Gear box oil - MINI2

Raiden · #1 (**permalink**) Jun 18th, 2009, 09:07 PM

How often should you renew the gearbox oil on a R53?

Lemond · #2 (**permalink**) Aug 22nd, 2009, 11:13 AM

every 30k

Mins21 · #3 (**permalink**) Sep 15th, 2009, 09:50 AM

which oil to use in the gearbox?

my car is a 2004 MCS...and am finding it quite difficult engage first gear sometimes - just wondered if a change of gearbox oil would help?

thanks

DaFlake · #4 (**permalink**) Sep 15th, 2009, 10:33 AM

You change the oil, but you probably need to clean and lube the linkage. I did this on mine (was having the same problem) and shifting is smooth again. Worst case scenario is that the throwout bearing is starting to go but my money is on mucked up linkage. They all sit below the airbox and any mechanic should be able to clean it up for you.

Mins21 · #5 (**permalink**) Sep 15th, 2009, 02:22 PM

Cheers DaFlake - would you mind elaborating please...are there any pictures etc that show this problem?

Richard Crofts · #6 (**permalink**) Sep 15th, 2009, 03:03 PM

manual says you dont do gearbox oil...its lifetime. but many folks do and see benefits. mine is done every 30-50k miles depending on the feel of things

DaFlake · #7 (**permalink**) Sep 15th, 2009, 03:42 PM

I don't have pictures, but the linkage is under the airbox and does get pretty dirty and gunked up. We sprayed it with degreaser and then lubed it back up. I also had my trans oil changed. Like Richard said, it is supposed to be lifetime but many change it anyway.

Just to let you know, I was also having first gear issues. They left with the cleaning of the linkage.