Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Drain & Refill Procedure
The ECVT gearbox contains three plugs, one is used for draining, one is used for fill/level and the other for fill only. On the MINI it is recommended that the oil fill takes place from the underside of the gearbox through the fill/level plug. There is another oil fill plug on the top of the gearbox that is used in other applications but is not suitable for MINI due to lack of access.
The ECVT oil change is carried out at every MINI Inspection I Service
With the vehicle on a hoist, remove the drain plug from the sump pan using an 8 mm Allen key. Caution is required when the gearbox oil is hot to prevent scalding. See Fig 1 .
While the oil is draining, to gain access to the fill/level plug remove the small undercar panel, loosen the 3 bolts on lower valance and unlock the 2 screws on the cross frame. See Fig 2 .
Remove the fill/level plug, (6 mm Allen key) this will drain off excess fluid retained in the level tube. Reinstall drain plug. See Fig 3 and Fig 4 .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.