Gear oil (Redline MTL or MT90?)

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Xyrium

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Hello All:

Is anyone running Redline for gear oil? In my Integra, I was running MTL with much success. Just wondering if the stock fluids are good. I didn't see anything in the newbies section on this, and no real topics under E46, and I get my 330xi in a few months, so I'd like to move the synthetic into the box after about 1500 miles..

Thanks!
Paul
 
Akakubi

Akakubi

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Redline ATF is the correct one for the 330 for the tranny. But in all honesty BMW life-time fluid is better (it's also synthetic BTW). Redline ATF does not hold the temperature too well, if you give the tranny a good work out (track/autoX). MTL is a more appropriate fluid, but.... with the amount of sulfur in it, BMW tranny will not be able to cope with it over time and corrode. You will have to flush it every 3000 or so miles to extend life. This was coming from the Redline representative...

So I ended up replacing my stock fluid with the stock BMW fluid again - it's much sturdier under any conditions. It very expensive though, at $25/liter. You will need roughly 1.3L.

For the differential you can use 75-90W Redline.
 
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Big Daddy

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I have used Redline for over 10 years in all my BMW's trans and diffs and never had a problem. It came recommended from Camp BMW and Mechanic Masters in Spokane Wa. Both very reputable. Of course the cars that I have had it the longest in is the 91 318is. The 98 M roadster has only had it for about three years. Do you have an article or a source on this Redline rep?
 
Akakubi

Akakubi

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Xyrium said:
Well, I wonder how my Acura and many VWs are doing in other owner's hands right now? Those cars always responded well to MTL. I've been using it without consequence for over 10 years. Thanks for the info, I've sent a quick email over to Redline for written confirmation.

Thanks,
Paul
Click to expand...
Yeah, apparently only BMW trannies do not like Redline MTL for other than racing purposes. My non-bimmer friends run MTL with no problems also.
 
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Xyrium

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Strange and disappointing. Oh well, guess I'll stick to the BMW stuff, unless the redline rep advises otherwise. I have to say, BMW certainly is a strange breed. Everything seems to be very proprietary, from the stereo to the damn gear oil. Que sera sera.[driving]
 
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Xyrium

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Ok, I corresponded with Dave Granquist of Redline and he told me that the Redline ATFs, GL4, and GL5 lubes do not contain enough sulfur to be corrosive to the brass, bronze, or copper components found in a manual trans.. He reccomended either the ATF (yes, even for a manual) for late model BMWs, or 75W90 for mine (2004 330xi).

I'm not going to quote him here (need permission) but that's the synopsis. From experience however, I can tell you that putting a synthetic in a gearbox that is old (>65k) can cause leaks in the seals. HTH!
 
Akakubi

Akakubi

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Xyrium said:
Ok, I corresponded with Dave Granquist of Redline and he told me that the Redline ATFs, GL4, and GL5 lubes do not contain enough sulfur to be corrosive to the brass, bronze, or copper components found in a manual trans.. He reccomended either the ATF (yes, even for a manual) for late model BMWs, or 75W90 for mine (2004 330xi).

I'm not going to quote him here (need permission) but that's the synopsis. From experience however, I can tell you that putting a synthetic in a gearbox that is old (>65k) can cause leaks in the seals. HTH!
Click to expand...
Yep, that's the case with the BMW trannies. [:)]

But the good thing about the Redline oil, it will show any potential problems with the hardware very quickly - leaking seals, plugs, etc.
 
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