latest gearbox oil opinions please!!!

[godzilla-1]

I'm just about to come out of warranty, should I now run the smoother shifting redline atf or the redline mtf or the apparently newly released BMW gear oil for the 1m ??????

[MightyMouseTech]

What is the newly released BMW oil? MTF-LT-6?

I have tried many different fluids. As of now, Redline MTL is my favourite.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by godzilla-1

I'm just about to come out of warranty, should I now run the smoother shifting redline atf or the redline mtf or the apparently newly released BMW gear oil for the 1m ??????

I tried MTL and it got stiffer in cold weather. I would stay stock and just change it more often! Remember there was a special coating on the gears which is why the 1M had its own specific fluid when it came out. MTL has not changed and you don't know what any additives would do? I would try the LT-6 or LT-5 and just change it every other year!

[flzrider]

Originally Posted by nachob

I tried MTL and it got stiffer in cold weather. I would stay stock and just change it more often! Remember there was a special coating on the gears which is why the 1M had its own specific fluid when it came out. MTL has not changed and you don't know what any additives would do? I would try the LT-6 or LT-5 and just change it every other year!

No special coating, just the latest fluid for the new transmissions that came on the 1M's and N55 powered 1's.

[JimD]

I use MTL in my Getrag manual in my 128i. It is a little thicker when cold but not enough to bother me. I wouldn't recommend it if you live in a really cold area but it only gets down around freezing at night around here and I think MTL is fine. For lower temps, the thinner fluids usually used in automatic may be better.

[Redadair]

True the 1M trans had a New Syncro for 2nd gear which also coincided with LT-5 oil release.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by flzrider

No special coating, just the latest fluid for the new transmissions that came on the 1M's and N55 powered 1's.

They went to LT-5 in the 1M because of a new coating they used on the synchronizers in the GS6-45BZ manual transmission.

Eventually, it made it's way to the other N55 135s but it was new in 2011!

It was so critical that those that were accidentally filled with the wrong fluid were told by BMW not to drive their cars. Furthermore, when there was a shortage of LT-5, BMW dropped the mandatory transmission fluid from the 1200 mile break in service rather than put other fluid!


So do you know for certain that Redline has or doesn't have the correct chemistry to work with the Synchros? Redline MTL was developed before the 1M was made, so I would not use it until BMW or someone addresses whatever coating was used on the synchros.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Redadair

True the 1M trans had a New Syncro for 2nd gear which also coincided with LT-5 oil release.

Thank you Red!

PS. If you ever feel the need for a new BMW let me know...I miss my 1M!!!

[Dackelone]

Go with Redline MTL or Redline ATF D4 in your manual trans. Most guys are saying that the MTL is better though.

[flzrider]

Originally Posted by nachob

They went to LT-5 in the 1M because of a new coating they used on the synchronizers in the GS6-45BZ manual transmission.

Eventually, it made it's way to the other N55 135s but it was new in 2011!

It was so critical that those that were accidentally filled with the wrong fluid were told by BMW not to drive their cars. Furthermore, when there was a shortage of LT-5, BMW dropped the mandatory transmission fluid from the 1200 mile break in service rather than put other fluid!


So do you know for certain that Redline has or doesn't have the correct chemistry to work with the Synchros? Redline MTL was developed before the 1M was made, so I would not use it until BMW or someone addresses whatever coating was used on the synchros.

You're right about the 1M having a GS6-45BZ transmission, but it is not unique in any way for the 1M application. That same transmission had been used on other N55 powered BMW's (1, 3 and 5 series) for years before it got to the 1M and it had always required MTF LT-5. The shortage and wrong fluid fiasco was mostly due to dealers being confused and thinking it required M3 fluids.

In any case, I would ask owners of other BMWs with the GS6-45BZ transmission what fluid has worked well for them.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by flzrider

You're right about the 1M having a GS6-45BZ transmission, but it is not unique in any way for the 1M application. That same transmission had been used on other N55 powered BMW's (1, 3 and 5 series) for years before it got to the 1M and it had always required MTF LT-5. The shortage and wrong fluid fiasco was mostly due to dealers being confused and thinking it required M3 fluids.

In any case, I would ask owners of other BMWs with the GS6-45BZ transmission what fluid has worked well for them.

Sorry, I know your intentions are noble but....

Here are the part number for 2010 135i and 9/2010 build 1M coupe.

2010 135i was LT3, 1M Coupe jumped to LT-5.

Asking owners which work well is OK but the concern is long term durability not short term. We don't know the effects of certain additives or lack of them on the coating in the 1M gearboxes.

[flzrider]

Originally Posted by nachob

Sorry, I know your intentions are noble but....

Here are the part number for 2010 135i and 9/2010 build 1M coupe.

2010 135i was LT3, 1M Coupe jumped to LT-5.

Asking owners which work well is OK but the concern is long term durability not short term. We don't know the effects of certain additives or lack of them on the coating in the 1M gearboxes.

You're on the right track, except you are comparing an N54 powered 135i when it should be an N55 powered 135i. You can even see the 135i in your screen shot has the older transmission (GS6-53BZ/DZ). The screen grab below shows the proper comparison.

[Dackelone]

@nachob

Originally Posted by flzrider

You're on the right track, except you are comparing an N54 powered 135i when it should be an N55 powered 135i. You can even see the 135i in your screen shot has the older transmission (GS6-53BZ/DZ). The screen grab below shows the proper comparison.

^^+2. Totally correct(!) @flzrider

N55 & 1M use the SAME tranny and require MTL-LT5

N54 135's came with LT2, later LT3 and then BMW produced LT4 as a superseded part/oil for LT3. I tried LT4 and was not impressed. I then switched to Redline ATF-D4 and am happy. Soon I will try Redline's MTF bc so many people on this forum can't be wrong!

Dackel

[Em/1]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

@nachob




^^+2. Totally correct(!) @flzrider

N55 & 1M use the SAME tranny and require MTL-LT5

N54 135's came with LT2, later LT3 and then BMW produced LT4 as a superseded part/oil for LT3. I tried LT4 and was not impressed. I then switched to Redline ATF-D4 and am happy. Soon I will try Redline's MTF bc so many people on this forum can't be wrong!

Dackel

Mike, the long-time and much revered tech writer for Roundel, BMWCCA's monthly, has long championed the Redline MTL for all BMW manual transmissions.

[Redadair]

@nachob

Only have 5775 miles on the clock on my 1M. I was offered 70K the other day and turned it down. I don't see myself selling this car. Hope life is treating you well.

[nachob]

Originally Posted by Redadair

@nachob

Only have 5775 miles on the clock on my 1M. I was offered 70K the other day and turned it down. I don't see myself selling this car. Hope life is treating you well.

Likewise, Glad to hear you appreciate it!

[fastauto]

Originally Posted by Redadair

@nachob

Only have 5775 miles on the clock on my 1M. I was offered 70K the other day and turned it down. I don't see myself selling this car. Hope life is treating you well.

He can have mine for 60k!