Changing Transmission Fluid - 540i/6spd

[525iT_Feen]

So after changing a few of the shifter bushings, and some other misc stuff I decided it may be time to swap my fluid out as well. I was going to use Royal Purple but I found a part number on the bottom of my oil pan that asked for something specific.

Should I go to the stealer and order whatever the car says it requires or is it ok to just use Royal Purple?

[awise1961]

As many others before me, this past Summer I changed my M5 over to Royal Purple Synchromax. It took just about two quart bottles and all is well.
Do I notice a difference, I couldn't honestly tell, but it is shifting very smooth this Winter.

Al. Wise

[ScarletFire]

RP in my 2002 530i/5 speed.

in my differential too. everything is smoooooth now.

[CABimmer]

I put RP in the 540 in Aug. Im replacing my transmission today. Rear output bearing failed 96k miles. dont think it had anything to do with the RP, but Im putting in the factory stuff.

[chiefwej]

I like many others, have been using the RP Synchromax in the trans for years now, with excellent results. It is lower viscosity and higher shear strength than the OEM stuff.
Translation: The car shifts easier, and the synchros and bearings in there, are well lubed and protected. Two quarts at $10 each will make your car shift better, particularly in cold weather.

[thrilos5]

redline MT-90,
trust me on this Olek

[chiefwej]

MT-90 has much higher viscosity. It makes it quite a bit harder to shift than the RP. I love that "snick-snick" of a SSK & RP.

[thrilos5]

my tranny shifts like butter with the MT-90
you still have to "synchronize" your shifts when the tranny fluid is cold, doesn't matter what you have in the tranny

[1NAWTY5]

you still have to "synchronize" your shifts when the tranny fluid is cold, doesn't matter what you have in the tranny


This is correct

[525iT_Feen]

I pussied out and bought the dealer stuff. I will install it tomorrow and post my results. Harry, I looked for MT-90 like you and Wayne told me to but couldn't find it in any of my local stores.

Plus, the dealer stuff is $32 a quart and my buddy that works there gave me 3 liters for $50 so I couldn't really pass that up. :dunno

[thrilos5]

thats good man, can't go wrong with OEM stuff

[chiefwej]

I pussied out and bought the dealer stuff. I will install it tomorrow and post my results. Harry, I looked for MT-90 like you and Wayne told me to but couldn't find it in any of my local stores.

Plus, the dealer stuff is $32 a quart and my buddy that works there gave me 3 liters for $50 so I couldn't really pass that up. :dunno

Why buy 3 liters? The trans only holds 1.9 liters.

[525iT_Feen]

Why buy 3 liters? The trans only holds 1.9 liters.

He gave me an extra liter for free. I can resell it and make half my $ back. I thought the trans only held about 2 quarts.