tried searching for this but couldn't find anything that references this... so here goes.... just wanted to know what Mini uses for the 6 speed transmission for the MCS. I want to top off my tranny fluid since i've read posts that early 05 MCS were suspected of having low tranny fluid off the factory. anyway, anyone know what they use? or if anyone has replaced their tranny fluid with something from redline or amsoil? thanks.

 

I think mine is Redline MTL.

 

I used Redline MT90, I'm in Hawaii with no winter

 

I'll probably be using Redline MTL when I'm ready to flush. MT90 is a bit thicker so shifting might be a little harder but with more syncro protection.

 

I was told by Redline that the MT-90 fluid should not be used in our trannys because the GL-5 spec fluid will ruin the synchro's.

 

Maybe it's too harsh

 

So if not MT-90, should we be using MTL in trannys equiped with LSDs?

 

UKSUV, on Redline's site, it says both MTL and MT90 are GL-4. GL-5 has additives that will corrode syncro's. It's their 75w-90NS and 75w-140NS that are GL-5 and can't be used in our tranny's.

Redline recommends that if the factory fill is a 30 weight fluid, then go with the MTL and if it's a 40 weight, go with MT90. I believe BMW uses the thinner of the two specs. Either way, I'll stand by my ealier statement that the only difference is thickness and the MT90 might make shifting a bit harder.

JS, read the tech brief on Redline's site about the fluid. It seems like they recommend the MT90 on LSD cars to reduce clatter. The same would apply to lightweight flywheel owners.

 

Huh? What does flywheel weight have to do with transmission fluid thickness?

If you were using a clutch-pack lsd, you would use a fluid with a friction modifier, not change the weight of the fluid. Maybe I'm misunderstanding you, but thicker oil isn't the cure-all for much of anything...

 

I'm just talking in terms of gear clatter. As many with lightweight flywheels have noted, the gears clatter when sitting with the clutch out. A thicker tranny fluid will reduce it.

In the manual, MINI recommends an MTF94 spec fluid. From my best efforts through Google, I'm unable to find specs on this fluid. Some say it's a 70w-80 while others say it's 75w-90. Does anyone know what the specs are?

 

Hmmmmm....I forgot about the LSD. If there is any confusion just call Redline. They answered all my questions with a great attitude. I know that both MTL/MT-90 is GL-4 spec but I was told that the MT-90 is ALSO GL-5 spec and that is where you run into problems. But in the case with a LSD, you might need a GL-5 spec?