine in August 2021 at 118,000 miles. Drained, flushed, refilled.

Is there a recommended service interval?

Thanks.

 

The way the fluid level is checked on the Aisin automatics is by having the car level and the transmission in the proper temperature range, then removing the drain plug and seeing how the fluid is draining from the overflow tube. The volume of the fluid changes with temperature and if the fluid is too cold, the transmission can be overfilled, if too hot, the fluid will expand and the trans will end up under filled. There are YouTube videos on changing and checking the fluid levels in Aisin automatics. The good thing about the R56 vs the R53 is you can see the transmission temperature on the digital display when going the diagnostic mode on the gauges, or when using a MINI diagnostic/scan tool.

Many VW’s use essentially the same trans and the they changed the interval from lifetime to around 40k. I would probably do changes at 25k to 40k, depending on how the car is driven and how conservative you are with maintenance schedules.

 

So I use test 7 to monitor coolant temperature on my 2013 R55 Clubman. I notice there are several sub-tests to test 7 (i.e. 7.01, 7.02 etc.). Can you tell me specifically which one shows the transmission fluid temp?

 

I’m not sure as I don’t have a 2nd gen. It was something I saw somewhere on a forum when looking for a way to see the Aisin fluid temp on a 1st gen, but it doesn’t seem to be possible on a 1st gen.