Had the tranny and Diff oil changed and the place used 75w90

E28 technical advice asked and given! Troubleshooting, modifications and more.
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Rich in Tupelo
Posts: 2917
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Spring Hill, TN

Post by Rich in Tupelo »

with LSD agent for both tranny and Diff. I know the guy and the place and never had any problems with the work they have done but I recall reading the the Bentley that the tranny should use GL4. Will the GL5 cause any issues???

Thanks

Rich
pdx 528e
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Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Post by pdx 528e »

[QUOTE="Rich in Savannah"]with LSD agent for both tranny and Diff. I know the guy and the place and never had any problems with the work they have done but I recall reading the the Bentley that the tranny should use GL4. Will the GL5 cause any issues???

Thanks

Rich[/QUOTE]

Rich, I filled my 528e's G260 with Redline 75W90 GL-5+ synthetic about 3 months ago, per independent shop's recommendation. I have had nothing but better shifting. The transmission hasnt had any problems, but it wasnt troublesome before the fluid change. Not sure about the LSD agent inside the transmission but I would be confident about the GL rating not being a problem.

Chris


[Edit by pdx 528e on [TIME]1107294303[/TIME]]
Rich in Tupelo
Posts: 2917
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Spring Hill, TN

Post by Rich in Tupelo »

This is non synthetic. I was worried about it since I read that the sulfur can cause issues with the brass in the tranny (eating it). I talked to Steve H. a few minutes ago and he said to check the rating. Steve said he has been using mil spec 2105 with no problems (apparently their are different mil specs). I call the guys and the mil spec was 2105e 75w90 with lsd in both tranny and diff). So, I think I am good to go. I will keep a very close eye on it to see if it feels any different. Seems to be shifting smoother. I have noticed that I seem to hear it a little more but I had some friends who are 535 owners drive it last night and they did not notice or hear anything (could just be my normal parinoid self).

Rich
fastpat
Posts: 1036
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Post by fastpat »

[QUOTE="Rich in Savannah"]This is non synthetic. I was worried about it since I read that the sulfur can cause issues with the brass in the tranny (eating it). I talked to Steve H. a few minutes ago and he said to check the rating. Steve said he has been using mil spec 2105 with no problems (apparently their are different mil specs). I call the guys and the mil spec was 2105e 75w90 with lsd in both tranny and diff). So, I think I am good to go. I will keep a very close eye on it to see if it feels any different. Seems to be shifting smoother. I have noticed that I seem to hear it a little more but I had some friends who are 535 owners drive it last night and they did not notice or hear anything (could just be my normal parinoid self).

Rich[/QUOTE]

I've used Redline MTL in two trannies now, and will be using it in others. I use the 75/90 in the diff only.
pdx 528e
Posts: 3034
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Idaho Falls, ID

Post by pdx 528e »

[QUOTE="Rich in Savannah"]This is non synthetic. I was worried about it since I read that the sulfur can cause issues with the brass in the tranny (eating it). I talked to Steve H. a few minutes ago and he said to check the rating. Steve said he has been using mil spec 2105 with no problems (apparently their are different mil specs). I call the guys and the mil spec was 2105e 75w90 with lsd in both tranny and diff). So, I think I am good to go. I will keep a very close eye on it to see if it feels any different. Seems to be shifting smoother. I have noticed that I seem to hear it a little more but I had some friends who are 535 owners drive it last night and they did not notice or hear anything (could just be my normal parinoid self).

Rich[/QUOTE]

Just to be sure, I double checked my leftover bottle, and the redline I put in is also Mil spec 2105-e. My biggest concern is that this stuff may leak out my weak rear output seal a bit faster than my conventional gear oil was. I am still debating which is more of a pain, dropping the tranny mounts enough to work on the seal under the car... or to drop the entire transmission so that I can take my time and see what im doing on a workbench. Suggestions?
smackmybutter535i
Posts: 426
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM

Post by smackmybutter535i »

If you are a spirited driver I reccomend using the Redline products for both tranny and diff.
Threeshifter
Posts: 704
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM

Post by Threeshifter »

I just happen to have a drivetrain project around the corner and I have both the Redline MTL and Gear Oil sitting in front of me.

70w80 MTL is a non-hypoid lube with the statement- "This product is not desinged for use in a rear wheel drive differential which requires a GL-5 lubricant."

75w90 Gear Oil is a hypoid lube with the following statement- "This product is not designed for use in most manual transmissions, since the extreme slipperiness may cause gear clash."

Benltey calls for (and I am confident that the BMW owners manual also):
Trans 1.3 or 1.7 quarts SAE 80 API GL-4 MIL-L2105 non-hypoid
Diff 1.9 or 2.0 quarts SAE 90 GL-5

I believe:
The hypoid gear is the type found in the diff with a more complex shape that creates a large whiping motion and a larger contact patch resulting in specific lube requirements.

Most manual transmissions have slanted but not hypoid gear shapes.

IMHO, I would change it. Not emergency style but sooner than later. At least it is not saltwater!!
fastpat
Posts: 1036
Joined: Feb 12, 2006 12:00 PM
Location: Travelers Rest, South Carolina

Post by fastpat »

[QUOTE="Rich in Savannah"]This is non synthetic. I was worried about it since I read that the sulfur can cause issues with the brass in the tranny (eating it). I talked to Steve H. a few minutes ago and he said to check the rating. Steve said he has been using mil spec 2105 with no problems (apparently their are different mil specs). I call the guys and the mil spec was 2105e 75w90 with lsd in both tranny and diff). So, I think I am good to go. I will keep a very close eye on it to see if it feels any different. Seems to be shifting smoother. I have noticed that I seem to hear it a little more but I had some friends who are 535 owners drive it last night and they did not notice or hear anything (could just be my normal parinoid self).

Rich[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE="pdx 528e"]Just to be sure, I double checked my leftover bottle, and the redline I put in is also Mil spec 2105-e. My biggest concern is that this stuff may leak out my weak rear output seal a bit faster than my conventional gear oil was. I am still debating which is more of a pain, dropping the tranny mounts enough to work on the seal under the car... or to drop the entire transmission so that I can take my time and see what im doing on a workbench. Suggestions?[/QUOTE]

It's unlikely to leak faster, but changing the seal if it's leaking a lot is a good idea.
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