2006 3.0i Manual Transmission Fluid Change

[stal023]

Been trying to do my research on fluids and I am going to stick with one fluid at a time instead of asking everything in one post. Transmission fluid, which is the way to go, Red Line (50204) SAE 75W80 API GL-4 or Royal Purple SYNCHROMAX and why?

My only prior experience is with Royal Purple and it made a world of difference in shifting.

Also, I am reading when changing the fluid to go ahead and get a new crush gasket for the drain plug? What is recommended with this? I also watched a video of a guy adding teflon tape to the plugs. Yah or nah?

Recommended to change this every 30k?

Much appreciated everyone. Once I change this out, I will go to the next fluid question

 

[pilch]

Interested to see the answers to the oil choice as I have this on my preventative 'to do' list...

 

[TheDan]

I put Redline in my gearbox, but it was a combination of MTL and ATF as I got a recommendation from Opie Oils as well as on the forum here (https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=88064). Here is the link to what I bought: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/283637028759.

I put in all the MTL and then topped up to the 1.6L required with the ATF as the MTL is meant to be slightly kinder to the gears.

In terms of drain plug crush washer, I just bought a new plug which came with a new copper crush washer. I wanted a magnetic plug, but didn't manage to find one the correct size in time. Teflon tape is not needed IMO.

Changing every 30-50k is probably correct. BMW say its lifetime oil, but no one believes that

If your next fluids question is about diff oil I have some wisdom to share on that as I made a slight mistake with mine

 

[BumpyZ4]

I used Redline MTL, new drain and fill plugs (no Teflon needed). 30K-50K is a nice safe range.

 

[stal023]

I'd rather not mix unless that is definitely the way to go. Don't understand why I would mix for a manual transmission? Is buying new drain/fill plugs needed? Can't say I have ever bought new plugs when changing out transmission fluid on any other vehicle I have owned.

 

[horseless_carriage]

The drain plug in my car was weird, it had a built in polymer seal that I could not remove and replace. So I ended up getting a whole new drain plug. Just make sure you get the right part number, there appear to be 2 different styles.

 

[stal023]

The drain plug in my car was weird, it had a built in polymer seal that I could not remove and replace. So I ended up getting a whole new drain plug. Just make sure you get the right part number, there appear to be 2 different styles.

How in the world do I know what to order?

 

[BumpyZ4]

I ordered two 23117531356 plugs. They both came with replaceable o-rings.

 

[horseless_carriage]

According to my records I used the same drain plug as BumpyZ4. This was an aluminium drain plug with a polymer/rubber gasket. Part number 23117531356

Originally I had incorrectly purchased a steel plug with no gasket originally (part number 23127602815 - wrong type)

 

[BumpyZ4]

This is what I ordered. They call it a gasket ring instead of an o-ring but they are replaceable with the plugs i received.

 

[dhobbs]

How easy is it to change the gearbox fluid? Can it be done on the driveway?

 

[Toed64]

How easy is it to change the gearbox fluid? Can it be done on the driveway?

Easy, so long as you have an oil syringe, or a pump. This video is a tad pedestrian and you can skip thge first 5+ minutes, but the filming is clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcULW_T3VHk

 

[ZedsDeadbabyZedzdead]

Sorry guys I’m gonna have to show myself up badly here but I didn’t know you had to change manual cars gearbox oil, my cars a 56 plate with 92k on the clock would you recommend I ask a mechanic to change my oil too, only got the car 5 days ago so I don’t know it’s history despite it having 8 stamps in the book

 

[pilch]

Sorry guys I’m gonna have to show myself up badly here but I didn’t know you had to change manual cars gearbox oil, my cars a 56 plate with 92k on the clock would you recommend I ask a mechanic to change my oil too, only got the car 5 days ago so I don’t know it’s history despite it having 8 stamps in the book

Unless there's a receipt to say its been then I definitely would. On top of the oil your mechanic should charge no more than half hours labour. If he does....find another one! Or if you're local I'll do it

 

[ZedsDeadbabyZedzdead]

Thanks for the advice I’ll look into that, I’m planning on keeping the car a while so I do wanna get it right plus I’m in the honeymoon period of ownership so I’m happy to splash out on anything needed

 

[dhobbs]

How easy is it to change the gearbox fluid? Can it be done on the driveway?

Easy, so long as you have an oil syringe, or a pump. This video is a tad pedestrian and you can skip thge first 5+ minutes, but the filming is clear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcULW_T3VHk

Thanks, good straightforward video (after 5 minutes)

 

[yipikayee]

i went for Motul, motyl gear. sae75 w80

 

[stal023]

Sorry guys I’m gonna have to show myself up badly here but I didn’t know you had to change manual cars gearbox oil, my cars a 56 plate with 92k on the clock would you recommend I ask a mechanic to change my oil too, only got the car 5 days ago so I don’t know it’s history despite it having 8 stamps in the book

Transmission fluid, oil, differential, and brake fluid is all my understanding but this is with any vehicle.

 

[stal023]

I just ordered the drain plug (part number 23117531356) and 2 quarts of the Royal Purple. I'll update on here after I make the change and drive it for a while to tell y'all if I feel a difference in shifting at all.

 

[Thrustyjust]

I changed mine easily using ketchup pumps off ebay. The E86 doesnt have a drain for the diff, so by using a ketchup pump the wrong way round, you can pump it out the diff and into a tray, then clean it out and screw onto the new oil bottle and pump in. Takes 5 mins this way to drain and refill. Biggest issue is getting to the plug.
As for the gearbox, make sure you take the fill bung out first , so if you drain and it doesnt undo , you are stuffed . I didnt change any plugs or washers and so far is still oil tight. A little common sense and less brutality means they will be fine.
I can do both the diff and box, when the car is in the air in about 30 mins, so with the minimal cost of oil and ketchup pumps ( design for viscosity) I will do mine again next year, which makes it every 3 years. If you do it on an oil change then the car is in the air anyway.