Gearbox oil

[rocket70]

I am having the conrod bearings changed in February and while RBM has it up on the ramp I was thinking I might get the gearbox oil changed to try to improve/smooth out the shifting. The fluid was changed at the last inspection 2 last year but what are you guys using in your boxes and any improvement over the BMW fluid?

 

[plenty]

Royal Purple Synchromax. Smoother shifting than many other options.

 

[rocket70]

Thank you.

Any idea how many litres I need?

 

[Mr Tidy]

I can't recommend anything, but RBM changed mine as part of the Inspection 2 service. But as your car had that done last year I'm not sure what you might gain getting it changed again. But if it is still there why not get the Clutch Delay Valve removed?

I'm sure Ross will check them but you might want to budget for new engine mounts while the front cross-member is off the car.

 

[Jon2215]

Royal Purple Synchromax. Smoother shifting than many other options.

+1,great stuff,made noticeable difference

 

[rocket70]

I can't recommend anything, but RBM changed mine as part of the Inspection 2 service. But as your car had that done last year I'm not sure what you might gain getting it changed again. But if it is still there why not get the Clutch Delay Valve removed?

I'm sure Ross will check them but you might want to budget for new engine mounts while the front cross-member is off the car.

Engine mounts are being done with the bearings.

I did check under the car after I got it and I am pretty sure the CDV has been bypassed. It just feels pretty notchy and I am struggling with 1 -2 gear change.... you wouldn't think I've been driving for 25+ years :lol:

 

[Mr Tidy]

Engine mounts are being done with the bearings.

I did check under the car after I got it and I am pretty sure the CDV has been bypassed. It just feels pretty notchy and I am struggling with 1 -2 gear change.... you wouldn't think I've been driving for 25+ years

Mine seems OK - unlike the obstructive gearchange in my 3 Series.

We'll have to meet up to compare!

 

[rocket70]

Engine mounts are being done with the bearings.

I did check under the car after I got it and I am pretty sure the CDV has been bypassed. It just feels pretty notchy and I am struggling with 1 -2 gear change.... you wouldn't think I've been driving for 25+ years

Mine seems OK - unlike the obstructive gearchange in my 3 Series.

We'll have to meet up to compare!

Definitely.

 

[Monster666]

Could the notchy gearchange be down to an ageing clutch?

 

[Wassup]

I had my gear Shifter overhauled with new OEM bushes, plastic insert and brass knuckle {numbers 2, 5,7,and 12) and it made a notable improvement

 

[Slideways]

I'd stick to the BMW MTF-LT2 transmission fluid if you plan on keeping the car longterm. With fresh fluid, it will feel slightly better for 100 miles and then it will go back to being the usual feeling ZF transmission that it is. Aftermarket fluid typically breaks down faster and will require more frequent changes. It is not worth adding accelerated wear on the gearbox for some aftermarket fluid.

 

[rocket70]

Thank you and i will take a look into that but also that is very handy for my x1 which i feel could do with the bushes etc replaced.

 

[rocket70]

I had my gear Shifter overhauled with new OEM bushes, plastic insert and brass knuckle {numbers 2, 5,7,and 12) and it made a notable improvement

Did you do this with the transmission still in the car or does it need removing to get access?

 

[Wassup]

in situ, needs to be lowered a bit to get access to brass knuckle. Think I paid about £280 labour and about £90 in parts a few years back.