CVT Lubricant - Brand and product code?

You can be quite certain it is not ATF.

Is there a reference in the download document from ZF (above in the sticky documents)? I'm sure that I've seen something on this somewhere in our Forum. Did you do a search?

I know also that Shell Global Solutions engineered the special fluid for the ZF chain-driven CVT built in Batavia for Ford. This is a very different application (chain vs belt, tension vs compression, higher torque limit) compared to our VT1F.

Thank you for your reply re: ATF.

I have done a search, maybe my searching skills are not up to much but I could not find anything on MINI2 forums which answered my question. I would be happy if someone can correct me. I would be surprised if someone else has not been wondering about this question.

minifrog.

Capacity is 4.5 liters. The dealer tells me the type of fluid is 'Esso ATF EZL 799' (BMW part # 83 22 0 136 376). Bentley Manual calls it ESSO E2L 799 but I think the 2 is a missprint. Only available from MINI dealers in the US. I researched sources and checked with several MINI dealers. Could find no retailer that carried this formulation. The dealers get it in 20 liter drums only, if I remember right.

minitoo said:

Capacity is 4.5 liters. The dealer tells me the type of fluid is 'Esso ATF EZL 799' (BMW part # 83 22 0 136 376). Bentley Manual calls it ESSO E2L 799 but I think the 2 is a missprint. Only available from MINI dealers in the US. I researched sources and checked with several MINI dealers. Could find no retailer that carried this formulation. The dealers get it in 20 liter drums only, if I remember right.

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Thank you minitoo for the excellent and useful information. Much appreciated.

minifrog.

CVT oil

I was told by a BMW dealer that the new part # is 83 22 0 429 154. My local MINI dealer wants $ 35/liter. Have any cheaper and more easily available oil come on the scene? Thanks.

Never found or heard of an alternate source for the oil in the US; only available from a MINI dealer. I wouldn't experiment with other fluids as the consequences are too great since there is not much hope of repair only replacement for a CVT.

I bought my oil from the Porland, OR dealer about a year ago for a little over $20 a quart. Might ask another dealer.