ssmann
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Friends,I am starting this thread as a base to gather/share info on what fluids should be introduced into a M ride. Specifically mine is a S50B30 with a 5 speed manual gearbox and LSD. 1. Engine oilThere is significant debate out there around engine oils for M engines. In my assessment this is partly the result of BMW choosing Castrol (owned by BP) as their official lubricants partner, similar to what Ferrari has done with Shell. Traditionally, I have read over the internet and on this forum that the preferred engine oil is Castrol TWS 10W60. I also understand some have used Castrol Edge Sport 0W40 and have seen good results. It's early for me as yet, but I spoke to our Chief Petroleum Engineer earlier this afternoon and his assessment is pure and simple.....show him an engine (apart from those that are consistently exposed to high pressure and temperature i.e. those that are frequently tracked/raced) that can breach a 40 heat grade and he would re-assess his job!!!! Now that's a serious claim. Given that, I asked my mechanic to pour 0W40 into my S50 engine : ). His response was, "Singh, lu suka buang luit ahhhh!!! Itu 5W40 sudah cukup la!!!" Being so new to the M, I chose the safer bet and went with the 0w40. Unfortuntely the brand had to be Castrol as no other brands available in Msia make such a blend. It is worthwhile to note that the Petroleum Engineer also assured me that in Msia with our humidity and temparature, that a blend of 5W40 is more than sufficient to manage the stress of the most challenging engine conditions. Most important is regular oil change at the right intervals and allow highly stressed engines the right to a well lubed engine at right temperature before pushing it. I further checked this point with our Chief Drilling Engineer who is responsible for oil rigs with massive gears that need to drill 3 km into the earth. These gears are changed every 500 metres or so as they give way!!! Talk about stressed engines....he completely agrees. He drives a E60 M5 and he uses a Fully Synthetic 5W40 for his ride. No trouble for the past 3 years he claims.A call to my previous owner confirms that he has been using Shell Ultra Helix 10w40 on the car for the past 2 years of his ownership. I don’t see any signs of wear or sludge or engine deprivation as yet. I chose a safer proven bet and used the 0W40 instead, however the 5W40 indicates that it would have worked just as fine or lesser cost and more options, based on research on paper and people who have the technical expertise around lubes.Also check out the following sites for some educated reviewshttp://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10033722. Transmission fluidAnother debated subject on whether to use ATF or MTL. I called BMW Malaysia for an answer this afternoon and their response was if you use any transmission fluid apart from BMW approved ATF on auto or manual trannies, the warranty is void. I spoke to some Engineer named Mr Lim from AB Glenmarie ( a rather rude guy!!!). I was a little suspicious and started to google this, and hey presto found some sites that say the same thing. Reviews on whether to use ATF or MTL with 75W80 grade (and some say 75W90) was mixed. My research remains inconclusive on this point as yetHowever, I drained my tranny fluid today and after reading various posts and checking with those in the know, I poured BMW approved ATF Dextron III into my tranny. Drove for 60 km’s and feels fine, no difference spotted as yet.Here are some overseas forum posting on tranny fluidshttp://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_techtip/techtips/e36_fluids.htmhttp://m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=294735http://forums.eurocca.net/showthread.php/31742-E36-M3-6-Speed-Gearbox-Oil-What-to-UseSome say Redline junk…some swear by it. I am indeed confused. I think the best thing to do is use Dextron III and flush every 5000km or use a 75W90 performance fluid and flush every 10000km. I dunno the answer to this one yet……any pointers???3. Diff oilSimilar argument to tranny oil as above and recommendation is 75W90. Some say use 75W140. There are mixed reviews on this……..Do I have an educated answer as yet…..on engine oil a big YES. Thanks to a forumer here and my colleagues at work. On tranny fluid and diff fluid, not really and hoping for those with experience to shareThanks!
