Manual Trans Oil Change - Gear Oil or ATF?

SSR330Ci · 07-01-2005, 11:25 PM

My 2001 330Ci is getting notchy when shifting into 3rd, the synchro is probably getting worn. I'm planning to change the transmission oil to see if this helps.

The transmission sticker says use BMW MTF-LT1. Some Internet forum articles say to use gear oil (Royal Purple Synthetic), others say to use Redline D4 ATF. Which one is correct?

KP · 07-02-2005, 12:44 AM

both are fine to use. However, some people have detected leaks using the Redline, and premature degradation with the fluid (going sour after 15k-ish miles).
I've always used the LT-1, while it isn't cheap by any means.

SSR330Ci · 07-05-2005, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KP

both are fine to use. However, some people have detected leaks using the Redline, and premature degradation with the fluid (going sour after 15k-ish miles).
I've always used the LT-1, while it isn't cheap by any means.

I changed the oil on Sunday with Royal Purple Sychromax, the notchy shifting is gone. This is good stuff!

The previous owner swapped the factory oil with Redline about 15k miles ago, hmmm.

Thanks

davidwarren · 07-05-2005, 09:33 AM

I use the royal purple also, that smoothness only last a few weeks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSR330Ci

I changed the oil on Sunday with Royal Purple Sychromax, the notchy shifting is gone. This is good stuff!

The previous owner swapped the factory oil with Redline about 15k miles ago, hmmm.

Thanks

spewny · 07-05-2005, 12:33 PM

If the royal purple loses the smoothness that fast, then what should we use when replacing this fluid? I'm not looking to race my car at this point, just want it to stop notching from first to second so bad when cold and from second to third just about all the time. Would the MTF-LT2 be a better solution? Thanks.

Guy With A BMW · 07-05-2005, 01:07 PM

I Put AMZoil ATF in it. BMW needs Dexron III so get ATF that has it and Amzoil ATF has great results at low temps compare to others.

I had the cold problem and now it is gone with the AMZoil ATF, the notchy feeling is a bit better.

My car is also a 2001 325Ci and only has 46000km and you should of seen the grade and colour of the tranny and diff fluids....OMG...I would change them both every 50000Km or every 2 years...it is a must.

Oh, and I put RP Max Gear 75W90 in the diff and it made the biggest improvement in the feel of shift and gear transition.

hummer · 07-06-2005, 11:20 AM

I guess you believe what you want to believe. I've had D4 in mine for 30K. No leaks. Getting ready to change it again.

e46lvr · 07-06-2005, 11:23 AM

I was wondering about this myself and looked in the owners manual. It stated that this is lifetime fluid and does not need replacing??? Is this incorrect?

KP · 07-06-2005, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e46lvr

I was wondering about this myself and looked in the owners manual. It stated that this is lifetime fluid and does not need replacing??? Is this incorrect?

there is no such thing.

SSR330Ci · 07-06-2005, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spewny

If the royal purple loses the smoothness that fast, then what should we use when replacing this fluid? I'm not looking to race my car at this point, just want it to stop notching from first to second so bad when cold and from second to third just about all the time. Would the MTF-LT2 be a better solution? Thanks.

MTF-LT2 is probably the best solution but cost is an issue. I hear it is only available from BMW in 5 liter containers that cost $100. I'd rather replace the oil yearly with Royal Purple.

Mike931 · 07-06-2005, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSR330Ci

My 2001 330Ci is getting notchy when shifting into 3rd, the synchro is probably getting worn. I'm planning to change the transmission oil to see if this helps.

The transmission sticker says use BMW MTF-LT1. Some Internet forum articles say to use gear oil (Royal Purple Synthetic), others say to use Redline D4 ATF. Which one is correct?

Gear 75/90 or close..Royal Purple Preferred

I am a big RP fan from their early days. My 2001 330Ci was all notchy, especially when cold. I put in Royal Purple and the shifting has been perfect ever since...do the change ASAP...don't let BMW's stupid oil change intervals screw you...none in the case of the manual

Mike

Mike931 · 07-06-2005, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike931

Gear 75/90 or close..Royal Purple Preferred

I am a big RP fan from their early days. My 2001 330Ci was all notchy, especially when cold. I put in Royal Purple and the shifting has been perfect ever since...do the change ASAP...don't let BMW's stupid oil change intervals screw you...none in the case of the manual

Mike

I also have 10,000 miles on my Max Gear 75/90 and it is still perfect. I would only change it now for the fun of it...

SSR330Ci · 07-06-2005, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike931

I also have 10,000 miles on my Max Gear 75/90 and it is still perfect. I would only change it now for the fun of it...

My understanding is MTF-LT1/2 used in E46 manual transmissions is similar to ATF. RP Syncromax is the equivalent of ATF, Max Gear is gear oil (see http://www.synerlec.com/ and http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_rp_tranny_fluid.shtml).

davidwarren · 07-07-2005, 12:17 AM

It doesn't loose all the smoothness, it is still much better than the stock oil IMO, but the absolute silkiness you experience in the first few weeks wears off.

Quote:

Originally Posted by spewny

If the royal purple loses the smoothness that fast, then what should we use when replacing this fluid? I'm not looking to race my car at this point, just want it to stop notching from first to second so bad when cold and from second to third just about all the time. Would the MTF-LT2 be a better solution? Thanks.

M3WannaBEE · 07-07-2005, 01:01 AM

Were can I purchase Royal Purple and what kind should I get, also how hard is it to change my own tranny fluid?

thanxs

BMWintoxication · 07-07-2005, 04:37 AM

life time tranny fluid.. ha, the fulid might still be okay when BMW asks you to change the transmission. haha

SSR330Ci · 07-07-2005, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3WannaBEE

Were can I purchase Royal Purple and what kind should I get, also how hard is it to change my own tranny fluid?

thanxs

RP's web site can help you find a local dealer, see http://www.synerlec.com/dealers/dealers.html

The only place I've consistently found RP is at the NAPA auto parts warehouse, it has a retail parts counter. The local NAPA stores get their parts from this warehouse.

Changing the tranny oil is easy if you have the right tools, see http://m3.madrussian.net/diy_rp_tranny_fluid.shtml

elester12 · 08-30-2005, 10:12 PM

has anyone tried putting Mobil 1 syn Gear oil in their transmissions?

markusmark · 08-31-2005, 11:23 AM

Mike Miller, writer of the "Tech Talk" column in the BMWnsCCA mag "Roundel," has an article on this very subject in this month's issue. He recommends either Redline D4ATF OR Redline MTL (manual tranny lube).

I used MTL in my E30's tranny and had no problems. I currently am running Redline D4ATF in my '01 330Ci (currently undergoing major body repairs!!). The shifting is smoother than the OEM stuff and the smoothness lasts. I change it once a year, in the spring.

elester12 · 08-31-2005, 01:06 PM

You think the syncro's will be okay w/this fluid? I heard using ATF can affect the syncro's in the long term....

07-01-2005, 11:25 PM	#1
SSR330Ci Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: USA Posts: 23 My Ride: 330Ci SOLD View My Garage	Manual Trans Oil Change - Gear Oil or ATF? My 2001 330Ci is getting notchy when shifting into 3rd, the synchro is probably getting worn. I'm planning to change the transmission oil to see if this helps. The transmission sticker says use BMW MTF-LT1. Some Internet forum articles say to use gear oil (Royal Purple Synthetic), others say to use Redline D4 ATF. Which one is correct?

07-05-2005, 12:33 PM	#5
spewny Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 33 My Ride: '01 325Ci View My Garage	If the royal purple loses the smoothness that fast, then what should we use when replacing this fluid? I'm not looking to race my car at this point, just want it to stop notching from first to second so bad when cold and from second to third just about all the time. Would the MTF-LT2 be a better solution? Thanks. Last edited by spewny; 07-05-2005 at 12:44 PM.

07-07-2005, 04:37 AM	#16
BMWintoxication Taiwan/Vancouver/Shanghai Join Date: Dec 1969 Location: currently: Shanghai Posts: 2,399 My Ride: Jet Black02' 325ci View My Garage	life time tranny fluid.. ha, the fulid might still be okay when BMW asks you to change the transmission. haha __________________ Orz

08-30-2005, 10:12 PM	#18
elester12 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 195 My Ride: 04` 325i View My Garage	How about mobil 1 has anyone tried putting Mobil 1 syn Gear oil in their transmissions?

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07-02-2005, 12:44 AM	#2
KP t(-_-t)=33 Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: NC Posts: 1,517 My Ride: 01.5 325Ci/93 Miata View My Garage	both are fine to use. However, some people have detected leaks using the Redline, and premature degradation with the fluid (going sour after 15k-ish miles). I've always used the LT-1, while it isn't cheap by any means.

07-05-2005, 01:07 PM	#6
Guy With A BMW Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Location: Toronto Posts: 536 My Ride: 2001 AW 325Ci View My Garage	I Put AMZoil ATF in it. BMW needs Dexron III so get ATF that has it and Amzoil ATF has great results at low temps compare to others. I had the cold problem and now it is gone with the AMZoil ATF, the notchy feeling is a bit better. My car is also a 2001 325Ci and only has 46000km and you should of seen the grade and colour of the tranny and diff fluids....OMG...I would change them both every 50000Km or every 2 years...it is a must. Oh, and I put RP Max Gear 75W90 in the diff and it made the biggest improvement in the feel of shift and gear transition.

07-06-2005, 11:20 AM	#7
hummer Registered User Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Haverhill, MA Posts: 3,248 My Ride: 2001 330CI View My Garage	I guess you believe what you want to believe. I've had D4 in mine for 30K. No leaks. Getting ready to change it again.

07-06-2005, 11:23 AM	#8
e46lvr Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Folsom, CA (Sactown) Posts: 6 My Ride: Alpine White 3er View My Garage	I was wondering about this myself and looked in the owners manual. It stated that this is lifetime fluid and does not need replacing??? Is this incorrect?

07-07-2005, 01:01 AM	#15
M3WannaBEE Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: CALI Posts: 591 My Ride: 323ci SC'ed, M3 View My Garage	Were can I purchase Royal Purple and what kind should I get, also how hard is it to change my own tranny fluid? thanxs

08-31-2005, 11:23 AM	#19
markusmark Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Virginia Posts: 1,682 My Ride: 2001330Ci View My Garage	Mike Miller, writer of the "Tech Talk" column in the BMWnsCCA mag "Roundel," has an article on this very subject in this month's issue. He recommends either Redline D4ATF OR Redline MTL (manual tranny lube). I used MTL in my E30's tranny and had no problems. I currently am running Redline D4ATF in my '01 330Ci (currently undergoing major body repairs!!). The shifting is smoother than the OEM stuff and the smoothness lasts. I change it once a year, in the spring.

08-31-2005, 01:06 PM	#20
elester12 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fairfax, VA Posts: 195 My Ride: 04` 325i View My Garage	You think the syncro's will be okay w/this fluid? I heard using ATF can affect the syncro's in the long term....