I was reading the piece where it was mentioned that the CVT shifts more slowly as it warms. If temperature affects shifting performance, the fluid must not be performing well with heat. I would like to use a synthetic blend or replacement fluid, but I must first know what the original fluid is about-is it like ATF? Like engine oil? Brake fluid? Heavy gear oil? It seems only BMW knows what they've put into these cars and their not telling. These cars are prime candidates for performance modification, like the original Mini and the BMW 2002 (like one I had), so, I believe it would benefit the company to acknowledge this and encourage it, and if they think a mod should void the warranty, just say so. The better and faster these cars run out on the road, the better they look to potential buyers of them. If I am out-run by a Toyota, they won't be clambering to go buy a mini. I got off on a tangent- what's the fluid they put in the CVT... Anyone? -Jeffy.

Capacity is 4.5 liters and the type of fluid is 'Esso ATF EZL 799' (BMW part # 83 22 0 136 376) , Only available from a MINI dealer in the US. No idea about synthetics or alternatives and I wouldn't be the first to experiment. Haven't checked lately but I seem to remember MOSS listing a synthetic ATF in their MINI catalog. Maybe they know for sure.