manual gearbox oil change

[peter2704]

ok so this is on my to do list in the New year ,what oil do we recommend and is there any that helps the shift feeling? Is the redline stuff good and how much would i need

 

[flybobbie]

I used Redline MT-LV, 2 quarts about £40.

I am over Christmas going try and add some Liquid Moly to see if that improves the 1-2 shift.

 

[Mr Tidy]

Just a thought, but if it is still there removing the Clutch Delay Valve might improve the 1st to 2nd gear change.

 

[peter2704]

I had that removed earlier in the year

 

[flybobbie]

My cars went 10 years ago, not much different.
Biggest factor with gear change is temperature and not necessarily warmer better.
Some cool days shifts ok.
Certain days it struggles to go into first (always at traffic lights!) or reverse.
I have to shift to 2nd after stopping sometimes before first to move off.

 

[peter2704]

Mines the same symptoms

 

[flybobbie]

Seems a junk design gear box, i did have a loan Series 1 diesel, that was smooth as silk.
In fact other than my first car in the 80's, a TR7, this has got to be the 2nd worst gearbox.
Even when i bought from dealer back in 2012 i said, usual clunky BMW gearbox, so hasn't got worse over the years.

 

[peter2704]

Did the redline mr improve things though?

 

[flybobbie]

Did the redline mr improve things though?

Slightly having tried before, factory, ATF, Syncromax then Redline.
Best i read somewhere was Honda gearbox oil, but bit pricy.

 

[Nick W]

Opie Oils recommended this and been using it for 18 months now on road and track without skipping a beat. Definitely using it next time but maybe the biggest factors are putting in new oil frequently and a sprinkle of placebo to top it off.

 

[peter2704]

So it improved things , will check that out too

 

[Mr Tidy]

I've had 7 BMWs with the Getrag manual gearboxes and no two have been the same. :?

My current 330i has the worst so far, very obstructive getting into 1st at a standstill and not much better changing into 2nd or 3rd.

The ZF in my MC has quite a heavy action, but I can always select the gear I want!

I hope fresh fluid helps. Mt E46 325ti definitely felt better with it, but as I'd also had the CDV removed and a new shifter bush fitted at the same time I don't know which of those made the most difference.

 

[flybobbie]

Always feels like the syncros are not lined up, like some manufacture fault. If i double declutch 1-2 usually goes in smooth or if i hang the revs. But try doing it in one go and clunk.

 

[peter2704]

so redline or millers ?? which is the best

 

[Nick W]

I can only vouch for Millers and Castrol in the Z but as there are plenty who swear by Redline, shop around and try the cheapest. Any within spec oil should feel better than your old stuff and if you dislike it then treat it as a flush and buy the next on your list. Opie Oils are good for a chat and reasonably priced. Also you'll need around 1 1/2 litres :driving:
Not teaching you to suck eggs but remember to free the filler before draining.

 

[flybobbie]

https://www.liqui-moly.com/en/gb/gear-oil-additive-p000009.html#1040
Giving this a go, only been in a few days with zero temperatures.

 

[peter2704]

Let us know how it goes

 

[flybobbie]

Let us know how it goes

Yes needs a few normal days of running rather than the cold temperatures.
It certainly is a temperature and a weight problem.
Notchy.ness seems to vary with temperature like there is a sweet spot.
But also weight. Seems easier if fuel tank full, i assume more load on gearbox on changing.
Rarely have passengers to notice if that is different.

 

[peter2704]

Must confess my car stood for a few days in the cold and when I used it the gear change was nicer