RE: Answers = More Questions WAS:Re: Transmission hard to shift - -> OIL??

["Fadeev, Alex" <alex.fadeev@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Michel Drainville [mailto:MDrainville@domain.elided] wrote:
> 
> I still have one more question regarding the replies I got.
> On 6 replies, 5 fellow reported using Redline MTL and one 
> Redline D4.  To me D4 is what makes sense since it is a ATF
> fluid and BMW is asking for ATF. MTL is a manual transmission
> fluid rated 75W90 so it is more viscous than regular ATF. All
> these people reported they were satisfied with Redline (D4 and
> MTL) and they saw an improvement over regular Dextron II ATF.
> 
> So, my question is, which one should I use?  If BMW wanted to 
> use gear oil in their transmission they wouldn't specify ATF.
> So why so many people use MTL instead of D4?

Michel,
Both Redline MTL and D4 ATF are both GL-4 gear oils. MTL is reportedly a
little thicker (70W80 GL-4 or 5-10W30 SAE engine oil viscosity).
I use MTL in my 192K miles E30 and D4 ATF in the 55K mile M3. Due to thicker
MTL, my old E30 transmission is actually quieter than the "rattle at idle
after track/autoX run" D4 ATF filled M3 transmission.
Read more at www.redlineoil.com

> PS.  One fellow suggested me to check my clutch travel, may be
> there was some air trapped in the system. I will check it to
> make sure, but I doubt it is the problem because I tried to 
> pump the clutch several times in neutral, then engage 1st or 
> 2nd, and the effort required, was the same.

The hydraulic clutch is filled with brake fluid. I am not sure about the
E30s, but on E36 cars there is another brake fluid bleeder nipple at the
clutch.

alex f

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