Redline Transmission Fluid (D4 vs MTL)

[DietTab]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

That's fine. Whatever the additive is, it works and what makes the difference. GM sells two different versions. We got the non friction modified version from the dealer once by accident, made no improvement to the way the cars shifted. We had to special order this fluid as none of the dealers carry it in stock. Amazing the difference it makes. Never thought to try it in the 1er. Although, too bad it is not a synthetic base oil.

Nope, it's paraffin based, but there is no need for synthetic base as the shear forces that would necessitate such simply aren't present in 99.9% of gearboxes.

The additive is typical rear end friction additive, like you'd add for a clutch type posi.

[MightyMouseTech]

Makes a difference when it is -40 outside.

[DietTab]

Very well might. Silly canucks and your polar weather

[MightyMouseTech]

Originally Posted by DietTab

Very well might. Silly canucks and your polar weather

HA HA!

[Portugalia1143]

Hi everybody,

It is my first post on this forum.

I own a e87 118i reaching 50k kms and since I feel the gearbox a bit notchy especially 2nd and 4th gear I was looking to have the gearbox fluid changed. Is the RedLine MTL a good choice for this car? Would a BMW dealer do the procedure even though they consider the fluid to be lifetime?

Thanks

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by Portugalia1143

Hi everybody,

It is my first post on this forum.

I own a e87 118i reaching 50k kms and since I feel the gearbox a bit notchy especially 2nd and 4th gear I was looking to have the gearbox fluid changed. Is the RedLine MTL a good choice for this car? Would a BMW dealer do the procedure even though they consider the fluid to be lifetime?

Thanks

Post #1 !!!

Welcome to the forum!!!

New RL D4 or other high quality aftermarket fluid will help and is a very easy DIY simpler than an engine oil change. Make sure this is the right fluid for your vehicle by checking online Redline application guide. Redline Fluid also cost much less but does not last as long as OEM fluid. Not a big deal and you can replace the fluid perhaps once a year quite easily in less than an hour. I change mine even more frequently, as soon as the "notchiness" comes back, as I track my car heavily.

I have 68Kms on the odomenter on my 135i, and it has seen about 4 tranny oil chnages so far in my 18 months ownership and tracking. I have installed a high quality DIMPLE magnetic oil drain plug and I have tried Redline D4, Valvoline MaxLife ATF, and also Mobil-1 full synthetic. The M1 and RL last (are smoother and high temperature resistant) the longest of the three.

[gap]

Redline application guide recommends D6 for 08 MT and that is what I have been using for 3 years. Works great and no problems. Bought a rebuilt transmission from Jim Drago, Spec Miata Champion, for my Miata and he recommended MTL for it.

[Portugalia1143]

Originally Posted by dcaron9999

Post #1 !!!

Welcome to the forum!!!

New RL D4 or other high quality aftermarket fluid will help and is a very easy DIY simpler than an engine oil change. Make sure this is the right fluid for your vehicle by checking online Redline application guide. Redline Fluid also cost much less but does not last as long as OEM fluid. Not a big deal and you can replace the fluid perhaps once a year quite easily in less than an hour. I change mine even more frequently, as soon as the "notchiness" comes back, as I track my car heavily.

I have 68Kms on the odomenter on my 135i, and it has seen about 4 tranny oil chnages so far in my 18 months ownership and tracking. I have installed a high quality DIMPLE magnetic oil drain plug and I have tried Redline D4, Valvoline MaxLife ATF, and also Mobil-1 full synthetic. The M1 and RL last (are smoother and high temperature resistant) the longest of the three.

Thank you for the reply.

I followed your advice and I checked the online application guide but it seems the 118i does not show up on the list. To be honest I am not picky about the brand just as long as it solves the notchiness of the gearbox. Did you have a BMW dealer do the change, an indy workshop or you did it yourself?

[Iron Man]

Originally Posted by MightyMouseTech

Makes a difference when it is -40 outside.

Correct. A synthetic fluid would flow better and protect better at colder temperatures. The synthetic fluid will also last longer, since it would be less prone to shear and break down over time (even though it may start thinner than a dino-based version).

[dcaron9999]

Originally Posted by Portugalia1143

Thank you for the reply.

I followed your advice and I checked the online application guide but it seems the 118i does not show up on the list. To be honest I am not picky about the brand just as long as it solves the notchiness of the gearbox. Did you have a BMW dealer do the change, an indy workshop or you did it yourself?

Did it myself. It is a very simple DIY job. You will find many DIY guides filled with pictures on this forum and others. Manual transmissions have a fill and purge bolt. You start by removing the fill bolt, than the drain bolt. There are no filters to replace. The transmission holds a little less than two liters of your choice of fluid. Takes about 10 minutes to do, when the car is off the ground and level.

[mr.fabulous]

I ran MTL in a previous car for 15 years. Outstanding product, will be going in my (new to me) 135i as soon as I can find the time.

[JimD]

I don't know what RedLine is saying these days but a couple years ago when I changed my e88's fluid they recommended MTL but only with the caveat that it may be a bit thick in cold climates for a few minutes. I think Mike Miller makes a similar comment in is old school maintenance recommendations. The automatic transmission fluids are thinner but at least in a warm climate, I think MTL is thin enough. I don't find it noticably slows down my shifts even in the winter.

[MightyMouseTech]

I do notice the MTL is thicker when it is -20. Have to short shift and take it easy for first 10 mins or so.

[BMW 130i Greg]

Originally Posted by JimD

I use MTL in my 128i manual. It's a different gear box but I like the results in it too.

Hello JimD , are you still happy with the Redline MTL in you're gearbox?

I have a 130i from 2010 and I consider putting MTL in my tranny.

I guess we have the same gearbox in our cars.

My car can be viewed here: http://www.bimmerboard.be/forum/index.php?topic=47115.0

Thanks

[JimD]

It is still working fine. I'm a little over 40K miles so I am thinking of changing it again. If I do, I will use MTL again

[BMW 130i Greg]

Originally Posted by JimD

It is still working fine. I'm a little over 40K miles so I am thinking of changing it again. If I do, I will use MTL again

Thanks for the reply JimD .

I already have the MTL @ home, but I just need a little push to put it in my gearbox.

Atm I have the original MTF-LT-3 in it and my car has 13K miles.

Don't really like the shifting feel when the car is warmed up.
It feels like the oil is too thin and causes a metal shift feeling.

Hope the MTL will butter it up a bit!

Maybe I'll order the E46M3 gearbox mounts too...

Cheers 1addicts!

[Ginger_Extract]

Changed the MTF in my N54 135i, used MTL, having had good experiences with Red Line is previous vehicles. Trans fluid had ~27k on it (first changed at 10k miles), came out pretty clean, no glitter, etc. Trans feels no different, before/after, which I suppose is a good thing. The trans doesn't require any more babying when cold, though out of habit, I do double-clutch the first few gear changes off a cold start. Feels just like OEM fluid at 50*F outside temps, unsure about truly cold weather.

[E82MSport]

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

Changed the MTF in my N54 135i, used MTL, having had good experiences with Red Line is previous vehicles. Trans fluid had ~27k on it (first changed at 10k miles), came out pretty clean, no glitter, etc. Trans feels no different, before/after, which I suppose is a good thing. The trans doesn't require any more babying when cold, though out of habit, I do double-clutch the first few gear changes off a cold start. Feels just like OEM fluid at 50*F outside temps, unsure about truly cold weather.

Well I'm glad I'm not the only one..

[BMW 130i Greg]

Originally Posted by Ginger_Extract

Changed the MTF in my N54 135i, used MTL, having had good experiences with Red Line is previous vehicles. Trans fluid had ~27k on it (first changed at 10k miles), came out pretty clean, no glitter, etc. Trans feels no different, before/after, which I suppose is a good thing. The trans doesn't require any more babying when cold, though out of habit, I do double-clutch the first few gear changes off a cold start. Feels just like OEM fluid at 50*F outside temps, unsure about truly cold weather.

Sounds good!

[ShocknAwe]

~6000 miles on a recent change. Currently have Redline MTL in as well. I will echo all said above. Butter smooth. Changed from D4 and like it even better.

I will say, when it got below freezing things got really notchy for the first few shifts off a cold start. After about 5 minutes it was perfect though.

Did RE tranny bushings as well. Can't recommend them enough. That or the E46M3 variety. Get rid of those stock mounts.

[BMW 130i Greg]

Originally Posted by ShocknAwe

~6000 miles on a recent change. Currently have Redline MTL in as well. I will echo all said above. Butter smooth. Changed from D4 and like it even better.

I will say, when it got below freezing things got really notchy for the first few shifts off a cold start. After about 5 minutes it was perfect though.

Did RE tranny bushings as well. Can't recommend them enough. That or the E46M3 variety. Get rid of those stock mounts.

Hello, excellent news thanks!

I will use the MTL in combination with transmission mounts and new brake fluid ATE superblue!!!

About the tranny bushings, interesting.
I have read Wolfe's DIY: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ghlight=e46+M3

His conclusion is that the E46M3 are better than the UUC versions in terms of noise and vibration. But there is still some vibration with the E46M3 mounts.

I saw your car build threat (nice car btw!!! ) and sounds like the RE mounts are even better than the E46M3 ones?!

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by BMW 130i Greg

Hello, excellent news thanks!

I will use the MTL in combination with transmission mounts and new brake fluid ATE superblue!!!

About the tranny bushings, interesting.
I have read Wolfe's DIY: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ghlight=e46+M3

His conclusion is that the E46M3 are better than the UUC versions in terms of noise and vibration. But there is still some vibration with the E46M3 mounts.

I saw your car build threat (nice car btw!!! ) and sounds like the RE mounts are even better than the E46M3 ones?!

UUC is a pretty crappy company in terms of their product quality.