Transmission Fluid and Rear Differental Fluid capacities

[echo46]

All:
I will changing the transmission fluid and rear diff fluid along with a number of other preventive maintenance jobs next weekend. Anyway, I will be using Redline D4 ATF as per Redline instructions for the tranny fluid and 75w90 Redline gear oil for the rear diff. Two questions:

1. I'm a bit confused on which tranny my 04 6 speed zhp has--looking at Bentley, they list 4 tranny types: the Getrag, ZF, S6S420G and the GS6-37BZ. I'm trying to figure out fluid capacity and each has different amount listed. It is my understanding that I have the Getrag but is it the GS6-37BZ tranny found in the m3? Prob will get two litres no matter what it is.

2. Rear Diff oil capacity?

[kayger12]

I believe we have the non-m Getrag. Someone will jump in and confirm.

As for capacity, iirc my diff took a little over a liter and my trans took nearly two.




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[variate]

I just did mine. Differential took about 1.1 liter and transmission took around 1.7 liter. So, two each is good enough. One other thing is that my transmission drain and fill plug needed 8 mm hex instead of 17 mm bolt that everyone was showing.

[aurelius]

The manual-trans ZHP has the GS6-37BZ. Plug the last 7 of your VIN here (http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi) to see fluid capacities.

I recall using Redline ATF in my E36 M3 (manual trans) but it was a long time ago and I don't remember the argument for doing so. If you have a manual, why not use Redline MTL?

[danewilson77]

2 its tranny. Or until it starts coming out fill plug.

1 qt diff.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[static667]

My five speed took just over a liter. Different gear box, though. I filled until it started overflowing then capped it as quickly as I could.

[echo46]

Thanks all. I bought 2 liters of the redline d4 atf and 2 liters of the rear diff oil. Also bought thermostat with housing, hoses (already have the water pump and BMW antifreeze) fuel filter, ate blue racing brake fluid from autohauz. It's a start, right? Oh yea, I am doing the icv clean first.

[aurelius]

If you have a manual, why not use Redline MTL?

^^^

Curious as to why ATF and not MTL...

[kayger12]

^^^

Curious as to why ATF and not MTL...

Fwiw-

From what I've read, the ATF makes the shifting and feel less notchy.

That being said, I've also read that the MTL is the better lubricant.

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[echo46]

Emailed redline and they recommended the D4ATF.

[llll1l1ll]

Or until it starts coming out fill plug.

Yep. That's a pretty decent unit of measurement unless you wanna be super precise.

How difficult is this job, anyway?

[billschusteriv]

Changing out both the trans and diff fluid is pretty easy. Just make sure you break loose the fill plug before you open the drain. :shift

The fluids have a strong smell to them... and will stain clothing. Wear something old...

Also make sure the car is supported appropriately on jack stands or ramps. The car should be level when filling.

[llll1l1ll]

Hahaha yeah gearbox fluid smells like rotting garlic.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Oh, yeah. Diff oil stinks. No good.

[HokieZHP]

Is the redline transmission fluid something that can be purchased locally? I've searched online at advance and autozone and had no luck.

[echo46]

Up here on Long Island the only place I could find that carried it is S&K.

[aurelius]

Bavauto sells Redline and oils qualify for free shpg if your order total is at least $150. Get yourself some 0W-40 Lubro Moly motor oil while you're at it. Ends up ~ same price as wal mart's Mobil 1. Buy a 5L btl + two 2L btls.

They also sell a pretty nice fluid xfer pump, some form of which you'll need for trans & diff oils. See part number FP500.

[danewilson77]

Emailed redline and they recommended the D4ATF.

Good enough for me.

[danewilson77]

The manual-trans ZHP has the GS6-37BZ. Plug the last 7 of your VIN here (http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi) to see fluid capacities.

I recall using Redline ATF in my E36 M3 (manual trans) but it was a long time ago and I don't remember the argument for doing so. If you have a manual, why not use Redline MTL?

Bumping the link above.

[LivesNearCostco]

The Redline web site recommended D4 ATF for my car but I bought the Redline MTL anyway (from BavAuto). I read somewhere the D4 ATF is better for cold climates. Currently running Royal Purple Synchromax, which felt really good when new but seems to feel a little notchy after 12,000 miles. Will try MTL sometime in next few months.

[danewilson77]

The Redline web site recommended D4 ATF for my car but I bought the Redline MTL anyway (from BavAuto). I read somewhere the D4 ATF is better for cold climates. Currently running Royal Purple Synchromax, which felt really good when new but seems to feel a little notchy after 12,000 miles. Will try MTL sometime in next few months.

Yeah...I just got the MTL as well. That's what I am currently running....and I am happy with it. I have used (and been happy with) RP synchromax as well.

[imola red zhp]

There is a link regarding and a diy for this. In this forum

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[zhp43867]

Yeah...I just got the MTL as well. That's what I am currently running....and I am happy with it. I have used (and been happy with) RP synchromax as well.

Redline has said that MTL and MTL-90 are fine, but that they recommend D4 ATF because (as was said earlier), cold shifting is easier with D4 ATF. Another option is Pentosin MTF2 from Turner, which some say shifts more smoothly than Redline and lasts longer. I'm torn between D4 ATF from Redline and MTF2, but will probably end up with the Pentosin.

Also, my sister's 325ci (manual) transmission "blew up" (lost 1st and reverse) just a little while after RP synchromax was added. There is no proof that using the RP caused it, however gearbox problems seem to occur more often with RP than with other fluids, so I'd stay away.

[LivesNearCostco]

You can also get the Pentosin MTF2 from AutoHausAZ.

[danewilson77]

You can also get the Pentosin MTF2 from AutoHausAZ.

....who consequently enough.....is a forum affiliate advertiser (http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-4193730-10701773)!

[kayger12]

Also, my sister's 325ci (manual) transmission "blew up" (lost 1st and reverse) just a little while after RP synchromax was added. There is no proof that using the RP caused it, however gearbox problems seem to occur more often with RP than with other fluids, so I'd stay away.

Interesting. Any links to failure cases? I'm about 15k miles into a run with RP in the trans. Still shifts like butter, hot or cold-- but if there's some evidence out there that RP is more prone to failure/damage I'd be quick to switch it out.

[danewilson77]

Redline has said that MTL and MTL-90 are fine, but that they recommend D4 ATF because (as was said earlier), cold shifting is easier with D4 ATF. Another option is Pentosin MTF2 from Turner, which some say shifts more smoothly than Redline and lasts longer. I'm torn between D4 ATF from Redline and MTF2, but will probably end up with the Pentosin.

Also, my sister's 325ci (manual) transmission "blew up" (lost 1st and reverse) just a little while after RP synchromax was added. There is no proof that using the RP caused it, however gearbox problems seem to occur more often with RP than with other fluids, so I'd stay away.

This is the Pentosin MTF2 correct? 75W-80?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Pentosin/ES1893847/

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/64839_x600.jpg

[Newjack]

This is the Pentosin MTF2 correct? 75W-80?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Pentosin/ES1893847/

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/64839_x600.jpg

Yessir.

[danewilson77]

Yessir.

Copy. I'm going to change my order from MTF to this...if it's not too late. AutohausAZ pisses me off. I need some BMW clips as well that they don't carry.

I guess they don't carry a lot of the BMW parts.

[zhp43867]

Interesting. Any links to failure cases? I'm about 15k miles into a run with RP in the trans. Still shifts like butter, hot or cold-- but if there's some evidence out there that RP is more prone to failure/damage I'd be quick to switch it out.

It seems most of the evidence is differential related, but there are some complaints about the transmission fluid too.

A major argument/debate thread:

http://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=309026&highlight=royal+purple

Amsoil analyzed a bunch of competing fluids, unfortuantely the link on amsoilds site is down, but here's the surrounding discussion:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=327800

A bunch of E36 M3 owners differential's failed and they were all running RP:

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=320821

A quote from M3F


i know when i ordered my new diff from Dan at diffsonline he mentioned that one of the most common characteristics of broken diffs he gets is RP. he strongly advised against using RP and i (along with many others) would consider him a pretty knowledgeable guy.

Non BMW, transmission related:

http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=222036 (http://www.rx8club.com/showthread.php?t=222036)

http://g35driver.com/forums/reviews/113443-mt-gear-oil-royal-purple-not-so-good.html

Now not all of that is specific to BMW or transmissions, however I would still stay away from the transmission fluid given my own experience and that of other owners with other makes of cars.

[danewilson77]

Interesting. Thanks for putting that together.

[kayger12]

I'll dig through all of that.

Thanks for posting it up.

Looks like I might have a date with the underside of my car next weekend.

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[quikryptonite]

Sorry for the noob questions... I'm getting the spring cleaning bug and want to change my transmission and diff fluid. I think I can do it myself with the new jack I bought last fall and the fluid transfer tool from BavAuto. Is this the stuff I want:

Transmission and Diff Fluid Kit - Link (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3547-e46-m3-red-line-transmission-differential-oils.aspx)
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/fluids/e46_m3_d4_75-140_lg.jpg

[imola red zhp]

Sorry for the noob questions... I'm getting the spring cleaning bug and want to change my transmission and diff fluid. I think I can do it myself with the new jack I bought last fall and the fluid transfer tool from BavAuto. Is this the stuff I want:

Transmission and Diff Fluid Kit - Link (http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-3547-e46-m3-red-line-transmission-differential-oils.aspx)
http://www.turnermotorsport.com/image/fluids/e46_m3_d4_75-140_lg.jpg

Looks good check your diff oil should be 75w 90

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[danewilson77]

Yup.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

Red Line MTL and Red Line 75w90 purchased from Amazon via affiliate link. Prime, FTW.

I have no complaints about RP, but after reading all of the available info, it's not worth the risk for me. Plus Mike Miller recommends the Red Line fluids.

Thanks to Derek for the info.

I'll let everyone know how the RP looks when it comes out, and will send off to Blackstone for analysis so we'll at least get some solid data.

[quikryptonite]

Sweet! Thanks guys. I'll let you know how it goes.

[aurelius]

It's been discussed in another thread but it's worth mentioning there are 2 different transmission oils for the manual transmissions in these cars (in addition to ATF). Which one you use depends upon whether there's a green sticker on your trans housing. More here:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Drivetrain/Transmission/Fluid/

[cparker]

Whats the green label mean??

[danewilson77]

In addition, I believe someone remarked, "the Pentosin MTF2 most closely matches the OEM fluid"

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

I thought all the ZHPs had Getrags and all were MTF-2?

Do I have that wrong?

...I also thought Pentosin was the OEM fluid.

[danewilson77]

I thought all the ZHPs had Getrags and all were MTF-2?

Do I have that wrong?

...I also thought Pentosin was the OEM fluid.

The ecs site freaks people out because it list, "labeled and unlabeled" fluids. I don't know where they got their info.

I'm sticking with RL or Pentosin.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

[kayger12]

The ecs site freaks people out because it list, "labeled and unlabeled" fluids. I don't know where they got their info.

I'm sticking with RL or Pentosin.

HTC Thunderbolt+TT

Roger. I concur.

[aurelius]

Whats the green label mean??

I don't know. Mine doesn't have the green sticker but if anyone out there has a photo of it (or can shoot one), please post.

[wertyu78]

BUMP

[aurelius]

BUMP

Bump for what? Fluid capacities? Green label info?

If you're in search of fluid capacities, see Post #4 on page 1 of this thread.

[ELCID86]

bump :-0