Author Topic: Says ATF but used Redline MTL...I'm an idiot (Read 3856 times)

Jorgeconrico · « **on:** May 14, 2009, 01:30:30 PM »

So i go to change my manual trans fluid with Redline MTL and come to figure out that my trans says ATF. Of course the sticker was covered in grime so when I'm wiping up the excess oil and tightening the bolts i came across it. This sucks. Can i get away with leaving it, or should i change it asap.:eek:

ClubSport · « **Reply #1 on:** May 14, 2009, 01:47:57 PM »

No big deal. A lot of BMW owners use it in their manual trannys. I tried it for a while but found that their D4 ATF shifted smoother at low temps.

Jorgeconrico · « **Reply #2 on:** May 14, 2009, 01:51:19 PM »

Thanks. It seems to shift fine, but i was just making sure.

tjts1 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 14, 2009, 01:56:00 PM »

I've had MTL in mine for 2 years now.

1991 E30 M42 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 14, 2009, 02:11:45 PM »

i use royal purple synchromax

E30technik · « **Reply #5 on:** May 20, 2009, 08:53:40 PM »

Can we use Redline 75w-90 in our manual trannys?

tjts1 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 20, 2009, 09:29:53 PM »

GL4 or GL5?

DesktopDave · « **Reply #7 on:** May 20, 2009, 10:02:19 PM »

I wouldn't worry about it either. I've been running synth gear oil in every car I buy regardless of manufacturer's specs.

I just finished switching the 318i to full synthetic, I'm trying Valvoline 75w90 gear oil in tranny & diff, Quaker State 5w30 in the engine. I'm not holding my breath for more power, but I am hoping to get a bit more economy. Next up is pulling the p/s and a/c. Then maybe a new electric fan?

I've never tried the Royal Purple or Red Line. Had a little sticker shock at Advance looking for the Purple. Any difference between them besides price?

JP 91iS · « **Reply #8 on:** May 21, 2009, 11:29:03 AM »

Everyone I've talked to said to use the Redline-MTL instead of the ATF. Basically the ATF is used when the driver is not a careful cold-temp shifter. Also just read a tech response in the back of a Roundel a couple months ago where they said they recommend Redline-MTL in a manual tranny no matter what.

Jorgeconrico · « **Reply #9 on:** May 22, 2009, 07:00:52 AM »

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Trans shifts fine, but i do see a difference during cold shifting. No worries.

ClubSport · « **Reply #10 on:** May 24, 2009, 08:58:49 AM »

Quote from: JP 91iS;72171

Everyone I've talked to said to use the Redline-MTL instead of the ATF. Basically the ATF is used when the driver is not a careful cold-temp shifter. Also just read a tech response in the back of a Roundel a couple months ago where they said they recommend Redline-MTL in a manual tranny no matter what.

That's funny. The OE spec fluid is for bad drivers only...

Wait till winter in PA Jorge.