CORRECT 1M Fluids List [Engine, Transmission, Differential]

[bdaddylo]

Originally Posted by Chill

FYI, the MTF-LT-5 tranny fluid is still backordered and not due for release until Feb

LT-5 is not on backorder. BMWNA doesn't stock it in their warehouse. All the dealer has to do is place an order and it takes a few days for it to be delivered.

[Chill]

Coool. I had read that is was backordered in this thread. Doesn't really matter since no one will be needing it till you hit around 30,000 miles.
Cheers
CHILL

[bdaddylo]

Originally Posted by Chill

Coool. I had read that is was backordered in this thread. Doesn't really matter since no one will be needing it till you hit around 30,000 miles.
Cheers
CHILL

Most of the U.S. forum members are being cautious and are doing the tranny service at 1,200 miles just like all the other 1M owners outside of the U.S. and Canada.

[ADVANT123]

Originally Posted by flzrider

I do all my own maintenance on all my other cars and hate having to deal with dealerships to do things I can easily and actually prefer to do on my own. I even do my own diagnostic work before taking the car in for a particular problem.

However, there are 2 potential issues with the idea of skipping the free maintenance:

1. Obviously if you want a part/service to be free (covered under warranty), the dealer has to be the one changing the part or doing the service. Usually not a big deal on oil changes and the like, but it is on big $ items like brakes and other expensive components.

2. BMW can potentially deny warranty work because you decided to opt out of the free services they were providing. However, hopefully, keeping a record of purchasing BMW oil/filters/etc. is sufficient to prove that you kept up with the maintenance despite not taking the car in.

I agree with item #1- but the "typical" things changed during the "free maintenance" period aren't very costly (oil filter + 7 qts. of oil is about $65 bucks).

When you look at what maintenance is typically done during the first 50K miles, its usually 3-4 oil changes/brake fluid change/spark plug change- not sure why doing this work myself would void my warranty.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by ADVANT123

...When you look at what maintenance is typically done during the first 50K miles, its usually 3-4 oil changes/brake fluid change/spark plug change- not sure why doing this work myself would void my warranty.

I would also add that other service items would need to be done too before 50K miles. Things like:

Brake fluid flush (every two years)
One oil change per year (regardless of miles traveled - if your car has low miles)
pollen micro filter
wiper blades yearly
brakes: (front and rear usually go out at about the same miles) rotors and pads and sensors


As long as you keep good records there is no reason to have BMW do this work. Not unless you want it done for free. Like some have said(above)... IF you would rather pay out of pocket and do the work yourself or have your favorite indi shop do the service work, that should not effect your warranty. Just make sure you use only BMW parts and approved fluids(oils LL1, BMW fliters, ect) and keep good records of the work done.


I myself prefer to do my own work too - in most cases. But sometimes its also nice having freinds at the dealer who can help me out if a little project here and there.


Dack

[DooBs]

Just dropped my car off for service. Thanks to this thread I'll be double checking the information when i get the car back


For all us US owners. Do we have to pay for the 1200 mile service? Does it matter if I do this service at another dealer than where I purchased it from?
I just received an e-mail from the service advisor after dropping my car for service and it says "estimate ~ $140"

[MB38]

Originally Posted by DooBs

Just dropped my car off for service. Thanks to this thread I'll be double checking the information when i get the car back


For all us US owners. Do we have to pay for the 1200 mile service? Does it matter if I do this service at another dealer than where I purchased it from?
I just received an e-mail from the service advisor after dropping my car for service and it says "estimate ~ $140"

The 1200 mile service is included, you shouldn't have to pay [regardless of dealer]. In the US it includes the oil service [including filter] and rear diff service. It doesn't include the transmission service.

Some dealers have been giving customers free transmission service in the US out of good will. I didn't have such luck in LA.

[Papethova]

Originally Posted by DooBs

Just dropped my car off for service. Thanks to this thread I'll be double checking the information when i get the car back


For all us US owners. Do we have to pay for the 1200 mile service? Does it matter if I do this service at another dealer than where I purchased it from?
I just received an e-mail from the service advisor after dropping my car for service and it says "estimate ~ $140"

They always put a price figure as an estimate but there is no charge. Free maintenance for 4 years and I THINK 50k miles (not sure on mileage I never get to that point).

[DooBs]

Ah thank you guys. I love how quick and useful this forum is

[///BYU]

I just had the manual transmission fluid in my 1M changed by a local BMW specialist shop, Orr Autosport. I used Pentosin FFL-3, which is the same as BMW MTF-LT-5.

Shifts are smoother now. Not by a whole lot, but enough to notice.

Actual fill was 1.3 liters and I got to keep the remaining fluid, which I’ll use next time I change the fluid.

The total charge was $125, broken out as follows:

• Pentosin FFL-3 ($27.51 per liter x 2 liters) - $55.02
• Shop supplies - $2.31
• Labor (0.6 hours at $104 hourly labor rate) - $62.40
• Hazardous waste disposal - $1.27
• Subtotal - $121.00
• Tax - $4.00
• Total - $125.00

I wanted to see how a tech did the service before changing the fluid myself. I’ll probably do it myself next time, especially now that I’ve seen it done. As others have said, it’s a very simple project, especially if you have the right equipment. In addition to a lift (nice to have but obviously not required), the tech used a small pump that attaches to a 3/8” drive ratchet (air or battery powered) to pump the fluid up into the reservoir. It made the job very clean and easy. Here’s the exact tool he used; it’s part #70910—the second product on the page. The tool comes with the clear hoses and a plastic carrying case.

http://www.pbtusa.com/service.htm

This Australian company makes tools for other companies, so you might be able to find the tool under other brand names, as well (see here for a list of companies they make products for). A quick Google search (“PBT 70910”) shows you should be able to get one of these for under $100 USD. I’m sure other companies make similar products, as well.

Sidenote: If you live in or near Minnesota and would like more info about Orr Autosport, send me a PM. I was very happy with my experience there. Sidesidenote: They have an E30 M3 and an E36 M3 Lightweight in their lobby. They also have an iRacing simulator for customers. :)

Every day I love my 1M more and more.

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by ///BYU

I just had the manual transmission fluid in my 1M changed by a local BMW specialist shop, Orr Autosport. I used Pentosin FFL-3, which is the same as BMW MTF-LT-5.

Shifts are smoother now. Not by a whole lot, but enough to notice.

Actual fill was 1.3 liters and I got to keep the remaining fluid, which I’ll use next time I change the fluid.

The total charge was $125, broken out as follows:

• Pentosin FFL-3 ($27.51 per liter x 2 liters) - $55.02
• Shop supplies - $2.31
• Labor (0.6 hours at $104 hourly labor rate) - $62.40
• Hazardous waste disposal - $1.27
• Subtotal - $121.00
• Tax - $4.00
• Total - $125.00

I wanted to see how a tech did the service before changing the fluid myself. I’ll probably do it myself next time, especially now that I’ve seen it done. As others have said, it’s a very simple project, especially if you have the right equipment. In addition to a lift (nice to have but obviously not required), the tech used a small pump that attaches to a 3/8” drive ratchet (air or battery powered) to pump the fluid up into the reservoir. It made the job very clean and easy. Here’s the exact tool he used; it’s part #70910—the second product on the page. The tool comes with the clear hoses and a plastic carrying case.

http://www.pbtusa.com/service.htm

This Australian company makes tools for other companies, so you might be able to find the tool under other brand names, as well (see here for a list of companies they make products for). A quick Google search (“PBT 70910”) shows you should be able to get one of these for under $100 USD. I’m sure other companies make similar products, as well.

Sidenote: If you live in or near Minnesota and would like more info about Orr Autosport, send me a PM. I was very happy with my experience there. Sidesidenote: They have an E30 M3 and an E36 M3 Lightweight in their lobby. They also have an iRacing simulator for customers.

Every day I love my 1M more and more.

I use a little, plastic hand pump that I bought years ago from AutoZone for less than $15.

Neil

[ozinaldo]

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

I use a little, plastic hand pump that I bought years ago from AutoZone for less than $15.

Neil

You and the 1M are just made for each other man! Cheers

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by ozinaldo

You and the 1M are just made for each other man! Cheers

Yes, I agree

Was really just trying to point out that you don't need to invest in expensive tools to do basic maintenance, like changing fluids.

Neil

[PunjabiM3]

Alright to took the car to my local BMW dealer and advised them that the diff fluid needed to be changed since it was not done during the 1200 mile service due to backorder of the product. They happily changed out the diff fluid and the service manager was super nice. However, the diff fluid part number they used is 83-22-1-467-993. I did not see this number in the initial post of this thread. Is it the right fluid, perhaps in a different size bottle? Or did they put incorrect fluid in there?

[///BYU]

Originally Posted by MDORPHN

Was really just trying to point out that you don't need to invest in expensive tools to do basic maintenance, like changing fluids.

Agree. I was just sharing what the professional tech used. Personally, I plan to use duct tape and bendy straws.

Originally Posted by PunjabiM3

Alright to took the car to my local BMW dealer and advised them that the diff fluid needed to be changed since it was not done during the 1200 mile service due to backorder of the product. They happily changed out the diff fluid and the service manager was super nice. However, the diff fluid part number they used is 83-22-1-467-993. I did not see this number in the initial post of this thread. Is it the right fluid, perhaps in a different size bottle? Or did they put incorrect fluid in there?

Looks like you got the rear differential fluid without the friction modifier. Check out this thread for more info.

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=621938

Also, these two threads, which are referenced in the thread above, but I'm including them here, as well.

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129886
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265139

[MDORPHN]

Originally Posted by ///BYU

Agree. I was just sharing what the professional tech used. Personally, I plan to use duct tape and bendy straws.

LOL.

I don't skimp on safety-related equipment (floor jacks, jack stands, etc.) and I invest in important tools like torque wrenches, sockets, etc. But fluid transfer is pretty simple and, unless you're doing it on a daily basis, it just doesn't require a major investment.

And I'd rather spend money on track tires and brake pads!

Neil

P.S. You really don't need the friction modifier unless the diff is making noise.

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by ///BYU

Agree. I was just sharing what the professional tech used. Personally, I plan to use duct tape and bendy straws.

I would use a hand pump or one of the fluid/grease guns - that suck the oil out of the bottle and pumps it into the trans/diff.

This is what I use... it is made by "Pressol"...





The reason why you don't want to try using your method is you will 1). make a mess, more oil will leak out of the bottle/hose then go into your trans AND 2). the worse thing is to have your car up in the air and need a part or oil or tool. Atleast for me when its my dailey driver. I always make sure I have the right tools for the right job. It makes that job MUCH easier than struggling around.


Dack

[///BYU]

I was kidding about the duct tape and bendy straws. :)

[ayao]

Originally Posted by ///BYU

I was kidding about the duct tape and bendy straws.

Do you have the part # for the bendy straw? I couldn't find it on RealOEM ...

[DooBs]

Hello all I just want to drop by and say how much I really appreciate this thread once again.
Also a shout out to South County BMW located in El Cajon/San Diego.

I highly recommend my Service Advisor, Natasha Silveira at South County BMW for anyone in the Southern California / San Diego area.

This is where I took my 1M to get serviced. Although, like many other dealers, there was a bit of confusion on which fluids to be used (thank goodness to this thread as well as the superb service by my service advisor) the wrong fluids were flushed out and the new put in. The transmission fluid was replaced as part of the service; however, due to my Cars and Coffee date and the somehow rarity of the fluid, an employee was sent early Friday morning to a Dealership in Long Beach to acquire the fluid and return the car allowing me to attend the 20 car meet.

Aside from the fluid mix up the service was great and my service advisor and South County BMW staff did everything they could to return the car as quickly as possible and genuinely apologized for the mix up.
Now they know all about the correct fluids and even copied a few pages of this thread which I brought with me.
For sevice go to Natasha Silveira at South County BMW

[nwautoxer]

Took my 1M in for break-in service today. The invoice came back showing
0000610 Rear Differential Service 61 WMP
3 83-22-2-148-560 OIL XJ

Because I hadn't seen this part number before I called the parts department and the manager went out and looked at the barrel and said it was a small drum (about 30 gallons) and according to his parts information is the same fluid as 83-22-1-470-080, just a different quantity.

He also provided a printout of a memo sent today from www.excelda.com giving updates on part numbers that that are on backorders, etc. Regarding our transmission fluid, it says "If you have ordered BMW part number 83222239654 MTF LT-5 1 liter it is currently on backorder. We have resumed shipping out of our Michigan facility, and are transfering product to Arizona to ship those backorders out next week."

Regarding differential fluid, it says "Most backorders for BMW part number 83222282583 SAF XJ FM Booster 1L were shipped out as of 1/26/12, however, it went on backorder on 1/27/12. We are expecting another shipment in on 2/15 and will ship out all backorders as soon as possible."

There are a lot of other part numbers on backorder, but they don't seem relevant to the break-in service for a 1M.

Based on the mid December emails from Dackelone and others in this thread, I'm glad the dealership used the differential fluid they had on hand rather than waiting for the part number with the friction modifier (FM). Anyone have a differing opinion?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by nwautoxer

Took my 1M in for break-in service today. The invoice came back showing
0000610 Rear Differential Service 61 WMP
3 83-22-2-148-560 OIL XJ

...

nwautoxer - you should be fine with the "plain" SAF-XJ (w/o +FM).