Automatic transmission fluid in manulal tranny

[Chris325/325i]

Here is something I have saved, for E30's there can be 3 different type of fluid for the manual trans (mine has the red label so I used Redline D4 ATF):


For 1992-87 bmw cars, inspect for color coded fluid identification label, usually affixed to the passenger side of the transmission bellhousing, to verify the fluid installed.

GREEN LABEL*..GLS(GEAR Lubricant Specal, get this from BMW dealer)
RED LABEL*....AF(DEXRON-III Automatic Transmission Fluid, yes automatic)
NO LABEL+ ....80W GL-4

* Transmissions filled with AF or GLS are fitted with 17mm external hex head drain and fill plugs

+ Transnissions that are filled with GL-4 are fitted with 17mm internal hex(allen) head drain and fill plugs.

[demlotcrew]

Some good info there too, i think that the breather is also different for ATF boxes. To be honest i think its a dealer thing, some cars have the same box but use different Lub, i like ATF because it makes the gears glide into place and much better on high speed down shift.

[modbimmer]

bottom line is that its clearly states in the Bentley manual, ATF can and should be used if the car is exposed to cold temperatures. now, that being said, it is probably OK to use ATF in e30 manual transmissions but if you live in cali, texas, etc then use redline MTL. since i live in frozen canada and drive my car in the winter, i use amsoil syn dex III ATF.

[DaN]

I put redline d4 atf in my getrag 5 speed (green label) to solve some cold shifting issues, the same day I started hearing some clicking'rattling noises coming from the transmission that's rpm dependent.
I then changed to MTL and the sound persisted, then I changed to synthetic 80w 140, hoping it would quiet things down. No luck. The sound's still there, and I'm going to blame the atf. :?

[demlotcrew]

bottom line is that its clearly states in the Bentley manual, ATF can and should be used if the car is exposed to cold temperatures. now, that being said, it is probably OK to use ATF in e30 manual transmissions but if you live in cali, texas, etc then use redline MTL. since i live in frozen canada and drive my car in the winter, i use amsoil syn dex III ATF.

Makes sense to me!

[mikeedler]

I posted a question on this a few months back, and none of you responded. Here in Germany, all the BMW dealers are putting ATF in all of the trans. My friend had his changed there due to lack of 17mm hex, and it started pissing fluid the next day. I stayed with the 80/90w in hopes of it not leaking, and its ok still on mine. a thinner oil, on a old seal=bad things!

[Digitalwave]

I'm running Redline MTL in my Getrag 260, no issues, its quite, shift great, etc.

[Stu]

With the smaller gearbox of the M42, I ran a mixture of Dexron and STP oil treatment. I use it in my 325 gearbox as well and it has worked great in both transmissions.

[hamann318is]

Wow, I'm so confused right now. :roll:

[m42technic]

Wow, I'm so confused right now. :roll:

JUST PUT ATF IN YOUR TRANSMISSION. :P

[hamann318is]

Wow, I'm so confused right now. :roll:

JUST PUT ATF IN YOUR TRANSMISSION. :P

That's all I needed. :)

[gstuning]

My M box has ATF and I am going to change it out soon,

Not sure on what I am going to put in there, and no there is no redline available here