New 02 S owner

[obgmugen]

Hello guys. I just got a used '02 MCS. I have always loved the Mini and driving this car is just AWESOME. I'm a DIY guy since my Honda days and I plan to be a DIY'er with my new ride. Here are some things I need to know:

1) Aside from the MINI-recommended synthetic oil, can I use ones I can buy from Autozone such as Mobil 1 Synthetic or Castrol Syntec?

2) I read somewhere that the recommended transmission fluid for my car is Texaco MTF94 Lifetime Fluid. I am having a hard time finding this online. Anybody know a place to get the Texaco MTF?

3) How often should I do a tranny flush/fluid replace?

Thanks!!!

[bad venge]

1) yes the Castrol is recomended (mine has a sticker recomending it)
2) mini dealer stocks it at not a bad price
3)forget interval