Interesting observation about Redline MTL

[KenC]

Copied from unofficialbmw.com

I thought it was pretty interesting because I'm having the same problem.





7.6.1: Redline MTL

(NOTE: While most digesters really swear by MTL (Manual Trans Lube)
to improve shifter smoothness, especially in cold weather, there may
be a problem. This has since been reported by several other
digesters:)

-------------------------
From: prreitz@amp.com (Paul R. Reitz)
Date: Mon, 10 Apr 1995 08:39:43 -0400

Dear netters;

Dewspite all the wonderful things about MTL, I've one question...

I've been experiencing repeated failure of the backup light switch in an
'82 528E. The backup light bulbs are standard P25-1 (equiv. 1156). A new
switch lasts for maybe one month.

At first I attributed the failure to a bad batch of inferior aftermarket
switches. But repeated failure with switches from different sources,
including BMW OE parts, suggest re-evaluation.

(Destructive) disassembly of failed switches reveals normal slight
discoloration of the contact, but no pitting, etc. Minimal cleaning
restores low contact resistance, but the switch cannot be reassembled. :(

Is it possible that the Redline MTL in the gearbox is creating a
sufficiently non-conductive film that it permeates the rubber membrane,
coats the contact, and creates the failure? Has anyone else, using MTL or
not, experienced this?


Please reply directly, as I get only about 1 of 3 digests on average. I'll
summarize responses for the list. Thanks!

- -Paul Reitz, BMW CCA #1167
(prreitz@amp.com)
[2002, 733, 528e, 325iX]

[Rich V]

Ran the stuff in both my E30's and never had a problem. One for one year and the other for 3 years.

[Jand3rson]

That sounds pretty flimsy.

[mspiegle]

is the switch inside the gearbox?

[rs4pro3]

Now it screws into the side, I put Redline in my 88 the switch never worked so I replaced it and a week latter it went out(put in a used switch) every once and a while the switch will kick on though.

[Giorgio]

my switch went out on my old 89 325i, i learned the lesson of fixing your reverse switch the hard way unfortunately, the car hasn't had redline for couple years, i'm running some standard valvoline, but that is interesting, i will fill you in if the switch goes bad again w/out redline.