BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-13-2017, 11:53 AM   #331
NorthernDancer
Colonel
843
Rep
2,266
Posts

Drives: 08 Sedona 128 & 06 330xiT 6MT
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ottawa On Canada

iTrader: (3)

I want to do trans & diff soon. This DIY is a fabulous help. One issue is access to trans filler plug. I think OP said low profile tool needed. My 8mm hex socket is 1/2 inch drive and 2 1/8 inch long. Its got vice grip marks on the body so obviously I've used it before in a tight situation. With my 1/2 inch breaker bar on the socket, I'm now at 3 inches. Will report after I do the work on exactly how things work out, ie: how much clearance we have to access the fill plug.
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      10-13-2017, 07:45 PM   #332
ayao
Thread killer
628
Rep
1,892
Posts

Drives: 1M
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: CA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthernDancer View Post
I want to do trans & diff soon. This DIY is a fabulous help. One issue is access to trans filler plug. I think OP said low profile tool needed. My 8mm hex socket is 1/2 inch drive and 2 1/8 inch long. Its got vice grip marks on the body so obviously I've used it before in a tight situation. With my 1/2 inch breaker bar on the socket, I'm now at 3 inches. Will report after I do the work on exactly how things work out, ie: how much clearance we have to access the fill plug.
FWIW on an N54 1M, a regular 3/8" 8mm hex bit socket fit without any need for low profile tool modifications.
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      10-19-2017, 04:28 PM   #333
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NorthernDancer View Post
I want to do trans & diff soon. This DIY is a fabulous help. One issue is access to trans filler plug. I think OP said low profile tool needed. My 8mm hex socket is 1/2 inch drive and 2 1/8 inch long. Its got vice grip marks on the body so obviously I've used it before in a tight situation. With my 1/2 inch breaker bar on the socket, I'm now at 3 inches. Will report after I do the work on exactly how things work out, ie: how much clearance we have to access the fill plug.
I don't know IF there is three inches of clearance up on the side of the trans. I think there is... but I am not 100% sure. Please report back.

Here is the Hazet tool I use... I got mine locally here in DE years ago for ~30 euros. I can't believe what they are charging for it now...


Here it is on Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/HAZET-Chrom-V...+tool+17mm+hex

Here it is on Amazon.de
https://www.amazon.de/HAZET-2760-Haz...rds=hazet+2760

And here on KC Tools...
https://www.kctoolco.com/search.php?...ection=product

Maybe get yourself a "stubby" 17 mm hex socket in 3/8th from Harbor Frieght. Or from SnapOn.

Dackel
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2017, 04:36 PM   #334
Bimmer-Bob
!
Bimmer-Bob's Avatar
United_States
692
Rep
3,266
Posts

Drives: 2010 128i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Anyone have any trouble removing the trans filler plug? Mine is on there on tight! Is it reverse thread or something? I'm a little afraid to try too hard to break torque in either direction...and there's not enough clearance for my go-to cheater bar. Any tips?
__________________
____________________________
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2017, 05:20 PM   #335
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob View Post
Anyone have any trouble removing the trans filler plug? Mine is on there on tight! Is it reverse thread or something? I'm a little afraid to try too hard to break torque in either direction...and there's not enough clearance for my go-to cheater bar. Any tips?

IF its the first time removing the fill plug... yeah... it is TIGHT! Best thing is to use a new 8mm allen socket(or L-key) with a small cheater bar. It should break loose.

No its not left hand threads. Remember righty, tighty... sometime you can get disoriented when you are laying under the car.

Besure to remove the "fill" plug before draining your trans oil!!

I think the fill and drain plugs are a 8mm allen/socket/hex.

Looking on Amazon here is a nice set. But I am sure you could also pick up something at your local Harbor Freight or Sears or AutoZone.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-1...bby+socket+set

Dackel
Appreciate 0
      12-30-2017, 05:58 PM   #336
Bimmer-Bob
!
Bimmer-Bob's Avatar
United_States
692
Rep
3,266
Posts

Drives: 2010 128i
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Anacortes, WA

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
IF its the first time removing the fill plug... yeah... it is TIGHT! Best thing is to use a new 8mm allen socket(or L-key) with a small cheater bar. It should break loose.

No its not left hand threads. Remember righty, tighty... sometime you can get disoriented when you are laying under the car.

Besure to remove the "fill" plug before draining your trans oil!!

I think the fill and drain plugs are a 8mm allen/socket/hex.

Looking on Amazon here is a nice set. But I am sure you could also pick up something at your local Harbor Freight or Sears or AutoZone.

https://www.amazon.com/Titan-Tools-1...bby+socket+set

Dackel

Thanks, Dack!

I finally got both plugs off - it was just a matter of finding just the right angle that I could barely slip on my cheater bar (one-half of a floor jack handle). Not much space between the transmission and the ground on jack stands, and (like you mentioned) I was afraid that I might have been turned around and disoriented, and wanted to make extra sure it wasn't a left-handed bolt or something (although that would be a really odd place for one, admittedly).
__________________
____________________________
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      04-14-2018, 09:54 AM   #337
rallly
New Member
0
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: Supra
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: North Bay, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Hey guys! I've read through this thread and cannot make a clear decision.... I have a 2008 328Xi 6spd So which transmission fluid is best for ease of shifting for summer and winter and safe for both bearings and synchro's ??
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2018, 10:57 AM   #338
JHZR2
Major
74
Rep
1,001
Posts

Drives: 91 E30, 11 135i cv
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by rallly View Post
Hey guys! I've read through this thread and cannot make a clear decision.... I have a 2008 328Xi 6spd So which transmission fluid is best for ease of shifting for summer and winter and safe for both bearings and synchro's ??
What is specified for your vehicle?

I ran Pentoson FFL-3, IIRC, because it crossed to he ZF spec that crossed to the BMW MTL spec for my 135. Ive been happy.

Lower viscosity lubricants will perform better in the cold but compromise high temperature performance to a point. Higher viscosity will be more difficult to shift in some conditions. Some fluids may have friction modifiers that affect synchronization.
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2018, 11:09 AM   #339
rallly
New Member
0
Rep
22
Posts

Drives: Supra
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: North Bay, Ontario

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JHZR2 View Post
What is specified for your vehicle?

I ran Pentoson FFL-3, IIRC, because it crossed to he ZF spec that crossed to the BMW MTL spec for my 135. Ive been happy.

Lower viscosity lubricants will perform better in the cold but compromise high temperature performance to a point. Higher viscosity will be more difficult to shift in some conditions. Some fluids may have friction modifiers that affect synchronization.

I have the GM 6spd transmission
Appreciate 0
      04-14-2018, 04:41 PM   #340
Dackelone
European Editor
Dackelone's Avatar
Germany
10511
Rep
22,992
Posts

Drives: N54 e82
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Bayern, Germany

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by JHZR2 View Post
What is specified for your vehicle?

I ran Pentoson FFL-3, IIRC, because it crossed to he ZF spec that crossed to the BMW MTL spec for my 135. Ive been happy.

Lower viscosity lubricants will perform better in the cold but compromise high temperature performance to a point. Higher viscosity will be more difficult to shift in some conditions. Some fluids may have friction modifiers that affect synchronization.
Quote:
I have the GM 6spd transmission
I would use Redline oils. Either Redline ATF-D4 or MTL. The ATF-D4 flows better at colder temps(If you park your car outdoors). Even though it's an ATF... its safe to run in your manual trans. You can also look on Redline's own website for suggested fluids. I think they will say to use ATF-D6 or MTL. But I prefer AFT-D4 for my 135i 6 speed manual. You will need a little over 2.1 liters of trans oil

For the diff you can use either a 75w140 or a 75w90 gear oil from Redline. You will need some way to suck out the old diff fluid - with a fluid extractor. You will need a little over 1.1 liters of diff oil.

Dackel
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2018, 09:07 PM   #341
M Vier
Private First Class
M Vier's Avatar
Saudi Arabia
51
Rep
144
Posts

Drives: M4
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Boston to Jeddah

iTrader: (0)

MTF LT-5

Hi folks,

Great discussion. I struggled to find a replacement to my F82 6MT trans oil and this thread helped a lot.

1. I called redline. Interestingly enough:

BMW MTF LT-5 = Redline DCTF #31004

https://www.redlineoil.com/dctf-dual...smission-fluid

He said this is the recommendation on the newer transmissions. Check the pics & website.

2. I did an extensive search as well

BMW MTF LT-5 = Pentosin FFL3 #1052107

http://pentosin.net/catalogs/Pentosi...dGuide2016.pdf

These are 2 respectful companies offering DCT oil for manual transmission. I may go with redline and update you.

Hope this helps.

M Vier
Attached Images
   
__________________
///M4 /// 6MT /// Alpine White /// Sakhir Orange
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      07-05-2018, 09:56 PM   #342
JHZR2
Major
74
Rep
1,001
Posts

Drives: 91 E30, 11 135i cv
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: New Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by M Vier View Post
Hi folks,

Great discussion. I struggled to find a replacement to my F82 6MT trans oil and this thread helped a lot.

1. I called redline. Interestingly enough:

BMW MTF LT-5 = Redline DCTF #31004

https://www.redlineoil.com/dctf-dual...smission-fluid

He said this is the recommendation on the newer transmissions. Check the pics & website.

2. I did an extensive search as well

BMW MTF LT-5 = Pentosin FFL3 #1052107

http://pentosin.net/catalogs/Pentosi...dGuide2016.pdf

These are 2 respectful companies offering DCT oil for manual transmission. I may go with redline and update you.

Hope this helps.

M Vier
My finding was the same as yours regarding Pentosin fluids being appropriate replacements.

To be honest, Ive never been that impressed with the longevity/sustained shift feel from Redline fluids. Ive noted this in E30 and VW manual transmissions. For both of those, Amsoil far outshined the redline fluids after "the honeymoon". Redline was also noisy in my E30 LSD, when other fluids werent, and it behaved the same way, it just degraded (got louder) over time.

People put too high a value on redline. Now, if its much easier and cheaper to get than the Pentosin or OE fluid, Im willing to give anything a try, but I dont put a ton of faith.

Redline has also sold out to big oil, FWIW.

Their Si-1 fuel additive, their grease, etc. are great. Im not anti-redline, and have and use a LOT of their products. Im just not as convinced about their gear oils personally...
Appreciate 2
Dackelone10511.00
M Vier51.00
      07-15-2018, 03:49 PM   #343
JimD
Brigadier General
JimD's Avatar
367
Rep
3,547
Posts

Drives: 128i convertible
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Lexington, SC

iTrader: (0)

I like redline gear oils. I used them in my SUV and recently changed my manual transmission. I put in MTL when I had about 7,000 miles and put in D4 when I had 70,000. It seemed wrong to put in automatic fluid in my manual but I am happy to report it works well. The effort level with the MTL was not high but it is lower with the D4. I did not expect that. Especially on downshifts, the gears seem to engage easier. We'll see what it's like in 50K-70K miles but I suspect it will still be working well.

I used a cheap harbor freight allen socket on both fluid changes. It is 1/2 drive. I shortened it this time with an angle grinder. I could use it without shortening but it is easier now that it is shorter. I just cut off what wouldn't go into the transmission plugs anyway. Took longer to walk to the shop and get out the grinder than to make the cut.
__________________
128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport
Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
Appreciate 1
Dackelone10511.00
      08-13-2019, 07:38 AM   #344
m_thompson
Major
m_thompson's Avatar
United_States
133
Rep
1,416
Posts

Drives: M-Sport 128i, 328xi, 3.0CS
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: New England, USA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 128i  [0.00]
1972 3.0CS  [10.00]
Just changed the oil in the differential and 6-MT transmission in my 128i. I used Red Line MTL in the transmission and Red Line 75W-90 in the differential, per Mike Miller's recommendation. The diff oil was still clear-yellow. The transmission oil was dark and really stinky. I didn't notice any difference in shifting after the oil change.
__________________
'09 128i - Black Sapphire Metallic\Coral Red\Glacier Silver\N51 DISA\6MT\Navigation\Premium\M-Sport\Heated seats\Xenon\Headlights\iPod\Smartphone\Euro Delivery
Appreciate 0
      11-15-2019, 08:58 PM   #345
Navdeepasi
New Member
6
Rep
12
Posts

Drives: BMW M235i, Honda S2000
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Newfoundland and Labrador

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2014 BMW M235i  [0.00]
2004 Honda S2000  [0.00]
I use Amsoil DCT in m235i manual trans. It meets the LT5 and pentosin specs. It's been great so far. Same with the 75w90 severe gear in the diff.

Btw great right up! The underbody on that car is mint lol. It's the same steps for the m235i if anyone was wondering.
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2020, 11:01 AM   #346
Gray_Panther
Brigadier General
Gray_Panther's Avatar
1532
Rep
3,220
Posts

Drives: 128i
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Upstate NY

iTrader: (0)

After another 4k miles I will be doing the transmission and differential fluid changes again. I previously did it at 30k, so now I am hoping the fluids will still be clear.
__________________
2012 BMW 128i 6MT Deep Sea Blue Metallic
Appreciate 0
      04-30-2020, 11:10 AM   #347
apex_prd8r
New Member
22
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: 2011 128i 6M M-Sport
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: SE WI

iTrader: (0)

Preparing for my first (on this car) tranny and diff fluid swap, I came across this fluid pump on Amazon which has some rave reviews. I'm going to give it a try and will report back (probably in late May at the rate I am s-l-o-w-l-y approaching the 60k mile mark during the Corona-era).
https://www.amazon.com/Mityvac-MVA68...ustomerReviews
Appreciate 0
      05-29-2020, 04:40 PM   #348
gjm120
Colonel
2182
Rep
2,805
Posts

Drives: 2013 128i, 2021 230i
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: East Texas

iTrader: (1)

What Differential Fluid Type

A while back I did a differential fluid change using BMW branded SAF-XO 75W90. Now thinking I might have used the wrong fluid.

In RealOem a different part number is shown for differential oil from 07/2011 onward. I know part numbers can change with no change in the part itself, but, it seems the pre 07/2011 oil is a 75W90 GL-5 spec while the 07/2011 forward is 75W85 GL-4. The viscosity isn't my concern, it's GL-4 vs GL-5, specifically the additive package and the way it attaches itself to surfaces.

(initially dug into this when looking into gearbox oil for my old British motorcycles)

Anybody know anything about this? Those with newer cars, what differential fluid did you use?

I'm not hugely concerned since I don't put on a lot of miles and some gear oils carry both GL-4 and GL-5, but, since BMW decided to change spec in 2011, might be worth investigating.
__________________
E82 / BMWP Springs / Koni Yellows / M front control arms / Adjustable front endlinks / M rear guide rods / Whiteline Poly RSFB
Appreciate 0
      06-25-2020, 06:28 PM   #349
versakay
Registered
United_States
2
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 08 135i
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: houston

iTrader: (0)

Just picked up my new-to-me 135i and this helps alot! Assuming the previous owner has not changed the fluid. Will be doing the maintenance before adding mods. Thank you
Appreciate 1
N55135i269.00
      11-21-2020, 03:49 PM   #350
blnk-128
Private
blnk-128's Avatar
112
Rep
97
Posts

Drives: BMW 128i
Join Date: Nov 2020
Location: Charlottesville, VA

iTrader: (0)

Did this today on my 118k 128i with Redline 75W-90 for the diff (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1) and Redline MTL 75W-80 for the trans (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Shifts feel much smoother, car is new to me and I doubt it had been flushed before. 10/10 recommend.
Appreciate 0
      05-26-2022, 06:29 PM   #351
Marc08EX
Lieutenant
Marc08EX's Avatar
139
Rep
575
Posts

Drives: 2011 E82 135i
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: AZ

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
Btw… there are no copper crush o-rings… you just re-use the old drain plugs. They have one of those green neoprene o-rings built into the drain/fill plugs.
Dackelone, can we re-use the drain/fill plugs on the trans too?
__________________
2011 135i 6MT | Alpine White | Terracotta Boston Leather | M-Sport | BMW Performance Exhaust Resonator Delete | Active Autowerke Signature Exhaust | BMW Performance Suspension | Blackline LCI Taillights | BMW Performance CF Spoiler | CF Rear Diffuser | PPK | E92 M3 FSB | Matte Black Kidney Grilles | VMR V710 Jet Anthracite | Michelin PSS | BMW SS Pedals
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2022, 10:34 AM   #352
Thunderguts
Captain
Thunderguts's Avatar
772
Rep
992
Posts

Drives: 2009 128i Sport MT
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: DFW

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Marc08EX View Post
Dackelone, can we re-use the drain/fill plugs on the trans too?
Sadly Dackleone left us for the big race track in the sky. Ideally you would replace any fill or drain plug, but as long as yours are in good shape, I would just clean and reuse them. The gearbox isn't under a lot of pressure anyway.
__________________
Official BMWP Whore - BMWP suspension kit w/ M3 arms, BMWP big brake kit, BMWP intake w/Mishimoto tube, BMWP exhaust, BMWP carbon strut brace, BMWP short shifter, and BMWP carbon spoiler. OZ Leggera HLT w/ 245 square setup.

Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:05 PM.




1addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST