North American Motoring

Mini Cooper 2001-2006: How to Change 5 Speed Manual Transmission Fluid

It’s highly recommended that the transmission fluid be changed every 45,000 miles. If your MINI is due for one, save some money by doing it yourself.

By Jeffrey Bausch - June 28, 2016

This article applies to the 1st Gen MINI Cooper (2001-2006).

Maintaining clean transmission fluid in your MINI is a safe way to avoid costly transmission repairs down the road. On average, the fluid should be swapped out every 45,000 miles or so. This ensures the car’s components are well lubed with clean transmission fluid, and free of dirt and debris that sometimes collects over time. The actual process is easy enough to complete in under an hour, so long as you have the right tools and steps in place. A successful DIY transmission fluid exchange can also save you a ton of money. To learn how to do it yourself, read on.

Materials Needed

  • New transmission fluid
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Lug wrench
  • Drain pan
  • Funnel
  • Torque wrench

Step 1 – Drain old transmission fluid

Warm the car up for about five to 10 minutes, then get it up on jack stands. Remove the driver side front wheel and locate the transmission; specifically, look for the two drain bolts. The top bolt is the fill, and the bottom is the drain. Place a pan below the bottom bolt and remove the bolt itself; allow the fluid to drain.

Take care to keep your hands clear of the dispensed fluid—you warmed your car up to make it easier for the fluid to drain. The fluid itself is hot and will burn you.

When the fluid ceases to drain, put the bolt back on. Use a torque wrench and tighten to 32 ft/lbs.

Figure 1. Fill and drain plug locations.

Step 2 – Add new transmission fluid

Use a long funnel or otherwise tubing to get the fluid into the transmission. The fluid pours very slow, so this will take time – you may want assistance in this regard to relieve you from having to stand there in the same position for a while. When the fluid begins to come out of the top hole, the transmission is filled. Put the top bolt back on and tighten to 32 ft/lbs.

Figure 2. Add new fluid through a funnel.

Step 3 – Finishing up

Put the wheel back on the car and warm the car to warm the transmission fluid. Take the car out for a drive, but drive slow – avoid parkways and expressways for the first little bit. This will ensure everything is properly lubed, and not too much stress is placed on the transmission.

Figure 3. Go for a test drive to ensure everything is functioning properly.

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