Sticker on trans- lifetime oil no oil change-huh????

[Flambow5]

Just picked up 99 M3 Convertible and was doing tans fluid and saw sticker on trans
MTF-LT-1
Lifetime oil, no oil change


looks like BMW sticker, what's up with that ????

[Braymond141]

It's there to meet import regulations. "Lifetime" fluid is considered to have less impact on the environment. Don't take it seriously. Change it with OEM fluid every 60k miles.

[deboM3]

Yah... I change mine regularly

[Flambow5]

OEM, Redline, Royal Purple, any one better than the rest?

[JitteryJoe]

OEM, Redline, Royal Purple, any one better than the rest?

Each one is better than the other depending on who you ask. Searching the forum will bring you a multitude of opinions but no answer. When in doubt, go OEM.

[LockDots]

Redline has a cool bottle so it has to be better.

[TostitoBandito]

Diffsonline who built my diff recommended red-line, so I use their 75W-140 and MTL for my diff and trans respectively. BMW fluids should be fine as well, though they tend to be pricey.

[tiMASTER]

Redline has a cool bottle so it has to be better.

True.

[ChuckDizzle]

Redline has a cool bottle so it has to be better.

I cannot argue with this assessment.

[M52 POWER!]

IMO Redline provides superior performance initially but it needs to be changed much more often. You can actually damage the trans if you run it too long. OEM unless you're a race car.

[CGumina]

IMO Redline provides superior performance initially but it needs to be changed much more often. You can actually damage the trans if you run it too long. OEM unless you're a race car.

Came here to say this.

I'm dumping the Redline fluid out of my trans soon, it's been in there for just shy of 10k miles and the car shifts like ass when it's cold now. Switching to either GM's Synchromesh or Royal Purple's synchromesh.

[LockDots]

Came here to say this.

I'm dumping the Redline fluid out of my trans soon, it's been in there for just shy of 10k miles and the car shifts like ass when it's cold now. Switching to either GM's Synchromesh or Royal Purple's synchromesh.

Are you sure it's not your detent pins?

[CGumina]

Are you sure it's not your detent pins?

I know the 5th gear detent pins need some love, but yeah, I'm fairly certain. My E46 had the same cold shifting symptoms that my M3 is showing, and said problems went away (or, at least, were vastly improved) when I dumped the Redline oil for better trans oil.

[TostitoBandito]

There's also different weights/flavors of Redline fluids. MTL, D4 ATF, etc... Both are widely used. Redline says MTL is better for the older (80's) transmissions and D4 ATF for the newer stuff, but lots of racers and track guys like the MTL for the slightly thicker viscosity and better feel. Your personal preference may vary. I've had no issues with their transmission or diff fluids degrading prematurely, though I probably change mine every 25K miles or so.