Advan performance, N54/N55 routine servicing & performance products

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Originally Posted by alik01

Thanks JD. Really appreciate you taking the time to reply so thoroughly mate.

I will check with my lubricant suppliers if they can get me this stuff - they get me the 300V for wholesale. Otherwise, I'll place an order with you.

Is there anything else I should be changing on more regularly? I'm trying to track down a reasonable quantity of SAF-XJ diff fluid at moment (less than 20L) to do frequent changes there and also frequent gearbox oil changes.

Thanks again.

Hey mate,

that's cool, no problem at all.

Speaking of replacing differential oil, I recently replaced the Castrol fill that was in my diff housing, following the Drexler LSD conversion I had done.

I used Redline "Heavy ShockProof Gear Oil".

FYI,

I have used Redline D4 ATF in my 6 speed ZF gearbox for well over 10,000 km now without issue.

It was a nice upgrade from the OE factory fill at the time, as the box was certainly less notchy and the often problematic high rpm first to second change was much improved too.

Since doing the diff oil change, Peter and I have been investigating some of the Motul options for differentials and manual transmissions.

I would like to try to out their 100% synthetic "Gear Competition 75W140" lubricant, in an effort to reduce the gearbox chatter induced by our single mass flywheel.

I will be posting up pics shortly, of several Motul and Redline diff/tranny lubricants we can supply.

Unless you are truly torturing your vehicle at the track on a regular basis, anyone of the lubricants we will be offering should be good for 20,000 km of service.

If you are in fact a track day "nutter" and drive your car hard on the street, you could probably reduce the service interval to every 10,000 km.

However if you change out gearbox and transmission lubricants more often that, I suspect you are throwing your money down the drain.

You would be better off just giving it to myself or Peter, for the purposes of upgraded Garrett turbo R&D.

Lastly in lieu of the looming Eastern Creek track day, we will be offering a special workshop labour rate for TRACK DAY ENTRANTS on all servicing requirements prior to the event, to the tune of $99.

The above rate is inclusive of GST but does NOT apply to fitment of general mods such as downpipes, intercoolers, Meth' systems etc.

Cheers,

JD.

[alik01]

Originally Posted by Justin@ADVAN Performance

Hey mate,

that's cool, no problem at all.

Speaking of replacing differential oil, I recently replaced the Castrol fill that was in my diff housing, following the Drexler LSD conversion I had done.

I used Redline "Heavy ShockProof Gear Oil".

FYI,

I have used Redline D4 ATF in my 6 speed ZF gearbox for well over 10,000 km now without issue.

It was a nice upgrade from the OE factory fill at the time, as the box was certainly less notchy and the often problematic high rpm first to second change was much improved too.

Since doing the diff oil change, Peter and I have been investigating some of the Motul options for differentials and manual transmissions.

I would like to try to out their 100% synthetic "Gear Competition 75W140" lubricant, in an effort to reduce the gearbox chatter induced by our single mass flywheel.

I will be posting up pics shortly, of several Motul and Redline diff/tranny lubricants we can supply.

Unless you are truly torturing your vehicle at the track on a regular basis, anyone of the lubricants we will be offering should be good for 20,000 km of service.

If you are in fact a track day "nutter" and drive your car hard on the street, you could probably reduce the service interval to every 10,000 km.

However if you change out gearbox and transmission lubricants more often that, I suspect you are throwing your money down the drain.

You would be better off just giving it to myself or Peter, for the purposes of upgraded Garrett turbo R&D.

Lastly in lieu of the looming Eastern Creek track day, we will be offering a special workshop labour rate for TRACK DAY ENTRANTS on all servicing requirements prior to the event, to the tune of $99.

The above rate is inclusive of GST but does NOT apply to fitment of general mods such as downpipes, intercoolers, Meth' systems etc.

Cheers,

JD.

Thanks mate. All very good info - thank you for taking the time.

i just ordered some SAF-XJ for the diff in 5x 1L packages. I could only source 20L locally but found someone in the UK.

I wanted to use the Motul oil - apparently Motul SYNT LS is BMW Approved - but Motul no longer bring it into the country. I'm using 300V 10W40 at the moment and must say it seems to be the goods. The Motul dealer here is pretty good to me and has been quite generous in the pricing they have provided. Will be using their break fluid as well soon.

I was hoping to do the diff and gearbox oil changes every 10K kms - to keep everything fresh. I do a lot of normal kms and a track day approximately once a month (not back till July though ). I always try to account for the extreme heat and humidity in Darwin - I feel this would be rather harsh on the cars.

Thanks again for the info.

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Originally Posted by alik01

Thanks mate. All very good info - thank you for taking the time.

i just ordered some SAF-XJ for the diff in 5x 1L packages. I could only source 20L locally but found someone in the UK.

I wanted to use the Motul oil - apparently Motul SYNT LS is BMW Approved - but Motul no longer bring it into the country. I'm using 300V 10W40 at the moment and must say it seems to be the goods. The Motul dealer here is pretty good to me and has been quite generous in the pricing they have provided. Will be using their break fluid as well soon.

I was hoping to do the diff and gearbox oil changes every 10K kms - to keep everything fresh. I do a lot of normal kms and a track day approximately once a month (not back till July though ). I always try to account for the extreme heat and humidity in Darwin - I feel this would be rather harsh on the cars.

Thanks again for the info.

Hey mate, happy to be of service.

Is the Motul LS product you are referring to, called Gear 300 LS 75W90?

http://www.motul.com/au/en/products/107?f%5Brange%5D=25

I wonder if it can be special ordered via Link International, as this is one of the Motul lubricants we were hoping to offer.

I will ask the question.

Cheers,

Justin.

[alik01]

Originally Posted by Justin@ADVAN Performance

Hey mate, happy to be of service.

Is the Motul LS product you are referring to, called Gear 300 LS 75W90?

http://www.motul.com/au/en/products/107?f%5Brange%5D=25

I wonder if it can be special ordered via Link International, as this is one of the Motul lubricants we were hoping to offer.

I will ask the question.

Cheers,

Justin.

Thanks JD.

The oil is Hypo Synt LS. The agent in Darwin said the Motul is no longer bringing it into the country. I checked the Motil website an it was 60L only.

Apparently it's on the BMW approved final drive oil list.

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Originally Posted by alik01

Thanks JD.

The oil is Hypo Synt LS. The agent in Darwin said the Motul is no longer bringing it into the country. I checked the Motil website an it was 60L only.

Apparently it's on the BMW approved final drive oil list.

Hey mate,

I was hoping to obtain further info on what exact Motul drivetrain lubricants Link International bring into the country, but they were closed yesterday.

Can you please post up a web link to the exact BMW approved product you are referring to.

I suspect there may be a few products that cannot be obtained locally, but there are several US online vendors that can supply the entire Motul range at very reasonable prices, but I suspect shipping to Aus may be a killer unless buying in bulk.

Cheers,

JD.

[alik01]

Originally Posted by Justin@ADVAN Performance

Hey mate,

I was hoping to obtain further info on what exact Motul drivetrain lubricants Link International bring into the country, but they were closed yesterday.

Can you please post up a web link to the exact BMW approved product you are referring to.

I suspect there may be a few products that cannot be obtained locally, but there are several US online vendors that can supply the entire Motul range at very reasonable prices, but I suspect shipping to Aus may be a killer unless buying in bulk.

Cheers,

JD.

Thanks for checking up this stuff JD.

http://www.motul.com/au/en/products/120

Is the link to the specific oil. It seems to be on the AU website but can't get here?

I managed to buy the Castrol SAF-XJ in 1L from UK. The BMW Darwin SA found it on eBay actually. So I bought 5 - shipped for $200.

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Originally Posted by alik01

Thanks for checking up this stuff JD.

http://www.motul.com/au/en/products/120

Is the link to the specific oil. It seems to be on the AU website but can't get here?

I managed to buy the Castrol SAF-XJ in 1L from UK. The BMW Darwin SA found it on eBay actually. So I bought 5 - shipped for $200.

Hey mate,

thank you for the link to the Hypo Synt LS 75W-140.

Interestingly enough I can no longer locate that particular lubricant on either the Australian Link International website or the specific Motul website.

However the Gear Competition 75W-140 is also not on the Aus' Link website, yet I just purchased 2 x 1 litre bottles.

When I spoke to the Link rep, he said that if it's not viewable on their webpage it's not part of their readily available product line, but that info seems to be a little inconsistent.

Anyway what I can tell you is that both products are very similar in their properties.

(Hypo Synt LS 75W-140)

Viscosity grade SAE J 306 75W-140
Density at 20°C (68°F) ASTM D1298 0.860
Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) ASTM D445 179 mm2/s
Viscosity at 100°C (212°F) ASTM D445 24.5 mm2/s
Viscosity index ASTM D2270 170
Flash point ASTM D92 218°C / 424°F
Pour point ASTM D97 -57°C / -71°F

(Gear Competition 75W-140)

Viscosity grade SAE J 306 75W-140
Density at 20°C (68°F) ASTM D1298 0.903
Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) ASTM D445 170 mm2/s
Viscosity at 100°C (212°F) ASTM D445 24.7 mm2/s
Viscosity index ASTM D2270 178
Flash point ASTM D92 212°C / 413°F
Pour point ASTM D97 -36°C / -33°F

I suspect the Gear Competition will be a suitable alternative to the BMW approved Hypo Synt LS, if the LS cannot be purchased locally.

Cheers,

JD.

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Hey Gents,

speaking of differential lubricants, here are two products that we are able supply to you guys.

- Red Line Heavy Shockproof Gear Oil (0.946L) $50.99

- Motul Gear Competition 75W/140 (1L) $49.99

Both are suitable for the Hypoid differentials found in our 1 & 3 Series N54/N55 vehicles, however I do not recommend using the Heavy Shockproof in a clutch-pack LSD, such as the Drexler unit in my car.

Whilst it will do no harm to the clutch pack, it would seem the Red Line is providing extra bite within the clutch-pack, causing the friction plates to lock up more aggressively under minimal load when one wheel is turning slower than the other. This is creating the odd bit of chatter at low speed turns, when reverse parking or manoeuvring the car etc.

I could use a Red Line friction modifier to overcome that issue, but instead I will be swapping out the Red Line for the more clutch-pack friendly Motul.

Anyway if you are using a Quaife which is a gear or mechanical type LSD either product is suitable, if you are running a clutch-pack LSD such as a Drexler or OS Giken, stick to the Motul.

Cheers,

JD.

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Hi Gents,

just a friendly reminder that,

in lieu of the looming Eastern Creek track day, we will be offering a special workshop labour rate for TRACK DAY ENTRANTS on all servicing requirements prior to the event, to the tune of $99.

The above rate is inclusive of GST but does NOT apply to fitment of general mods such as downpipes, intercoolers, Meth' systems etc.

So I encourage anyone who is participating in the event to carefully asses their service requirements and make the most of our discounted labour rate, which will revert back to $145 per hour, following the track day.

As an example if your spark plugs have seen more than 20,000 km or you do not recall when you last changed your engine oil and filter, now is the time to do it prior to the event.

Cheers,

JD.

[alik01]

Originally Posted by Justin@ADVAN Performance

Hey mate,

thank you for the link to the Hypo Synt LS 75W-140.

Interestingly enough I can no longer locate that particular lubricant on either the Australian Link International website or the specific Motul website.

However the Gear Competition 75W-140 is also not on the Aus' Link website, yet I just purchased 2 x 1 litre bottles.

When I spoke to the Link rep, he said that if it's not viewable on their webpage it's not part of their readily available product line, but that info seems to be a little inconsistent.

Anyway what I can tell you is that both products are very similar in their properties.

(Hypo Synt LS 75W-140)

Viscosity grade SAE J 306 75W-140
Density at 20°C (68°F) ASTM D1298 0.860
Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) ASTM D445 179 mm2/s
Viscosity at 100°C (212°F) ASTM D445 24.5 mm2/s
Viscosity index ASTM D2270 170
Flash point ASTM D92 218°C / 424°F
Pour point ASTM D97 -57°C / -71°F

(Gear Competition 75W-140)

Viscosity grade SAE J 306 75W-140
Density at 20°C (68°F) ASTM D1298 0.903
Viscosity at 40°C (104°F) ASTM D445 170 mm2/s
Viscosity at 100°C (212°F) ASTM D445 24.7 mm2/s
Viscosity index ASTM D2270 178
Flash point ASTM D92 212°C / 413°F
Pour point ASTM D97 -36°C / -33°F

I suspect the Gear Competition will be a suitable alternative to the BMW approved Hypo Synt LS, if the LS cannot be purchased locally.

Cheers,

JD.

Thanks for the in depth info Justin.

The dealer will be doing my diff & gearbox changes every 10K-20K kms (depending on usage). They are happy to use external oil as long as it is BMW approved.

We have a lack of BMW Specialists (read absence) in Darwin. Apthough our mechanics are extremely capable and have done extensive work on my Porsches, they would rather not take on this sort of work unless we force them. I'd like to respect that and go the dealer where possible.

[Zuzu]

A big thank you to Peter@AdvanPerformance.

I just showed up this morning unannounced with no appointment, in need of a oil and filter change, as I am off on a little drive tomorrow.

After boiling the kettle for the traditional tea/coffee , Peter fitted me in ASAP and completed the task with no fuss about his busy morning schedule..

Thanks again Pete..

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

A big thank you to Peter@AdvanPerformance.

I just showed up this morning unannounced with no appointment, in need of a oil and filter change, as I am off on a little drive tomorrow.

After boiling the kettle for the traditional tea/coffee , Peter fitted me in ASAP and completed the task with no fuss about his busy morning schedule..

Thanks again Pete..

You drank the tea

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by pavo335

You drank the tea

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Never drink the tea

Haha. Calm down guys. I only have coffee.

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

Haha. Calm down guys. I only have coffee.

That's worse

[flinchy]

Originally Posted by Drawn05

Any chance of stocking something for cleaning the carbon build up off the valves and maybe also performing the task?? I know meth injection and an occ will reduce the problem but can that also remove the deposits that are already there?

I have seen seafoam mentioned a lot by the US members but not sure other alternatives. Would need more than one person to do it as well.

Carbie cleaner (literally) melts carbon lol, had to use it on a clogged egr not long ago.

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by pavo335

That's worse

Why?? Do you only drink expresso and not Nescafe..

Nothing wrong with instant, once in a while.

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Where u off to Joe? Townsville?

I am, but not driving... Fly up midweek.

[Justin@ADVAN Performance]

Originally Posted by pavo335

You drank the tea

Originally Posted by Ian///M

Never drink the tea

With all due respect guys, I have to respectfully disagree.

Peter's cuppa' is quite nice, more than happy to have one if he is making it.

His coffee on the other hand leaves room for improvement.

Ok, maybe not that bad, haha.




Anyway getting back on topic if I may, here are two differing manual transmission lubricants that I have used in the gearbox of my 135i, with very good results.

The Red Line D4 ATF is a great improvement over the BMW factory fill, or should I say "Lifetime" lubricant.

From personal experience swapping out the OE fluid for the Red Line will provide for a noticeably less notchy gear selection, especially when grabbing second gear under WOT, which I have always found to be a problem with our ZF boxes.

The Motul Gear 300 is something I would only recommend if you are using a lightened single mass flywheel, that does not benefit from the dampening of the OE dual mass units.

Given that the flywheel in my car induces a lot of gearbox chatter or rattle at idle, I was pleasantly surprised that experimenting with this thicker viscosity lubricant has significantly suppressed audible chatter, albeit with slightly more difficult gear selection when the box is cold.

However with the AC running my ZF box still sounds like it has a bucket of bolts banging around in there.

As per the product literature supplied by Red Line & Motul both lubricants are "suitable for any type of seal and yellow material used in gearbox design."

The "yellow" material they are referring to, is the brass that is used in the cone of the gear synchromesh.

The prices on the above lubricants are inclusive of GST and are as follows:

- The Red Line D4 ATF (0.946L) $49.99

- Motul Gear 300 75W/90 (1L) $41.49

Cheers,

JD.

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by Justin@ADVAN Performance

With all due respect guys, I have to respectfully disagree.

Peter's cuppa' is quite nice, more than happy to have one if he is making it.

His coffee on the other hand leaves room for improvement.

Ok, maybe not that bad, haha.

Back Off Topic..

I make my own coffee..

[TimMc]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

I am, but not driving... Fly up midweek.

My last home town. Say g'day to my brother!

[Zuzu]

Originally Posted by TimMc

My last home town. Say g'day to my brother!

If he is a medico at the hospital, I will..

[TimMc]

Originally Posted by Zuzu

If he is a medico at the hospital, I will..

Well he works at a Townsville hospital. Just not as a medic.