2002 BMW 530i, MT, purchased used in 2005 with 38,000 miles. Had my indy mechanic do complete fluid changes shortly after purchase. My indy won't stray from BMW rec fluids so BMW MTF-02 went in (I believe this is a Castrol product). I still didn't like the shift quality--very notchy, sometimes could not get it into 1st, occ could not get it into 3rd. Did another MT fluid change one year later, same fluid (since it was still under CPO warranty). Same poor shift quality in my opinion. After that I learned how to jack this car up and put in RP Synchromax early summer. Much improved shift quality, still somewhat notchy, and occasionally could not get into 1st but less frequent. Left this in a few months and just put in Amsoil MTF. Very nice shift quality, a speck notchy at times (but overall much improved). I mention all this only because this gets discussed on many BMW boards. Most everyone who writes in has changed their MTF to something other than the BMW stuff. My rank order: Amsoil MTF>RP Synchromax>>BMW MTF-02.
Experience with Amsoil MTF, BMW ZF Man trans
- Thread starter RustyH
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Yeah, I would give a 50:50 MTF/MTG blend next time. Thinking that MTG might be a little too thick to run straight up year round.
BTW, your opinion is appreciated. Too many use a fluid with great results and say nothing. Others are just the opposite.
Too many on the BMW boards are like your independent mechanic, and are too afraid to use non-BMW fluids.
There are plenty of aftermarket choices that perform just as well as OE, and many times can perform even better.
BTW, your opinion is appreciated. Too many use a fluid with great results and say nothing. Others are just the opposite.
Too many on the BMW boards are like your independent mechanic, and are too afraid to use non-BMW fluids.
There are plenty of aftermarket choices that perform just as well as OE, and many times can perform even better.
RustyH:
Thanks for posting your feedback. I've used factory, Redline D4ATF, Redline MTL and Synchromax in my 1998 528i with ZF 5-speed. I've been curious about Amsoil MTF but at this time Amsoil themselves doesn't "recommend" it and not too many people in my forum circles have even heard of Amsoil let alone tried it in a manual trans.
Cheers.
Thanks for posting your feedback. I've used factory, Redline D4ATF, Redline MTL and Synchromax in my 1998 528i with ZF 5-speed. I've been curious about Amsoil MTF but at this time Amsoil themselves doesn't "recommend" it and not too many people in my forum circles have even heard of Amsoil let alone tried it in a manual trans.
Cheers.
Time to get the word out!
Pablo, if I stayed in the box I'd be lining up at the dealer for MTF-LT2
Quote:
Pablo, if I stayed in the box I'd be lining up at the dealer for MTF-LT2
'tis true.
Thank you everyone for the comments.
JBL and Undummy, your recommendation for the mix is to obtain a fluid with viscosity between the two. Humor the novice here:
1. I have a copy of the ZF transmissions and parts list that they make for BMWs. At the end, ZF's fluid recommendation naturally is the BMW MTF-LT-01 (Esso) (at the time this was written), but also mentions DexIII can be used but not for lifetime fill. The Amsoil "mix" would appear to be getting away from the manufacturer's recommended viscosity. Will this harm the transmission?
2. I assume these two amsoil fluids mix OK.
3. Any negatives to trying this? Loss of MPG?
I am not shy about experimentation particularly since I now do the fluid change myself. But I don't want to mess up the transmission.
Thanks for your time. I may consider this next summer.
JBL and Undummy, your recommendation for the mix is to obtain a fluid with viscosity between the two. Humor the novice here:
1. I have a copy of the ZF transmissions and parts list that they make for BMWs. At the end, ZF's fluid recommendation naturally is the BMW MTF-LT-01 (Esso) (at the time this was written), but also mentions DexIII can be used but not for lifetime fill. The Amsoil "mix" would appear to be getting away from the manufacturer's recommended viscosity. Will this harm the transmission?
2. I assume these two amsoil fluids mix OK.
3. Any negatives to trying this? Loss of MPG?
I am not shy about experimentation particularly since I now do the fluid change myself. But I don't want to mess up the transmission.
Thanks for your time. I may consider this next summer.
I don't see why (especially in Boise) you would need to mix fluids.....mixing is fine, but I agree maybe check it out next summer.
Im talking about my own experience. I have been using straight Redline MTL. The shift quality is good but even better if adding MT90. The very best shifting quality in my XC70 is to use straight MT90.
the gear boxes can be individuals so you have to try and mix before the very best shift quality is up.
The recommended fluid to Volvo is 75W80 GL4 fluid. Maybee the newer M66 has it recommended 75W90 GL4. Not sure for the viscosity of M66.
the gear boxes can be individuals so you have to try and mix before the very best shift quality is up.
The recommended fluid to Volvo is 75W80 GL4 fluid. Maybee the newer M66 has it recommended 75W90 GL4. Not sure for the viscosity of M66.
I've used Redline MTL in my '02 330ci since new and it shifts better now (at 98k miles) than when it was new.
Redline products are very good and I recommend them wholeheartedly.
As a matter of fact, I just bought an '08 Mazdaspeed 3 and it specs a 75/90 GL4 for trannie fluid so at 10k in will go the Redline MT90.
One more example..My brother had a 2000 BMW 540 six speed that was always notchy shifting. H e complained to the dealer and they called the notchiness normal vehicle function and refused to change out BMW's lovely lifetime fluid.
I changed it out with Redline MTL and within 2 miles of driving the notchiness was gone!!! He's a believer too! Cheers DV
Redline products are very good and I recommend them wholeheartedly.
As a matter of fact, I just bought an '08 Mazdaspeed 3 and it specs a 75/90 GL4 for trannie fluid so at 10k in will go the Redline MT90.
One more example..My brother had a 2000 BMW 540 six speed that was always notchy shifting. H e complained to the dealer and they called the notchiness normal vehicle function and refused to change out BMW's lovely lifetime fluid.
I changed it out with Redline MTL and within 2 miles of driving the notchiness was gone!!! He's a believer too! Cheers DV
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