Author Topic: Tranny lube (Read 4217 times)

mdl76 · « **on:** October 19, 2007, 12:23:59 AM »

I just bought this car and Im not sure how long or how dirty the oil in the tranny of my car has been in there being the fuel filter I replaced on the car was the original dated 6/19/91 (so how knows how long its been since a tranny change).

So I just want to put a lube in and it will be replaced in about 100 miles or so. I hate to buy more oil so I fond these sitting in my garage. I think they would be fine to the tranny. I know they are not gl-5 so Im good there. But I could not find if they where gl-4 or not.

If they're good enough for the motorcycle tranny, think they'll work in the 318 tranny? Im not racing or anything. I drive more like granny.

same oils, diff package.

asubimmer · « **Reply #1 on:** October 19, 2007, 01:44:32 AM »

redline mt-90 or bust!!!!!

ps I am drunk but you should use redline or just not drive the car

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2007, 06:09:43 AM »

Most trannys for the 318 use automatic tranny fluid. I have had 4 of them, and all used ATF. There is a sticker on the side of the tranny that indicates what type of fluid is needed. Red means ATF. Check it out.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2007, 07:52:57 AM »

I stole this or maybe it's a re-steal ...........:rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
Hope this helps;)

Stolen from BMWE30Network:

The best lubricants (& change intervals) for BMW manual gearboxes and differentials

[ Alan Rich :: 01 Jan 2000 ]

It's common knowledge that BMW's have special needs for the oil used in the manual gearboxes. Most of us know that you can't just go down to the local autoparts store and buy gear-oil off the shelf that's compatible with your BMW. There are a few gear-oils that are OK for your BMW, but to simplify this issue as, let's go directly to the best solution:

Since you should be using a premium synthetic gear-oil, Redline makes one that is appropriate for your BMW. Virtually all of us who race BMW's use Redline gear-oil in our gearboxes and differentials. Why? A premium synthetic gear-oil will make the parts inside your gearbox and differential last longer. Reduced "hydraulic drag" will allow more of your engine's horsepower to get from your engine to the rear wheels. Synthetic gear-oils themselves last much longer than conventional oils, so you can reduce maintenance.

BUT WAIT... it's not that simple. Which type to use? In the gearbox (manual transmission), some BMW's made between 1986 and 1992 had "labeled" gearboxes with a red or green label on the passenger side of the bellhousing. These had 17mm EXTERNAL wrenching oil plugs. If the label is green, use Redline MT90. If the label is red, use Redline D4 ATF. If there was no label, the gearbox will have 17mm INTERNAL wrench oil plugs, and should use Redline MTL GL-4 70W-80.

Virtually all BMW manual gearboxes used before 1986 should use the same Redline MTL GL-4 70W-80 as you would use in the no-label / internal plug 1986-1992 gearboxes.
For BMW's 1993 and newer, Redline recommends D4 ATF for all gearboxes, manual OR automatic.

It's much simpler for your differential. ALL BMW differentials use Redline 75W-90 Gearoil. This is ideal for open or factory limited-slip units, as well as the torque-sensing type if you are lucky enough to have one of those.

How often to change it?

In racing, back in the days when people used non-synthetic gear-oils, the useful life of gear-oil in the gearbox and differential under summer racing conditions was just a few hundred miles, or just a few hours. Synthetics now can go an entire racing season, so racer's just make changing them part of the off-season winter maintenance, just once a year.

For your street car, you could probably get away with never changing a synthetic, although I certainly would recommend doing it at least every two or three years for the best longevity of the gearbox and differential.

Alan Rich

mdl76 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 19, 2007, 07:59:58 AM »

Yes I will use red line, But I have to order it and I need to drive the car now. Plus I have like no cash right now, I spent it all on the front end.

I dont want to drive it without changing the oil cause im unsure of it condition.

All I want to know is if its ok to use this gear oil instead for a few weeks without hurting the tranny.

Thanks for your replies.

mdl76 · « **Reply #5 on:** October 19, 2007, 08:04:17 AM »

Or can I just use some ATF? I have 4 quarts of the crap on my shelf taking up space.

This will only be used for a few weeks. And since I want to change to lube again after oonly a couple hundred miles to do a flush, I dont need anything fancy.

asubimmer · « **Reply #6 on:** October 19, 2007, 08:44:56 AM »

I am running the mt90 not the ATF!

I have been told to do so by serveral very reputable bmw tuners. SO they know about the ATF sticker

My car had done great w/ the mt90 for the years I've owned it.

And to be honest I really wouldn't go throwin in some weird oils because its gonna be a lot more to replace a tranny than to just buy the right oil if something goes wrong.

Wise Old Dog · « **Reply #7 on:** October 19, 2007, 09:49:13 AM »

ATF for a few weeks should be fine as that's what it calls for. I use royal purple Synchromax. Made for manual trannys that specify ATF. About $10 a qt. Usually available locally. My tranny shifts fine hot or cold. no complaints.

mdl76 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 19, 2007, 10:24:48 AM »

I just check the diff and tranny. Both where full and the oil looked new. Now im not sure what kind they used but im leaving it for now.

I will get the redline when I pay my bills first

I guess i need to get under there and see if I have a green or red or no sticker.
It is a 17mm plug though.

EN318isPDX · « **Reply #9 on:** October 19, 2007, 12:55:19 PM »

ive seen 3 trannies for M42's all said ATF ONLY. there was a sticker and also looked like it was engraved into the side of the tranny.. I used Redline DL4 and couldnt be much happier

Crunk3 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:43:13 PM »

I just changed my tranny fluid, I put in Elf 75W-80 oil. My car had the Internal 17 MM plug
http://www.lubadmin.com/upload/produit/FichePDF/lang_1/1076.pdf Is this oil good?