MINI Mini, R50, R53 (USA)

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

MINI Mini, R50, R53 (USA) manual transmission fluid capacity ranges from 1,7 to 2 liters. The data covers 8 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works GP (160 kW), R53 (2005-2006)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: GS6-85 BG/DG Getrag 6/1
  • MINI Cooper S John Cooper Works GP (160 kW), R53 (2005-2006)
  • With limited slip differential
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: Getrag GS6-85 BG/DG 6/1
MINI Cooper (85 kW) (2004-2006)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: Getrag GS5-52 BG 5/1
MINI Cooper S (125 kW) (2004-2006)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: GS6-85 BG/DG Getrag 6/1
  • MINI Cooper S (125 kW) (2004-2006)
  • With limited slip differential
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: Getrag GS6-85 BG/DG 6/1
MINI Cooper (85 kW) (2001-2004)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 2 liter
  • Code: GS5-65BH/SH (R65) Midland 5/1
MINI Cooper S (120 kW) (2001-2004)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: GS6-85 BG/DG Getrag 6/1
  • MINI Cooper S (120 kW) (2001-2004)
  • With limited slip differential
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,7 liter
  • Code: Getrag GS6-85 BG/DG 6/1

Additional Notes

  • The MINI Cooper (85 kW) built from 2001-2004 carries a manual transaxle fluid capacity of 2 liters, which is notably higher than every other configuration listed across the entire R50/R53 range for the same system.
  • From 2004 onward, the MINI Cooper (85 kW) transaxle capacity drops to 1.7 liters, aligning with the figure shared by all Cooper S variants across the full 2001-2006 span.
  • The 1.7-liter capacity applies uniformly to the MINI Cooper S (120 kW) transaxle in 2001-2004, regardless of whether a limited slip differential is fitted, meaning the LSD does not alter the total fluid fill requirement for that configuration.
  • The same 1.7-liter figure carries forward to the Cooper S (125 kW) in 2004-2006, again with no capacity difference between the standard transaxle and the limited slip differential variant.
  • The John Cooper Works GP (160 kW) R53, covering 2005-2006, also holds 1.7 liters in both the standard and limited slip differential transaxle configurations, consistent with all other Cooper S entries in the dataset.
  • All eight rows across the R50/R53 range are designated for normal use conditions, meaning none of the listed capacities or service parameters are tied to a severe-use or first-change-only scenario.
  • The transaxle designation used throughout indicates a combined gearbox and differential housing, which is why a single fluid capacity figure covers both the gear set and, where applicable, the limited slip differential unit within the same assembly.

Other Systems