Transmission Fluid Change?

[mcleodbz]

Just got an 04 Mini Cooper CVT this week. Its got 54000 miles on the clock, and in great condition.

Have read a lot of horror stories about the CVT gearbox, which worries me a little, although it certainly seems to drive fine.

There is evidence of a transmission fluid change between 20 and 30K miles. Is it worth doing again?

Have been quoted £155 by a gearbox specialist to get this done? Is this reasonable, or is it better to go to the main dealer. I think it should be done as part of the Inspection 2 service.

[OzKluger]

My handbook shows "Change CVT Fluid" at Inspection 1 and Inspection 2 services (2002 Cooper CVT). I have the car serviced by a local mechanic. At the last service - around 80,000km - we used Penrite CVT Fluid "V" (full synthetic) as the replacement fluid. AUS$88.64 for 4 litres. The CVT gearbox and final drive require about 3.5 litres of fluid. When you decide to get the CVT fluid replaced, ask your mechanic to check if there are any metal filings on the magnetic drain plug. Ideal state is no metal filings and old fluid clear / not burnt colour. Your gearbox specialist price sounds about right. Also consider the age of the battery. If it's more than four years old consider replacing it, as the CVT and associated electronics need perfect electrical power to deliver good operational smoothness / performance.