Gearbox and differential oil replacement.

TJS · Post by **TJS** » Tue 21 Apr, 2009 21:29

I have previously been advised by BMW dealer that the gearbox and diffs are sealed for life and the oil does not need to be changed.

Not sure what BMW define as "life" but I suspect an oil change after 20 years will do no harm.

After investigation the Z1 has a Getrag 260/5 gearbox from the E30 325i. capacity is 1.25 litres but is it oil or ATF ? Seems the gearbox has a colour coded label next to the drain plug, red label is D4 ATF, green label 75w90 oil.

Anyone changed the oils and knows which fluid is required? otherwise I will need to remove the under tray and have a peep.

Diff oil ... 125w140 or 75w90 ??

TJS

sfh3l · Post by **sfh3l** » Wed 22 Apr, 2009 15:21

Tony,

I think the (ridiculous) 'sealed for life' claim is only on the newer cars. The E30 and contemporaries do have a change schedule, I just can't read the German in my service book!

I would recommend 24,000 miles for Gearbox oil changes and 48,000 for the Differential - I seem to recall that is what the 325i was but I am sure someone will correct me if I am way out.

BMW are very specific about the Gearbox being Mobil SHC 630, which is very light (I think it is ATF) and any decent hypoid gear oil for the Diff.

I hope this helps - any news on those doors yet? Nag nag.....

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Wed 22 Apr, 2009 19:26

Hi Tony, hi Sam,

I have just had a look to the Technical Information System (TIS)

The oil of the shifting gearbox and the rear axle gearbox should be replaced every 48.000 km.

Following is written down there:

Orange sticker with the text "ATF-Oil!" near to the filler plug should be filled with ATF-Oil (If you need, I can send you a list of the allowed oils as PDF by email.

Green sticker with the text "Special Oil!!" near to the filler plug should be filled with BMW gearbox oil Parts-No. 81 22 9 407 305 (20 liter)
By using in cold conditions you can also use HD-engine oil SAE40, SAE30 or SAE20 to reduce the needed power for shifting the gears (Maybe the gearbox will make more mechanical noises then)

Gearboxes without sticker could be filled with SAE80 according to specification MIL-L-2105 or API-GL-4
By using in cold conditions you can also use HD-engine oil SAE40, SAE30 or SAE20 to reduce the needed power for shifting the gears (Maybe the gearbox will make more mechanical noises then)
When you are living in an area with extreme low temperatures (at the noth pole for example *lol*) you also can use ATF-Oil

Rear Axle without differential lock or with visco lock (from iX-modells):
Products name - Maker/deliverer
-------------------------------------------
AGIP HLX - Agip
Aral Getriebeöl BS - Aral
Castrol SAF-X0 - Castrol
Dearon BHS - Dea
FINA PONTONIC MS - Fina
FINA PONTONIC MX - Fina
Veedol SAF 66 - Veedol
Mobil Gearlube VS 600 - Mobil
BP Energear SHX - BP
VALVOLINE HL Plus - Valvoline
TRANSELF BM 75W-90 - Elf
Shell Getriebeöl OLS-BMW - Shell
Westfalen Fugo - BMO Westfalen AG
MOTUL HYPO SYNT - Motul
Avia Hypoid 75W-90 EP - Avia
Esso Getriebeöl NLS 75W-90 - Esso
Fuchs TITAN Gear H 75W-90 - Fuchs
Wintershall Getriebefluid - BOS Schmierstoffraffinerie Salzbergen GmbH

Rear axle with mechanical differential lock:

Products name - Maker/deliverer
---------------------------------------
Castrol SAF-XJ - Castrol
Veedol SAF 44 - Veedol
Mobil Getriebeöl VS 500 - Mobil
Aral Getriebeöl BS-LSX - Aral
BP Energear SHX-ZR - BP
Avia Hypoid 75W-140 LSX - Avia
Agip HLZ - Agip
FINA PONTONIC MLX - Fina
Shell Getriebeöl ZLS-BMW - Shell
Wintershall Getriebefluid BMS Plus - Schmierstoffraffinerie Salzbergen GmbH
Westfalen Fugo - BMS Westfalen AG

Hope that will help you...

Best regards
Michael
http://www.leder-pflege.de/
http://www.roadster-fashion.de
http://leder-pflege.zett-eins.de/catalog/

felix · Post by **felix** » Wed 22 Apr, 2009 20:14

At the risk of disagreeing with Michael

I swear by Redline MTL in BMW manual gearboxes. It's in my Z1 and my old E46 328i. When I had a 325is in the late 80s Redline MTL made a night and day difference in its cold weather shifting.

Post by **Green Genie** » Wed 22 Apr, 2009 20:34

Looks like Michael has got this well covered.

For what it's worth when my car had a major service at Munich Legends these are the oils that they put in the car.

Engine: Castrol GTX Magnatec
Diff: Castrol SAF XO
Gearbox: Castrol SMX
Power Steering: Castrol TQ Dextron III

My car would appear to be running OK...

GG

Stoertie · Post by **Stoertie** » Thu 23 Apr, 2009 07:46

Ohhh no you will never disagreeing with me in this point. I just collected the informations out of the TIS... So you don't disagree with me(!)...

For my engine I use "Motul V300 Competition" the gearbox we filled with ATF (but I don't remember which one) and my slip diff (25% locked) I filled up with Castrol SAF-XJ. For the power steering we used also a recommanded BMW oil and everything is fine.

Have a nice day...

Michael

Pat Slade · Post by **Pat Slade** » Sat 25 Apr, 2009 07:33

Does anyone believe there to be a time problem with gearbox and diff oils?
When a large BMW dealer last serviced my car I specifically asked for the gearbox oil to be changed. It was only when I got home and looked at the bill that I discovered that there was no charge for the gearbox oil. I called them and they said they hadn't done it because they didn't have the oil and they could only buy it in 200litre cans!
Really helpful!
So I still have the job outstanding. Should I bother that the oil is 6 years old? It has only done 12,000 miles.
Any thoughts?

Pat

sfh3l · Post by **sfh3l** » Sat 25 Apr, 2009 18:17

Pat,
Gearbox oil takes a lot less punishment than engine oil, as there is (hopefully) no combustion process to worry about. The only fear I suppose is that the succession of warm-up followed by cool-down phases means that condensation occurs and themoisture content builds up leading to a degradation of the oil.
Also, if there ever is a problem such as a chipped cog or suchlike, an oil change is likely to get rid of the foreign bodies (iron filings usually) that can lead to accelerated wear.
I would change it when you can. I am sure that Frederic (from France) had some Mobil SHC that he was offering for sale, it might be worth PM-ing him?
Failing that, Michael's list of comparable oils must help. Try Opie Oils for an equivalent. I buy my oils from them and they are very helpful.
Good luck.

TJS · Post by **TJS** » Sun 26 Apr, 2009 08:57

Thanks for the responses which are useful.

So ... all Z1's have the 3 different options for the gearbox oil depending on label or no label plus colour of the label if it has one.

Next weekend is allocated for the Z1, adjust the door mechanism, under trays off to change the gearbox / diff oil while its on a ramp. Panels back on and MoT test the following week. Having recently topped up the gearbox / overdrive oil in the MGB GT by feel with a series of tubes and funnel I have invested £12 in a small mini pump so the Z1 job should be easy if the filler and drain plugs undo.

Fingers crossed, I may make the Dutch Invasion Tour.

I did ask for all the fluids on the car to be changed at the Inspection 2 service last year prior to the French trip but, on checking the invoice, the dealer later claimed the gearbox and diff were sealed for life items plus they did not have time to flush out the cooling system and replace the antifreeze. I suspect they didn't realise the Z1 had under trays which needed to be removed so they couldn't be bothered. However, I did get a £100 refund off the bill as their quote did include these items.

TJS

F.Brossaud · Post by **F.Brossaud** » Mon 27 Apr, 2009 20:09

Hi,

I have a fresh drum of SHC 630 for sale if you need

http://www.zroadster.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17289

This oil is so difficult to find that we bought a 20L drum and shared it with few friends. I still have some remaining if you need.

Regarding diff oil, I can also have the right oil by CASTROL recommended by BMW, it's not expensive, ie 10/12 EUR for 1 L bottle (you need 2) ; but you must be able to find it in UK

Frederic

Budget M3 · Post by **Budget M3** » Thu 30 Apr, 2009 06:42

felix wrote:I swear by Redline MTL in BMW manual gearboxes.

Absolutely agree...I use Redline in all my manual transmissions as well. It is a synthetic which makes a huge difference over conventional oils (just like synthetics are more slippery in your engine, too).

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Thu 30 Apr, 2009 08:38

This seems to be a good reference guide.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-687-bmw-gear-oil.aspx

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Sun 03 May, 2009 08:49

sfh3l wrote:Pat,
Gearbox oil takes a lot less punishment than engine oil, as there is (hopefully) no combustion process to worry about. The only fear I suppose is that the succession of warm-up followed by cool-down phases means that condensation occurs and themoisture content builds up leading to a degradation of the oil.
Also, if there ever is a problem such as a chipped cog or suchlike, an oil change is likely to get rid of the foreign bodies (iron filings usually) that can lead to accelerated wear.
I would change it when you can. I am sure that Frederic (from France) had some Mobil SHC that he was offering for sale, it might be worth PM-ing him?
Failing that, Michael's list of comparable oils must help. Try Opie Oils for an equivalent. I buy my oils from them and they are very helpful.
Good luck.

Just noticed Sam has already covered the Opie Oils, I really should read before I post.

Pat, if you come to a conclusion with the Gearbox oil, would you mind letting me know, I want to replace all my fluids before the tour. Just finished flushing out all the brake/clutch fluids, now I want to focus on the Power Steering, Diff and Gearbox oils.

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Mon 11 May, 2009 12:34

Anyone know a place that sells the Gearbox oil Mobil SHC630?

PhoenixCoupe · Post by **PhoenixCoupe** » Mon 11 May, 2009 16:17

I had a 740i with a 'sealed for life' auto gearbox and found that changing the oil and filters after a few years made a world of difference to the shifting - it was much smoother, not that it was bad to start with, but, there was a definite change in it.
The 'sealed for life' boxes still have a filler hidden away, so, obviously someone disagrees with the theory!

TJS · Post by **TJS** » Mon 11 May, 2009 21:36

Latest situation re gearbox oil ... watch this space.

Mr Smith,

Interesting one this, for some reason the Z1 does use a different oil, the Mobil SHC630 is only available in 20ltr drums, as is the other matches I have found as it is generally a commercial gear oil. It is quite a high grade synthetic. I am not sure what alternatives there are at the moment, but I am looking and will be intouch when I find something.

Regards

Guy

For recommendations http://www.opieoils.co.uk/
For telephone sales call Guy on 01209 215164

________________________________

From: SUSAN SMITH
Sent: Mon 04/05/2009 21:11
To: Opie Oils
Subject: BMW Z1 gearbox oil. ??

Hi

! need to replace the gearbox oil in a 1990 BMW Z1.

The gear box has a green sticker marked "special oil" BMW gearbox oil part no 81 22 9407 305.

I believe the BMW recommended oil is (was) Mobil SHC630. The local BMW dealer will provide oil to the above spec but I must by a minimum 20 litres. 2 litres is more than enough.

Do you supply Mobil SHC630 ?? What is the correct specification alternative

Regards

T J Smith

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Tue 12 May, 2009 07:57

TJS wrote:Latest situation re gearbox oil ... watch this space.

Mr Smith,

Interesting one this, for some reason the Z1 does use a different oil, the Mobil SHC630 is only available in 20ltr drums, as is the other matches I have found as it is generally a commercial gear oil. It is quite a high grade synthetic. I am not sure what alternatives there are at the moment, but I am looking and will be intouch when I find something.

Regards

Guy

For recommendations http://www.opieoils.co.uk/
For telephone sales call Guy on 01209 215164

________________________________

From: SUSAN SMITH
Sent: Mon 04/05/2009 21:11
To: Opie Oils
Subject: BMW Z1 gearbox oil. ??

Hi

! need to replace the gearbox oil in a 1990 BMW Z1.

The gear box has a green sticker marked "special oil" BMW gearbox oil part no 81 22 9407 305.

I believe the BMW recommended oil is (was) Mobil SHC630. The local BMW dealer will provide oil to the above spec but I must by a minimum 20 litres. 2 litres is more than enough.

Do you supply Mobil SHC630 ?? What is the correct specification alternative

Regards

T J Smith

I have had the same response from everyone I have spoken to, but I may have found a solution.

Mobil SHC630 20ltr @ £6.97/ltr =£140 +vat+ £15 delivery, from some company in Wessex.

If anyone wants the 20ltr, I will buy 5ltrs from them or if there are 4 interested parties from the forum, we can split the cost.
Alternatively, just book the car into BMW and have them do it, that is likely to be costly, as they charge £330+vat for a 20ltr drum

Lord Taki · Post by **Lord Taki** » Tue 12 May, 2009 14:20

Did you miss Frederic's post in this thread?

Maybe a member of the Z1 club has some oil left (I bought from him last year).

If you want I can ask him...

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Wed 13 May, 2009 10:46

Lord Taki wrote:Did you miss Frederic's post in this thread?

Maybe a member of the Z1 club has some oil left (I bought from him last year).

If you want I can ask him...

Hi Lord Taki,

I didnt miss it, its just that the car was booked into the garage yesterday for all fluids to be replaced and I needed it in a hurry. I want to do this before the tour next week, so a UK supplier is preferred as I am running out of time and I can have it delivered the next day.

I did manage to flush out all the power steering fluid, its a lovely nice red colour once again.

regards

Jet

TJS · Post by **TJS** » Wed 13 May, 2009 21:17

JET

I will underwrite 5 litres. I am sure we can find customers for the remaining 10 litres for distribution at the Dutch Invasion.

TJS

andyhallas · Post by **andyhallas** » Thu 14 May, 2009 14:14

I'll take 5 litres too please Jet

FinerZ1 · Post by **FinerZ1** » Thu 14 May, 2009 16:31

I'll take 5 litres too!

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Thu 14 May, 2009 20:25

Who nominated me as the wholesaler?

But if you are all serious, then lets talk.

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Wed 20 May, 2009 10:57

I am working on a couple of options to find the most viable and economical for all, so bear with me.

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Thu 02 Jul, 2009 08:15

FinerZ, TJS, Andy, BlueBaur,

Are you all still interested in this GearBox Oil? If so, shall I go ahead and place an order?

If I missed anyone else out, I may have spoken to on the tour, please let me know.

Jet

FinerZ1 · Post by **FinerZ1** » Thu 02 Jul, 2009 08:17

Hi Jet

Yes, I'm still interested.
What's the price for £5 ltrs?

Cheers

Paul

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Thu 02 Jul, 2009 14:30

FinerZ1 wrote:Hi Jet

Yes, I'm still interested.
What's the price for £5 ltrs?

Cheers

Paul

Err.... £5?

TJS · Post by **TJS** » Fri 17 Jul, 2009 21:04

Jet

The gearbox oil in the Z was replaced with Redline MTL. 700mls of foul smelling brown fluid came out and 1.1 litres of fresh oil went back in.

There is a noticeable improvement in the shift.

Regards

TJS

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Sat 18 Jul, 2009 10:48

Ok, TJS thanks for the update, so that rules you out?

Anyone else interested in replacing their oil? If your history does not show it as being replaced in the last 10years, it is a worthwhile and relatively economical investment, as this special oil cannot be purchased in small sizes and BMW charge at least £150 for a 30minute job. This is the recommended Oil by BMW for this car.

Any Takers?

SCORPION · Post by **SCORPION** » Sat 18 Jul, 2009 19:44

Hi Jet
I'll have some thanks.

Chris

Jet · Post by **Jet** » Tue 21 Jul, 2009 11:57

Company: Wessex Petroleum
Telephone: 0238 0884013
Product: Mobil SHC630
Cost: £6.97/litre
Delivery: £15
Total: 20ltr = £140 +vat

BlueBaur will do the honours and get it ordered, I can do paypal payments, and Paul is leaving the country soon. I dont think we can use Royal mail to send Oil, but a courier company like Parcel2go are very cheap.

Give them a call and let us know, Terry is interested in having some, ideally we all only need 2 litres of the stuff.

BBZ149 · Post by **BBZ149** » Wed 22 Jul, 2009 12:43

I use this courier, they sub to DHL

http://www.p4d.co.uk/

up to 20 Kilo for £10 depending on dimensions

Gearbox and differential oil replacement.

Gearbox and differential oil replacement.

Me too