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Thread: Manual Transmission/Rear Differential Fluid Swap

  1. #1
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    Manual Transmission/Rear Differential Fluid Swap

    After reading a recent Roundel or Bimmer article on "Lifetime fill" manual transmission (or differential) fluids, I was inspired to change out my fluids as soon as it warms up a little.

    I was under the impression that the M3 manual transmission has some kind of extremely expensive "lifetime fluid" according to dealer folklore. True?

    Basically, I'm trying to learn if Redline manual transmission fluid and rear differental fluid are OK, and which exact product I need for the job. Oh, and wht size tool is needed for the MT and the differential drain plugs.

    (I lost the article that described the tool or socket mod needed.)

    Thanks for your help.
    Johno
    -- 2003 e46 M3
    -- 2018 e90 M5
    -- Warm memories of 99 M3 w/ Eurosport Twin Screw, 2007 335i, 1970 Cutlass, 1989 328is, 1990 328i, 2012 S4, 2018 S4


  2. #2
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    There's nothing wrong with using Redline. I have it in my tranny and diff.

  3. #3
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    Quote Originally Posted by Johno
    Basically, I'm trying to learn if Redline manual transmission fluid and rear differental fluid are OK, and which exact product I need for the job. Oh, and wht size tool is needed for the MT and the differential drain plugs. Thanks for your help.
    Lifetime fluid is a crock in my book (unless 100k is "lifetime.") One thing to realize is that trans and diff fluid typically do not get as dirty as engine oil - so that's one reason they last longer.

    Anyway, the E36 repair manual suggests changing these fluids every other inspection II (IIRC) which is certainly not lifetime..

    The trans fill and drain plugs can be opened with standard metric socket set or wrenches (the size is between 14mm and 18 off the top of my head).

    The tricky one is the fill plug in the diff, it requires a alan socket that is very short so it can fit (diff is very close to the spare tire well).. I think it's a 14mm allen..
    But I aint one to gossip, so you aint heard it from me...



    M3 SEDAN CLUB #11
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  4. #4
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    The tranny bolts are 17mm. Remember to do the fill plug first just in case you can't get the drain bolt out. Those bolts can be a biatch to get out too.

  5. #5
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    Roger that...I had to use a cheater bar on the fill plug on my 95.
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  6. #6
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    www.unofficialbmw.com has a writeup for the diff fluid under the e36 section. Im doin both fluids right now and a search gave a good amount of helpful threads fyi

  7. #7
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    I just changed mine (~120k miles) Replaced what was in there (assuming original fluid) with redline and it shifts more smoothly now! Added bonus, I thought it would just help extend the life of the trans. Enjoy.

  8. #8
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    Thanks for the great input. Just out of curiosity, how much is the bill for Redline? The dealer says due to the high expense of the special lifetime fill lube they use in the trans, the cost is a couple hundred. This seems excessive.
    Johno
    -- 2003 e46 M3
    -- 2018 e90 M5
    -- Warm memories of 99 M3 w/ Eurosport Twin Screw, 2007 335i, 1970 Cutlass, 1989 328is, 1990 328i, 2012 S4, 2018 S4


  9. #9
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    That's crap.

    I think Redline is around $20 a bottle? Hundreds? What are they smoking?

    Ask them for a blinker fluid quote...f'ing dealers!!!

    BTW, Mobil 1 is also an acceptable substitute for Redline.
    05 Black Sapphire 330i ZHP
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  10. #10
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    I am using Royal Purple with great results, way better then M1, shifting is much better.

    The benefit of RP is you can buy it a NAPA.

    Just my $.02
    "Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming... -- WOW-- What a Ride!" [author unknown]

  11. #11
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    Almost identical thread from the 3-series forum, that's got some useful info (socket size/ pic):

    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...d.php?t=301192

    I bought the Redline 75W90 for the diff. @ $8.50/bottle from a local performance shop, and the Redline D4 ATF for the tranny @ $10/bottle from Bavauto.com. Nothing "Super Expensive" about it

  12. #12
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    OK, now I'm confused.

    In what sense is mobil 1 oil a replacement for redline differential or transmission fluid?

    How does ATF factor in?


    I have a manual transmission in an M3. I'm not clear on whether the M3 transmission/differential is different from other three series. Anybody have info on:

    Which MTF I need for the transmission and which differential fluid I need for the rear end?

    If Royal Purple is an option, I'd consider that along with redline.

    I checked the link and it was a writeup for an automatic transmission. Good info on a cheap pump, however. BTW, the dealer and an independent shop both said the transmission was expensive. Maybe they are both full of shit. Entirely possible these days.

    Thanks for all the help.
    Johno
    -- 2003 e46 M3
    -- 2018 e90 M5
    -- Warm memories of 99 M3 w/ Eurosport Twin Screw, 2007 335i, 1970 Cutlass, 1989 328is, 1990 328i, 2012 S4, 2018 S4


  13. #13
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    Mobil 1 (not oil, but ATF and Gear Lube) or any of the others are just the replacements for the factory stuff. I've used Redline/Amsoil/Mobil 1 with no issues. (Amsoil was only for the gear lube - differential)

    Tranny = ATF -or- MTF
    Diff = Gear Lube

    Most, if not all, the manufacturers make both.
    05 Black Sapphire 330i ZHP
    99 Alpine White ///M3 (traded, but not forgotten)

  14. #14
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    For the trans, use mobil 1 or redline ATF fluid. If you have a ltw fly, then you might use MTF to quiet down the input shaft rattle.

    For the diff, use redline or mobil 1 75w90
    Sean

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