How to Change Manual Transmission Oil - MINI Cooper R53 R56 F56

[@ModMINI]

How to change the transmission oil. This procedure should work on just about any 2002-2018 or later MINI Cooper with a manual gearbox. Get the oil here: Redline MTL 1 Gal:amzn.to/2PHF1kd Redline MTL 1 Litre: amzn.to/2q2Ngw3 MTF94: ebay.to/2yrKXay Fluid Pump for 1Gal MTL: amzn.to/2q2Njbd Mod MINI's Tools: amzn.to/2QEMznK Gen 2 MINI Cooper Parts: amzn.to/2A6rygv Mod MINI Tip jar: www.fundly.com/mod-mini-tip-jar See all the Mod MINI Videos on my channel: kzbin.info

[@rerunracing]

Will this work on a 2014 manual mini cooper mini clubman

[@Supermileage1]

Who are the 2 people that disliked this? Thank you MOD Mini, every single one of your videos are great!

[@hankthebugman]

...the only service procedure in a Mini that is easy...did not have to drop the engine, remove the left rear shuck-knuckle and dance under a full moon.....

[@ModMINI]

one of about three things that can be done without having to take off the front end as well.

[@minimanadam]

You must not have worked on many cars , imo the r53 is one of the easiest cars I've ever worked on.. everything is very strait forward and I never need a manual ect..

[@baad89stang]

your the best wright to the point. i own a mini because of you.

[@jackroman8821]

This is a great video, thank you. Trans fluid change was easy after seeing this.

[@pjelectrical4223]

Excellent video. Thanks for making. A few tightening figures for the drain and fill plugs. Drain plug needs to be tightened to: 5 speed - 32nm 6 speed - 43nm Fill plug needs to be tightened to: One/Cooper - 25nm Cooper S - 43nm. 👍🏻

[@stevegutshot2663]

Thank you Mod Mini from Perth Western Australia.

[@desmondmarshall7384]

The exact video I was looking for! Either my clutch is bad, or my transmission fluid is needs to be changed. I will start with the easier and less expensive.

[@leonardomorenoarroyo9465]

your videos have really been very useful, greetings from Mexico

[@Colbybartley]

Thanks a bunch for the video, helped me change my F56 transmission fluid!

[@cameronyates2375]

Hello I have a f56 Mini Cooper. Do you have any tips or anything you had a problem with?

[@emeraldaisle2927]

Nicely done and to the point. Thank you.

[@dansgitolo4600]

Like your videos a lot,... simple, right to the point. Really help full.

[@durk1980]

Sir, your videos are amazing. As a fellow YT'er I can only wish to be as good as you. Well done on all you do. I know how long it takes to put one of these out! Found this as I'm about to do clutch job. Basically: 2013 S R56 N18 with 82k miles. Son shifted from 1st to 2nd and it stuck (wouldn’t go into 2nd). Reaching inside the engine, with it shut off of course, I was able to manually shift through all the gears including reverse. When I manually put it into first and he tried to start the car, it would lunge forward and not start. If you put it in neutral and start the car he could not physically put it into first. The clutch won’t go down all the way, and it’s clear that it is stuck in gear. I have ordered a new clutch, pressure plate and flywheel (curse you $ for DMF vs SMF), but I’m wondering if it is easier to pull off the bumper and radiator and go in from the front, or drop the exhaust, and go from bottom? Do I need to drain coolant? Any help is appreciated!

[@pumpkinspice6118]

Great video just what I wanted. Will defo be giving this a go! Thanks

[@aftabazad371]

Excellent illustrated video Greetings from UK 🇬🇧

[@baad89stang]

you are amazing. li love all your videos ive learned so much from you. i now own 2 minis dont ever stop

[@malp6280]

oddly I've only just changed my gearbox fluid & like your car, my car was over filled with fluid as loads came pouring out of the fill plug hole. the only difference I did to fill my 08 mini was I used a hose from the top feeding into the fill hole then poured the fluid into a funnel, to fill the car it taken about 1lt & 2/3 of a 2nd 1lt bottle to fill up. overall a very easy job for anyone to do. overall it like a 5-10min job to do & finish! ppl in regards to oil leaks I know my from my car 08 clubman S cam cover gaskets are prone to leaking CCV lines are prone to cracking oil filter housing gaskets & for my housing itself cracked. oil pan gasket all required replacing due to leaks. I'd also recommend to anyone with a mini to fit a pair "or duel" oil catch cans & check there inlet valves for build-up

[@malp6280]

I've driven the car now 3 time since the change & you can certainly feel the difference pps if a drive shaft was on its way out, would it be possible fo it to make a humming/whirring sound? currently I'm experiencing that (already replaced the wheel bearing)

[@adrianperezsr.6683]

any way you could post a picture of connected catch cans with basic instructions?

[@alexandersteele477]

Great informative video. Just what I needed to find out. Thanks.👍😃

[@zrowcool]

I'm liking the lift. I don't have the height in my garage for a full sized lift but that one is sweet.

[@billcunningham8485]

I agree - maybe Mod Mini will post a link to the lift - I'd like to buy a set.

[@ModMINI]

www.ezcarlift.com

[@larslovestech]

brilliant...but you forgot one thing...NEVER WEAR YOUR RATHER EXPENSIVE APPLE WATCH when changing any oil on any motor...HAHAHA...i can only imagine if that nasty old oil had leaked all over that watch but that was a nice n easy job though

[@fprintf]

The underside of the MINI was so clean! Mine is all oily, I have to get after all these oil leaks one of these days.

[@therealpeterburke]

dip stick o-ring in engine block and crank position sensor o-ring at the front of the R53 are the source of that 99% of the time. cheap parts, 2 hour easy job (bumper off front engine service mode). All easier if you drain the radiator and combine the job with a super charger oil service, something that'll save you a ton of money down the road as they tend to run dry of oil by 75k about and then chew up the gears that drive the water pump.

[@CFHmetalorama]

@@therealpeterburke Sure enough I found the dipstick tube on mine leaking the other day.

[@BigTonyGee]

Great video! I have confidence to change my own now! 👍🏻

[@Apoplectic_Spock]

Hell yeah! Something I can actually do on my own!

[@dustinberg1134]

like the mini clock on your support beam

[@zmanvideo1]

thanks for the video. Can you do a review of your lift?

[@jamescoughlan7510]

Really helpful, thanks very much.

[@garyponce737]

This is the one thing I haven’t done on my mini. Had it for almost two years, I believe I’m overly due for a transmission fluid change

[@naikki]

Great video! Thank you!

[@hovazane4091]

...or drive over a hole or whatever... 😁

[@ModMINI]

Hey, not everyone has access to jack stands.

[@svenvanwier7196]

I actually have a perfect water drainage thing on the end of my driveway(dont worry i still put a container underneath)... it was perfect to do an oil change so maybe even this.

[@NWGaryP]

Great guide :)

[@83hm16]

Buen video gracias 👍🏻

[@dustinberg1134]

that fill kit is actually made for outboard motor foot oil replacements. you need the plastic screw to fill the foot of your outboard.

[@cheplite]

Thanks for these videos mate. Could you tell me about the elevator you use, pls? thx!

[@kevincooney7081]

What kind of stands are those that your mini is on?

[@faro691]

Felicitaciones 👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeffreycooper31]

I wish you lived in New Jersey. I live by Atlantic City and I cannot find a mechanic who wants to work on my car unless I go to the dealership.

[@rubencastro7837]

Thank you

[@aurora9636]

Do manual transmissions not have a filter you need to change out?

[@ModMINI]

I've never seen a manual transmission with a filter. The concept doesn't apply.

[@aurora9636]

@@ModMINI oh ok thank you! 🙂

[@josevicencio6081]

thanks, my is 2011 countryman . I need to do the same.thanks a lot.

[@nicholasm7189]

Thanks!

[@志恒李-s9n]

I am going to replace the transmission fluid and filter for my R50 Automatic CVT mini. I read the procedure on the internet and most of them stated that the sub frame assembly carrier and crush tube shall be removed and loosen before loosen the bolt of oil pan. Can I just loosen the 2 big bolts holding the crush tube for the access of the oil pan bolts? Thanks for your video and the information is very comprehensive. Cheers.

[@ModMINI]

Sorry, last time I did this was years ago and I don't remember.

[@志恒李-s9n]

I replaced the CVT transmission fluid and filter of my R50. I removed the crush tube and bend the plate holding the engine splash panel (Phillips screw one) for better access of oil pan screw and enough room to get the pan off. I also have the difficulties on putting the filter by installing the pan with the filter in the pan (Sorry for description imprecisely), I can only do it by feel. If I install the filter first, I have no room to install the oil pan. Finally I completed the job with the replacement of thermostat (the old one is damaged lol), and my mini runs well with lower fuel consumption (from 10.6 to 7.5L/100km) and faster gear shift.

[@ModMINI]

@@志恒李-s9n good job. Your efficiency improvement is due to the repaired thermostat. Engine operating performance is dramatically worse when not kept to the correct temperature.

[@JG-no4qr]

How do you check the transmission fluid to see if it needs replacement?!

[@ModMINI]

Remove fill plug and put your finger in there, is the only way really

[@rerunracing]

I have a 2014 mini cooper clubman should i use 75W80 or 75w90 ? Please help

[@T.Lspitz]

Are there any seals on the plugs? Will it leak if i reuse the plugs with no seals?

[@deepgrey]

It’s interesting that you used the MTL. It’s what I’ve been planning to put in my ‘06 base, but the debates on the forums over the right fluid for the getrag 5 speed are pretty heavy since MTL is a higher viscosity than the D6 ATF that redline recommends or the MTF-LT-3 that mini specs. As far as I can tell MTL and MTF-LT-3 are both GL-4 spec fluids and should be fine.

[@therealpeterburke]

I've been using Royal Purple Synchromax on my R53 6-speeds with no issues. Thinner than the MTL, I think.

[@ModMINI]

Higher viscosity won’t hurt anything other than maybe a slight drop in fuel economy in cold weather.

[@deepgrey]

That was my assumption, but I've seen a fair amount of voodoo science on the forums w.r.t. oils.

[@wottanker397]

Hi I just changed my clutch with the kit. Know I have a rattle noise when driving in all gears is like a humming noise. I didn’t check the input bearing. I have a 2006 jcw I used the red line mtl .

[@CoastlinesCollide]

Does anyone know the size of the copper washer that goes on the bolts? I read they should be replaced every time

[@amirsvlogs3327]

How do you reset transmission oil message saying to replace it.

[@fernandoolguin9604]

Hello “Mod Mini”. I have a question, maybe you had the same problem in the past. My car, Mini Cooper ‘05 base, shift gears smoothly when is cold but as soon as the engine reach normal temp, trans gets stuck on first gear and doesn’t change, last year I replaced a relay below the dash board and the problem gone, I took it to the car shop for trans fluid change, it worked fine for 6 months or so after that the gear problem came back, I noticed the car shop used “red trans oil” when I changed axles and front struts. I ordered trans fluid with vin number and I received “clear” trans oil, to flush out that red trans oil. Any ideas about my above mentioned problem, what’s else should I check? As I wrote, smoothly gear changes on cold, all gears, (automatic trans) as soon as reach normal engine temp, trans gets stuck on first gear. Thanks in advance ¡God Bless you!

[@Muzzaa]

What gear box oil should I use on my 2005 mcs checkmate with the lsd? I've had so many mixed answers.

[@ModMINI]

Redline MTL

[@albirasistendragen]

Do you have to worry about pumping air bubbles into the transmission?

[@ModMINI]

No.

[@beyondstratosphere]

Nice! Are there crush washers for those 2 plugs? Are they the same size as the oil drain plug washer?

[@ModMINI]

No crush washers typically; gear oil is thick enough that it won't leak.

[@gunstavoadrian]

thanks a lot for ur videos they help me a lot, the question is i just replace my cvjoints on a r50 2003 and almost a qtr of trans fluid came out of the cv joint should be fine or do i need to replaced it thanks

[@ModMINI]

If car is not flat (raised evenly), fluid will come out.

[@y_zass]

I'm about to do this. Does the drain plug have any type of gasket or crush washer on it? Thank you

[@ModMINI]

If there is, it can be reused.

[@yuanzhang7392]

I heard there are total 8l oil in it and this way only replace very little portion of it? Someone told me the dealer has machine to “cycle” most of the oil out

[@ModMINI]

You are thinking of automatic transmission. This video is for manual transmission.

[@jerrygoldstein3028]

Have a 2006 mini 1.6l 5speed, was driving fine and 2nd gear got buzzed from not being fully engaged and now is buzzing and hard to shift into 2nd. What’s broken ?

[@taylorashipley]

Asked a dealer recently about a transmission oil change on my (new to me) R56 and they recommended strongly against it. It doesn't make sense to me and looks easy enough to do myself. Should I do it? The service advisor said changing it would "kick up stuff at the bottom and may do more damage to it"

[@ModMINI]

There is no such thing as 'kick stuff up' for a manual. Do it if you like but unlikely to be needed unless very high miles.

[@jeimanreyes8361]

Hi, don't know if anyone asked this, didn't got through all the comments, but have you done a video on changing the transmission oil and filter from an automatic? Thanks

[@ModMINI]

No video. I had a bad experience working on those and don't touch them anymore.

[@The_Cheques_Offender]

Do you happen to know the thread pitch for the fill plug? I need to replace mine

[@ModMINI]

Probably same as a spark plug. M14 x 1.5 or 1.25 can't remember which.

[@IanLandesman]

I replaced mine around 100K and was SHOCKED that it was so clean and clear. Do you see factory gearbox oil is usually clean or dirty? I put redline in it, and figured I'd never do it again. At 141K now. How often do you change redline out, and how does it look? I'm on the fence about doing mine again and would love your opinion. Thanks!

[@ModMINI]

The Cooper S come out cleaner than the base R50. Better metals, i guess. It's usually somewhat dirty by 100k miles. It looks a little clear coming out, but when you look through it in the pan it's black. Usually once every 100k is good enough.

[@IanLandesman]

Thanks. I'll wait till closer to 200K to change again then. If I make it that far! Constantly catching rubbing hoses or leaks before catastrophic coolant/oil loss.

[@kirwanjohn101]

Hello from Dublin Ireland. Great video by the way. Where did you get the axle stand? Looks very good.

[@ModMINI]

The lift? www.ezcarlift.com.

[@jamestunnicliffe1]

I have a 2003 R53 Cooper S, with 72,000 miles. Would Valvoline 75w-90 gear oil work? I have a lot of it from using it on other cars. It says it is GL-4 and GL-5.

[@mablenay]

Forums report to use Redline MT-90, but you are using MTL. What's the difference and does it matter which I use? 2009 R56 in Atlanta GA

[@ModMINI]

I've always heard and have always used MTL with no issues. Manual gearboxes are much less picky about oils, so it could come down to preference. You may prefer a thicker oil in a hotter climate like Atlanta.

[@aroncastrejon4136]

I drive a manual mini. Can I use Mobil 1 gear oil as the manual transmission fluid?

[@ModMINI]

I don't know anything about that oil. If it is suitable as an MTF-94 replacement, I guess you could.

[@DavidMirandaF]

Pretty straight forward job, that fluid was pretty gross. That probes that there's no such thing as lifetime fluid. Do you have a video on replacing the automatic transmission fluid on a 1st gen? Great video as usual, always great to watch!

[@ModMINI]

Not yet. It's fairly complicated and requires a special tool to do (the right way).

[@DavidMirandaF]

@@ModMINI I'll stay tuned then. All of your videos are extremely helpful :)

[@billcunningham8485]

Great! Changing the ATF and filter on my 2006 MCS is on my Winter to-do list.

[@mwdubinz]

@@billcunningham8485 Did you notice any hesitation or rough shifting? Did you change the ATF, if so, how did you go about it?

[@billcunningham8485]

@ MW - it went okay. Took WAY longer than I hoped. Made a bit of a mess. If I were to do it again I would buy a ATF fluid adapter rather than just rely on a funnel - the adapter is basically a small tube that screws into the transmission so you have a direct threaded port for the fluid to travel. The fluid needs to be warmed up to run smoothly into the transmission. I didn’t do that correctly and it took forever using a funnel. My back was killing me, my arms were tired and I was getting frustrated. However the old transmission fluid came out like bad day old coffee. It was well past it’s prime. I used Redline fluid that matched or exceeded the Mini Specs. The car shifted so much smoother. Less hunting for a gear. Sadly my 2006 Mini Copper S set itself on fire a few weeks after the first round of draining and refilling 2.5L of the ATF. Power steering pump blew up and took the rest of the car with it. Running perfectly on a clear open highway and heard a muffled “pop”. Car shut down and the dash lit up. Pulled off the highway stopped with no brake pressure - pulled the E-Brake. Guy pulls in behind me and shouts for me to get out of the car. I look forward and see smoke - then a quick glimpse of flame. Apparently I was on fire for about a half mile and didn’t know it. I got out quickly and within 30 seconds my entire car was engulfed in flames. A total loss. I did however buy another 2006 MCS. Starting from scratch on the maintenance. This one only has 60k on it but I’m going through every system including the power steering pump.

[@yanick_b.9061]

Can you PLEASE Explain to me how to do this on an r53 AUTOMATIC Transmission, Im frustrated because supposedly its harder?!?

[@smokeu600]

So the redline oil is perfect to use in a 2006 S model? Just want to make sure because I heard it’s only good till 2004 before the refresh.

[@ModMINI]

The transmissions are identical other than a gear ratio change for some of the gears.

[@mikeh.8155]

same for an S (R56)?

[@mablenay]

Hi, will it be best to do a 2x drain/fill (spaced 1000 miles apart) to get all the old fluid out. Just bought a 2009 R56 N12 with 110K and don't know that trans fluid was ever changed

[@ModMINI]

This is a manual transmission. Unlike an automatic, when you remove the drain plug, all the oil comes out.

[@robertstem9076]

After viewing this I'm wondering where the price comes from at a garage..be doing myself. Proud owner of 09 r56 and just turned 60,000..

[@DARKALLEYSPFX]

I have a 2010 s model you posted a link for the redline 75w80 another site suggested Redline 75W90 GL4 gear oil. Does it matter which one I use?

[@ModMINI]

It's Redline MTL that I recommended.

[@tomloweshow]

How well does this fluid store if I have excess after filling?

[@ModMINI]

All oils last basically forever if kept from moisture.

[@kawishk6525]

Hi My mini cooper s 2004 is making crunch sounds while shifting gear from 1 to 2 Can i please give ur reviews on that Thanks

[@ModMINI]

Might be a worn synchromesh on the selector between 1 and 2. Fixing would require a transmission rebuild or replacement transmission.

[@louisdemers4690]

Getreg 6 speed 06 s; Rather noisy helicopter noise when in Neutral it goes away when I press clutch pedal down in any other gears than neutral. Also this problem gets quieter when engine is hot. Normal operation? Could changing fluid help? Will I need to change input shaft bearing and rebuild transmission?

[@ModMINI]

If an R53 is probably either gear chatter or noisy flywheel. Change to Redline MTL amzn.to/2YfZelb and friction modifier amzn.to/2Yh4tB9 to gear oil or Replace with Valeo clutch/flywheel kit amzn.to/2Jl6ub0 and should go away.

[@louisdemers4690]

Mod MINI your the man! Love your videos! Appreciate the input! No pun intended.

[@HARDBODY1988]

What kind of oil should I get for my Mini Cooper s2006 ?

[@ModMINI]

The kind I suggest in this video.

[@faro691]

Hi modmini, transmisión Mini Cooper S 2005????? Compatible Redline.

[@ModMINI]

amzn.to/2R1GllO

[@susangarner5302]

How do you add transmission fluid in a 2004 mini cooper

[@susangarner5302]

That is a automatic transmission

[@ModMINI]

That would be topic for another video. Process is pretty in depth. Google "09G transmission drain and fill" for some details

[@awiiiiina]

@@ModMINI I would be very interested to see that video (:

[@jedimonkeystud8726]

Will any SA75W-80 work?

[@ModMINI]

Possibly, but I recommend synthetic Redline MTL.

[@heatherhuffman3655]

2004 mini copper no s is what fluid

[@dragger168]

Thanks for the reply Kurt. I’m glad to hear there are no crush washers needed. Do you have any experience installing HID headlights on a halogen equipped R53? Is it plug and play? My car and donor car are both facelift versions. Thank you.

[@ModMINI]

While not related to changing gear oil, this is not plug and play. Xenon headlights have different electronics including leveling sensors.

[@dragger168]

Thanks for the vide Kurt! I’m new to Mini’s. Just bought a one owner, 76k mi R53 and I love it to death. Quick question about MTF fluid changes. You didn’t mention about changing the crush washers for the drain and fill bolts. Do you have the part numbers for the crush washers? Also, if you had a choice between the Redline MTF and the OEM MTF94, which would you prefer to use? Thank you for everything you do. Subscribed!

[@ModMINI]

There are no crush washers are there? I've never had to replace one. The steel bolt just pushes up against the aluminum housing. Redline seems to shift a little smoother.

[@CountingThree]

Ah, I really need to change the transmission fluid on my used 05 MINI I just bought last week. It looks exactly like the one in the video! But it is automatic :(

[@T.Lspitz]

Automatics require a proper flush. Manuals are much simpler and can easily just be drained and refilled. If you did this you would still have old oil remaining in your lines and torque converter

[@Brij873]

I added the BMW mini extended 75W90 (got from the dealer) after I changed from the original one. Is redline MTF94 better than BMW's. The reason I ask is the gear shift is not smooth but the fluid might have never changed as BMW says it is lifetime fluid. Mine is 2010 base 6-speed manual with 133K, I believe is the N12 engine. Please let me know. I feel I did wrong by 100 bucks on this BMW oil rather than 37 on redline. I like all your videos. thanks

[@ModMINI]

Redline MTL. It seems to shift smoother than the dealer MTF94.

[@Brij873]

@@ModMINI I don't want to change it again but the life of BMW's transmission fluid is better? or redline lasts just as long?

[@ModMINI]

@@Brij873 Same

[@perfectshift6677]

when you come to Mexico? I need your help, can a supercharger be repaired? I have a r53 2006, greetings!

[@ModMINI]

It is better to just buy a good used one. They usually last forever as long as they don't run out of oil.

[@Nodrahx]

Now I know why servicing this pos cars is so damn expensive.

[@izzzzzz6]

hammer on a ratchet? lol