6MT notchy shifting and gear engagement - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

ace008 · 01-19-2011, 02:49 PM

I have a 2007 335i 6MT with about 65000 miles on it. Recently, it seems like its hard find gears like going from neutral to 1st. It engages, but not as smooth as before, particularly when the car is cold. Would changing the 6MT transmission oil help? I was thinking about using Royal Purple Synchromax. Any suggestions?

themyst · 01-19-2011, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ace008

I have a 2007 335i 6MT with about 65000 miles on it. Recently, it seems like its hard find gears like going from neutral to 1st. It engages, but not as smooth as before, particularly when the car is cold. Would changing the 6MT transmission oil help? I was thinking about using Royal Purple Synchromax. Any suggestions?

Changing the tranny fluid will help immensely.

cn555ic · 01-19-2011, 03:11 PM

yes it would

mycoupe · 01-19-2011, 08:05 PM

I have the same exact problem. Sometimes at a light I'll go to shift into first and end having to try really hard a few times before it goes into gear. Kind of embarrassing to have happen.

McMuffin · 01-19-2011, 08:22 PM

I just changed over to Redline oil, I recommend it.

GQ335i · 01-19-2011, 09:42 PM

Starting to feel this on mine as well. Fluid change sounds good. Any recommendations on which one to use?

Clap135 · 01-19-2011, 10:05 PM

My buddys car feels like crap and has like 15k on it. I have 44k on mine and it is silky smooth. Neither of us change the tranny oil. I would however suggest changing the oil, I think mr. 5 has some data on what he used and what worked good for him.

dc5_champ88 · 01-20-2011, 10:37 AM

anyone have the link?

joyride · 01-20-2011, 10:53 AM

Going to do this in the next month or so, but this is what i found:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80198

BrianMN · 01-20-2011, 11:23 AM

Fwiw, I changed mine last fall with RP Synchromax. I started a reminder thread for How great it felt, but a few others claimed it was great for a couple months, but quickly went back to notchiness and stiffness, which happened to mine as well. Ill be changing it Back to OEM oil soon. So I would recommend just putting fresh OEM stuff in.

Mr. 5 · 01-20-2011, 11:38 AM

Yep, RP Syncromax or Redline D4 ATF is awesome for this car.
I had a trans replaced and was surprised with the notichiness of the gears.
I drove it for about 10k miles and nothing changed.
I changed it to the D4 ATF and is now like butter.

The OEM fluid is extremely thin and I honestly believe that they did this mainly for "green" reasons. Don't get me wrong, the oil is actually pretty good and has a very high flash point but too thin of an oil IMO.

BrianMN · 01-20-2011, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Yep, RP Syncromax or Redline D4 ATF is awesome for this car.
I had a trans replaced and was surprised with the notichiness of the gears.
I drove it for about 10k miles and nothing changed.
I changed it to the D4 ATF and is now like butter.

The OEM fluid is extremely thin and I honestly believe that they did this mainly for "green" reasons. Don't get me wrong, the oil is actually pretty good and has a very high flash point but too thin of an oil IMO.

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9

Is this the same stuff you're using? I've heard of others using automatic oil but never took the time to understand why.

Penn999 · 01-20-2011, 04:09 PM

http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/lubr...ion_60878.html

Im going to try this when I change my fluid next week. I was told by an owner of a ssk company that he uses this along with the OEM fluid. I will report back after I do it...has anyone else used this?

E46toE90 · 01-20-2011, 04:15 PM

hmmm i need to do some research on this oil talk

i do notice the same a bit but it doesnt bother me

what does bother me is when i start the car once it starts i feel like the starter isint disengaging as fast as it should so i hear a mettlic noise

Rich@GTBPerformance · 01-20-2011, 04:48 PM

Mr 5

I noticed the D4 AFT is recommended by Redline for late model BMW manual transmissions, but do you know why it is recommended over and above the MTL 70W80 GL-4 Gear Oil for manual transmissions?

Anyone know the difference?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

Yep, RP Syncromax or Redline D4 ATF is awesome for this car.
I had a trans replaced and was surprised with the notichiness of the gears.
I drove it for about 10k miles and nothing changed.
I changed it to the D4 ATF and is now like butter.

The OEM fluid is extremely thin and I honestly believe that they did this mainly for "green" reasons. Don't get me wrong, the oil is actually pretty good and has a very high flash point but too thin of an oil IMO.

dzenno · 01-20-2011, 04:54 PM

I'm actually using the UUC cocktail:

http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_te...nny_rattle.htm

I'll probably go with pure D4 ATF next though as I think it'll be better for, on average, colder climates such as Canada

therealm3 · 01-20-2011, 05:45 PM

I am going to swap mine for MTL this weekend. I have had good luck with it in the past so we'll see. If it doesn't work well, I change to D4. I am partial to Red Line but have heard good things about RP too.

ace008 · 01-20-2011, 10:02 PM

I just ordered 2 quarts of RP Synchromax and will change it out this weekend. I will report back after its done. Thanks.

Mr. 5 · 01-20-2011, 11:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianMN

http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=51&pcid=9

Is this the same stuff you're using? I've heard of others using automatic oil but never took the time to understand why.

automatic oil isn't that uncommon with a RWD.
Remember that a lot of FWD transmissions have actual gear oil because the differential is also inside the trans.
The BMW diff is completely separate.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbrown81

Mr 5

I noticed the D4 AFT is recommended by Redline for late model BMW manual transmissions, but do you know why it is recommended over and above the MTL 70W80 GL-4 Gear Oil for manual transmissions?

Anyone know the difference?

Look at my comment above.
Also, If you look further, D6 ATF is the exact replacement for our MTs that have the LT-3 fluid in it. D6 is a thinner fluid just like the stock fluid but I want something thicker for the smoother shifts. I wanted somthing thicker for the better shifting in the cold.

Dackz · 01-21-2011, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

automatic oil isn't that uncommon with a RWD.
Remember that a lot of FWD transmissions have actual gear oil because the differential is also inside the trans.
The BMW diff is completely separate.

Look at my comment above.
Also, If you look further, D6 ATF is the exact replacement for our MTs that have the LT-3 fluid in it. D6 is a thinner fluid just like the stock fluid but I want something thicker for the smoother shifts. I wanted somthing thicker for the better shifting in the cold.

Good info, I need to do this soon and have been kind of noticing this to a degree.

kaleb · 01-21-2011, 10:41 AM

Thought I'd chime in and share that I have the same issue after about 52k miles. I think I might try the Redline route. I've used Royal Purple in the past and it does seem the effects wear off.

Sniz · 01-21-2011, 11:35 AM

Syncromax in my last 2 BMW manuals, good stuff. Have not tried Redline but would like to.

01-19-2011, 02:49 PM	#1
ace008 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 E90 335i Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 212 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	6MT notchy shifting and gear engagement I have a 2007 335i 6MT with about 65000 miles on it. Recently, it seems like its hard find gears like going from neutral to 1st. It engages, but not as smooth as before, particularly when the car is cold. Would changing the 6MT transmission oil help? I was thinking about using Royal Purple Synchromax. Any suggestions?
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01-19-2011, 03:11 PM	#3
cn555ic The Coding Guy Drives: FBO 335i Vert meth/nitrous Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Brooklyn, New York Posts: 17,874 iTrader: (5)	yes it would __________________ *CODING BMWs in N.Y Area 917-939-4980* Call or Text for more INFO

01-19-2011, 09:42 PM	#6
GQ335i First Lieutenant Drives: BMW 335i (E92) Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: PA/NJ Posts: 368 iTrader: (5)	Starting to feel this on mine as well. Fluid change sounds good. Any recommendations on which one to use? __________________

01-20-2011, 10:37 AM	#8
dc5_champ88 Captain Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Maryland Posts: 674 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	anyone have the link? __________________ Current: 07 e92 335i: JB4, AA Catless DP, Big Tom FMIC, CP-e Full Exhaust, Injen Intake, Type-S BOV, Meth Previous: 03 Acura RSX-S: Boosted 400WHP (SOLD)

01-20-2011, 11:38 AM	#11
Mr. 5 Modder Raider Drives: e36 325i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB Posts: 8,611 iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [4.00]	Yep, RP Syncromax or Redline D4 ATF is awesome for this car. I had a trans replaced and was surprised with the notichiness of the gears. I drove it for about 10k miles and nothing changed. I changed it to the D4 ATF and is now like butter. The OEM fluid is extremely thin and I honestly believe that they did this mainly for "green" reasons. Don't get me wrong, the oil is actually pretty good and has a very high flash point but too thin of an oil IMO. __________________ e36 325i e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM

01-19-2011, 08:05 PM	#4
mycoupe Banned Drives: 07 335i coupe 6spd Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: cincinnati, Ohio Posts: 1,507 iTrader: (5)	I have the same exact problem. Sometimes at a light I'll go to shift into first and end having to try really hard a few times before it goes into gear. Kind of embarrassing to have happen.

01-19-2011, 08:22 PM	#5
McMuffin Lieutenant Colonel Drives: A Widebody 92 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Califas Posts: 1,550 iTrader: (5)	I just changed over to Redline oil, I recommend it.

01-19-2011, 10:05 PM	#7
Clap135 Brigadier General Drives: 2009 N54 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Sticky's Mom House Posts: 3,466 iTrader: (1)	My buddys car feels like crap and has like 15k on it. I have 44k on mine and it is silky smooth. Neither of us change the tranny oil. I would however suggest changing the oil, I think mr. 5 has some data on what he used and what worked good for him.

01-20-2011, 10:53 AM	#9
joyride Private First Class Drives: 335i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Kentucky/Detroit Posts: 138 iTrader: (1)	Going to do this in the next month or so, but this is what i found: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80198

01-20-2011, 11:23 AM	#10
BrianMN Colonel Drives: 4 Door Family Sedan Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Minneapolis Posts: 2,421 iTrader: (7)	Fwiw, I changed mine last fall with RP Synchromax. I started a reminder thread for How great it felt, but a few others claimed it was great for a couple months, but quickly went back to notchiness and stiffness, which happened to mine as well. Ill be changing it Back to OEM oil soon. So I would recommend just putting fresh OEM stuff in.

01-20-2011, 04:09 PM	#13
Penn999 Lieutenant Colonel Drives: 335i coupe Join Date: May 2010 Location: VA Posts: 1,662 iTrader: (3)	http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/lubr...ion_60878.html Im going to try this when I change my fluid next week. I was told by an owner of a ssk company that he uses this along with the OEM fluid. I will report back after I do it...has anyone else used this? __________________ 07' MT, Quaife LSD, BMW Performance LED Steering Wheel, HPF FMIC, AA BOV, HPF Exhaust, DCI, Procede V5, AR Stage 1 oil cooler, AR OCC, AR CL DP's, Vishnu Meth Kit, UUC SSK+DSSR, UUC Shift knob, (19 inch)VMR V715's/Yokohama Advan AD08's, Hartge Pedals and Floor Mats. Awaiting Install: M3 Rear Subframe Bushings, Full M3 suspension bits, AST 4100's, DSS axles. Future plans: Vishnu Single turbo kit

01-20-2011, 04:15 PM	#14
E46toE90 Sparkling Graphite Metallic FTW Drives: 06 330i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: the bronx Posts: 2,399 iTrader: (9)	hmmm i need to do some research on this oil talk i do notice the same a bit but it doesnt bother me what does bother me is when i start the car once it starts i feel like the starter isint disengaging as fast as it should so i hear a mettlic noise __________________

01-20-2011, 04:54 PM	#16
dzenno Banned Drives: Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 5,888 iTrader: (1)	I'm actually using the UUC cocktail: http://www.uucmotorwerks.com/html_te...nny_rattle.htm I'll probably go with pure D4 ATF next though as I think it'll be better for, on average, colder climates such as Canada

01-20-2011, 05:45 PM	#17
therealm3 Captain Drives: E91 Msport, E70 35i Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: CA, USA Posts: 813 iTrader: (4)	I am going to swap mine for MTL this weekend. I have had good luck with it in the past so we'll see. If it doesn't work well, I change to D4. I am partial to Red Line but have heard good things about RP too.

01-20-2011, 10:02 PM	#18
ace008 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2007 E90 335i Join Date: May 2005 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 212 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I just ordered 2 quarts of RP Synchromax and will change it out this weekend. I will report back after its done. Thanks.

01-21-2011, 10:41 AM	#21
kaleb Private First Class Drives: '07 335i Coupe MT SG/Coral Join Date: May 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 170 iTrader: (0)	Thought I'd chime in and share that I have the same issue after about 52k miles. I think I might try the Redline route. I've used Royal Purple in the past and it does seem the effects wear off. __________________ 2007 335i Coupe MT - Space Gray Metallic / Coral Red / Gray Poplar Options: Premium, Sport. Mods: OEM Alarm, Llumar 20% Tint, Shadowline trim, Painted Kidneys, 18" Rota Torque, OEM Front Lip, M-Sport Rear Bumper w/ Gloss black insert, CP-E Intercooler and Charge Pipe. Work I've done: Digital Steering Wheel, OEM Alarm, V1 Hardwire, Ashtray delete, Intercooler, Chargepipe Tracks driven: Nürburgring Nordschleife (05/2011), Eagles Canyon Raceway, MotorSport Ranch

01-21-2011, 11:35 AM	#22
Sniz Lieutenant General Drives: e92 335 - gone // e36 M3 turbo Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ellicott City, MD Posts: 10,460 iTrader: (1)	Syncromax in my last 2 BMW manuals, good stuff. Have not tried Redline but would like to. __________________

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