correct trans fluid ?

[Simon S]

Going with Redline product. Transmission doesn't appear to have a label, but trans also has external plugs(?)

Pics:








D4ATF, MT90 or MTL ?

I'm inclined to choose MTL due to lack of label..

input appreciated. tia

[e30Matt]

I've run MTL in all the cars I've owned, including a '91 318is, and it shifted great, no troubles. I'd recommend it for you regardless of what tranny you have.

[royalflush313]

I have a 1991 318is, with the external fill-plug tranny.
Mine had a orange label telling to use ATF.

If I recall, all 318is shares the same tranny - therefore, all should use ATF.

[AdamF 88iS]

What fluid did you drain out of it?

Brown is gear oil.
Bright red is ATF.
Somwhere in the middle is MTL.

[redcarbon]

Going with Redline product. Transmission doesn't appear to have a label, but trans also has external plugs(?)

Pics:




D4ATF, MT90 or MTL ?

I'm inclined to choose MTL due to lack of label..

input appreciated. tia

That says its a GETRAG 240, right? All 318is came with 240s, that I am aware of. As royalflush said, my 318is had an orange sticker on it to use ATF. I put Redline ATF in my tranny, no problems, shifts great.

[BCMike]

A useful tranny fluid faq

http://www.bmwe30.net/cgi-bin/datacgi/database.cgi?file=articles&report=view&ID=00106&Section=11

[Simon S]

I can’t make up my fuckin mind ! ! :???: .. would really like to choose ‘best/most appropriate’ of the three fluids.

Different sources indicate:
Red label / external plug = D4 ATF
Green Label / external plug = MT90
No Label / internal plug = MTL

My external plugs and lack of label is really buggin me.

Could anyone confirm that ‘labels’ (if present) are located on passenger side bell housing? Specifics on where or how big?

Thank you, AdamF for prompting me to drain fluid for a clue. (it appeared ‘brownish-red’)

Does anyone know if external magnetic drain plugs came from the factory?
The external drain plug pulled from my non-labeled (?) transmission was magnetic.
Knowing that might confirm suspicion that external plugs were swapped for original internal plugs.

just pulled drain plug:


plug cleaned off:


drained fluid pics:




Different sources also seem to indicate one could get away with using any of the three (?)

[bmwsmurf]

I have a 91 318is and the guy at BavAuto told me MTL was the way to go.

I think I read at some site (turner?), that Redline D4ATF was recommended for BMW transmissions 1/95+.

I hope i don't see a red label when i jack up the car to do this.

[royalflush313]

you have a 318is, with the 240 as you should.
You have an external plug like any other 318is with the 240 trannies.

Use Redline D4ATF and be done with it.

[Simon S]

ordered D4 ATF

Thanks again for input guys.. really appreciate it.