why changing the gearbox oil isn't a bad idea

M

monaco_blue

Member
I changed the oil a couple of weeks ago and today went to clean out the drain pan. When I had it in the sunlight I could see gold flecks, presumably from the synchros. Can't be a good idea to leave that running around inside the box. Piccie below; flecks are not as obvious in the photo as in real life.

 
Like you say, not a bad idea at all. For £30 worth of oil and an hour of your time preventative maintenance is worth it's weight in gold (flecks :poke: )
 
I always change the oil out to Amsoil...

You can usually see see the gold and silver flecks suspended in the oil....I know the Amsoil gives a better gear change..
 
Smartbear said:
Did you notice any improvement in the shift action or does it seem unchanged?
Regards
Click to expand...

I switched to Redline MTL - much better shifting, particularly when cold. I have been using MTL in BMW gearboxes for almost 30 years - there's an improvement every time.
 
Agree, since I changed the box oil the shifting action seems slicker. Still sometimes 'miss' a change slightly but I think mounts would resolve that. For £30 of oil and £10 for new plugs it's worth doing. The oil that came out was black and rather nasty... lifetime fill I don't think...
 
monaco_blue said:
Smartbear said:
Did you notice any improvement in the shift action or does it seem unchanged?
Regards
Click to expand...

I switched to Redline MTL - much better shifting, particularly when cold. I have been using MTL in BMW gearboxes for almost 30 years - there's an improvement every time.
Click to expand...

Is this available in different grades or just the one?
 
Why wouldn't you change the gearbox fluid? its not a lifetime fluid on the M and must be changed.
 
Vanne said:
Why wouldn't you change the gearbox fluid? its not a lifetime fluid on the M and must be changed.
Click to expand...

Agreed. My car has 32K miles so has only had the oil changed once at the running-in service. The factory recommended change is still some way off.
 
Vanne said:
Why wouldn't you change the gearbox fluid? its not a lifetime fluid on the M and must be changed.
Click to expand...


Ditto...why would you NOT do this, as its part of the Insp.2 items on the service schedule in the M handbook/owners pack :thumbsup:
 
Hi Guys,

Recently bought my m coupe and need to start looking at changing various fluids.
My mechanical knowledge has much to be desired but I want to gain some practical knowledge of my coupe as well as keep it maintained to a high standard.

My question is which oils do i need for the various fluid changes I can do myself (gearbox, diff, engine).

A new plug was mentioned earlier in the thread so information on any other consumerable parts involved in changing fluids would be fantastic.

Thanks in advance.

Gregg.
 
Hi Gregg,

Gearbox Oil - Red Line MTL 75W80
Diff Oil - Red Line Differential 75W140

I'd suggest calling Opie Oils to get best prices (including delivery) for both.
 
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