Changing Manual Trans. Fluid

[Jetman46]

My manual says to use Dexron II. Can I use Mobil 1 Synthetic? The info. on the bottle does not say anything about being compatiable with Dexron II.

[ATF]

Not sure of your answer, but I do know that you're suppose to be using ATF not MTF

[CirrusSR22]

The Mobil 1 should be fine. According the the website it meets Dexron III, so that'll cover it. http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...hetic_ATF.aspx

[Mallard]

heres a little link from castrol

http://olyslager-lubricants.nl/nordi...ret/Select.asp

[Jetman46]

Thanks for the help Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF it is.

[twoheeldrive]

Don't use any synthetic ATF in a manual transmission. Synthetic ATF is too slippery for the syncro's and may cause gear clash (crunching) when shifting.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by twoheeldrive

Don't use any synthetic ATF in a manual transmission. Synthetic ATF is too slippery for the syncro's and may cause gear clash (crunching) when shifting.

I don't know where you get your information.

You can use either MTL or ATF.
I've used Red Line D4 ATF for years.
Now I use BG SyncroShift II.
Both synthetic. After +237,000 miles, I have no complaints.

[twoheeldrive]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

I don't know where you get your information.

You can use either MTL or ATF.
I've used Red Line D4 ATF for years.
Now I use BG SyncroShift II.
Both synthetic. After +237,000 miles, I have no complaints.

Sorry, but you are incorrect about the MTL, it is for transmissions that specify GL4 Gear oil, it is not for a transmission that is designed for ATF. The syncro's will not be happy with MTL and at worst may wear quickly or not completely "sync" and at best will not "feel" right.

If Synthetic ATF works for you then use it. When I used it, my 3 to 4 syncro crunched. Regular old ATF worked well with no crunch and was a lot less expensive.

You can experiment all you want with oils, it's fun and interesting. I understand that since I've been experimenting with oils and everything else automotive for about 30 years. And after all that experimenting, I've found that sticking to the factory recommendation is usually the best route.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by twoheeldrive

I've found that sticking to the factory recommendation is usually the best route.

Factory says you can use ATF or MTL. I don't recall what they say about synthetic. You may have 30 years. I have +237,000 miles. I'm willing to bet there are more enthusiasts running Red Line, Royal Purple or Mobil 1 than a non-synthetic lubricant.

Where are you getting GL4 from?

[CirrusSR22]

The "old" spec on the Getrag 250 was to use Dexron II/III ATF. The "new" spec (late E36, E46) is to use the BMW "MTF-LT-1" or "MTF-LT-2". So I guess an ATF or MTF is ok, depending on the oil. I wonder what the BMW "MTF-LT-2" stuff actually is? I've searched all over the internet and no one seems to know.

The "MTF-LT-2" is super expensive from the BMW dealer. Something like $120 for a 5 liter container.

[twoheeldrive]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Factory says you can use ATF or MTL. I don't recall what they say about synthetic. You may have 30 years. I have +237,000 miles. I'm willing to bet there are more enthusiasts running Red Line, Royal Purple or Mobil 1 than a non-synthetic lubricant.

Where are you getting GL4 from?

Well, I'm from Missouri, so you will have to show me where the factory recommends anthing other than ATF. My 1995 318ti owner’s manual, on page 120, says:

“Manual Transmission: 1.2 quarts. Use only brand name automatic transmission fluids of Dexron II."

There is no mention of any other fluid. Like I said, if you want to experiment and it works for you, then great. Synthetic ATF didn't work for me and Redline MTL didn't work for me; so I don’t feel comfortable recommending something that is not called for by BMW and that I have had negative experiences with. I can't see any reason not to go with the factory recommendation of (non-synthetic) Dexron II/III.

Do you have some reason why the original poster should not use non-synthetic Dexron II/III ATF?

GL4 is a non-hypoid gear oil and is the factory spec for my 1988 535is equipped with a Getrag 260 /6 manual transmission. I’ve been using Redline MTL in it since it was just out of warranty. According to Redline, MTL is a direct replacement for GL4 gear oil as spec'd by BMW.

[twoheeldrive]

Originally Posted by CirrusSR22

The "old" spec on the Getrag 250 was to use Dexron II/III ATF. The "new" spec (late E36, E46) is to use the BMW "MTF-LT-1" or "MTF-LT-2". So I guess an ATF or MTF is ok, depending on the oil. I wonder what the BMW "MTF-LT-2" stuff actually is? I've searched all over the internet and no one seems to know.

The "MTF-LT-2" is super expensive from the BMW dealer. Something like $120 for a 5 liter container.

Woa there, hold on a minute.

Why did the spec'd oil change? Is the "new" Getrag 250 exactly the same as the 'old" one? Is the new MTF oil just better? Is MTF-LT-1 or 2 just expensive ATF? Is it a direct replacement for ATF? Do you really want to second guess BMW engineers? Are you sure that the new MTF is backwardly compatible with ATF? Do you really want to experiment with an expensive bit of equipment when there is no reason to? Is ATF that hard to find?

To sum it up... it is dangerous to assume.

[CirrusSR22]

I'm not suggesting the MTF is backwards compatible. Just that the Getrag 250s found in the E36 and E46 built until 8/1997 had a sticker on them saying to use automatic transmission fluid. The cars with Getrag 250s built on and after 9/1997 have a sticker saying to use BMW "MTF-LT-1" and then later BMW "MTF-LT-2". Is it the exact same transmission? I have no clue.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by twoheeldrive

Do you have some reason why the original poster should not use non-synthetic Dexron II/III ATF?

No.
I'm just saying it's not the only choice.

Owners' manuals are not updated.