DIY: Changing The Manual Trans Fluid In The 335

tigermack · 05-01-2013, 04:50 PM

So, conclusion, most people use the Redline D6 ATF for their cars even for 6MT. Right?

DaanBMW · 05-01-2013, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigermack

So, conclusion, most people use the Redline D6 ATF for their cars even for 6MT. Right?

Use D6 if you want to be v. close to the LT-3 you have now. If not, D4 or MTL are recommended.

I've been researching this for the last several days trying to decide which to get. Currently I'm leaning towards the MTL but haven't ordered yet (reasons in short: Mike Miller, other guys on forums, LT-3 is for 1% effy gains, it is a freaking manual tranny). And I'll def go Red Line.

tigermack · 05-01-2013, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaanBMW

Use D6 if you want to be v. close to the LT-3 you have now. If not, D4 or MTL are recommended.

I've been researching this for the last several days trying to decide which to get. Currently I'm leaning towards the MTL but haven't ordered yet (reasons in short: Mike Miller, other guys on forums, LT-3 is for 1% effy gains, it is a freaking manual tranny). And I'll def go Red Line.

How about Motul? I haven't read anyone mentioned it?

chumley · 05-03-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigermack

So, conclusion, most people use the Redline D6 ATF for their cars even for 6MT. Right?

I'm going to try RL D6 this weekend.

ellipsis212 · 06-05-2013, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

I wish I had seen this earlier (before I tried Sychromax),

http://www.royalpurple.com/transmission-chart.html

according to RP's website, Synchromax is compatible with MTF-LT-1, but not MTF-LT-2 & 3, which is what E90 transmissions use.

Just to follow up on this, their site does recommend Synchromax as a replacement for LT 1, 2, and 3.

http://royalpurpleconsumer.com/wp-co...ence_Chart.pdf

kaede · 06-05-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigermack

How about Motul? I haven't read anyone mentioned it?

Interested as well. I used Royal Purple Synchromax and while it did smooth shifting initially, it went back to normal after a couple 1-2k miles. I use Motul 300v and it's amazing, think i should drain the RP and try out Motul next time around.

tigermack · 06-05-2013, 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaede

Interested as well. I used Royal Purple Synchromax and while it did smooth shifting initially, it went back to normal after a couple 1-2k miles. I use Motul 300v and it's amazing, think i should drain the RP and try out Motul next time around.

That's what I got, I haven't put it in yet, though. The shifter became smooth all of the sudden...

kaede · 06-05-2013, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tigermack

That's what I got, I haven't put it in yet, though. The shifter became smooth all of the sudden...

Confused, so you haven't changed anything but your shift just became smooth? xD 300v actually feels smooth and noticably revs a bit smoother and miraculously makes shifting tad bit smoother as well. But i have never tried their Manual transmission fluid, want to hear more about it first.

tigermack · 06-05-2013, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaede

Confused, so you haven't changed anything but your shift just became smooth? xD 300v actually feels smooth and noticably revs a bit smoother and miraculously makes shifting tad bit smoother as well. But i have never tried their Manual transmission fluid, want to hear more about it first.

Yeah, after I bought the oil. The shifter just started feeling smoother and was a lot easier to put into gear. I don't know if the short shift kit I got needed like some "breaking in"?

AlanAZ · 06-09-2013, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellipsis212

Just to follow up on this, their site does recommend Synchromax as a replacement for LT 1, 2, and 3.

http://royalpurpleconsumer.com/wp-co...ence_Chart.pdf

Not in April 2011. And the figures I seen are:

LT-3: cSt @ 100c 6.1
Synchromax: cSt @ 100c 7.7
Redline D6: cSt @ 100c 6.4

so while Synchromax may match LT-2 (Pentosin MTF 2 is also 7.7 @ 100c), it's too viscous for a LT-3 match.

ellipsis212 · 06-11-2013, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlanAZ

Not in April 2011. And the figures I seen are:

LT-3: cSt @ 100c 6.1
Synchromax: cSt @ 100c 7.7
Redline D6: cSt @ 100c 6.4

so while Synchromax may match LT-2 (Pentosin MTF 2 is also 7.7 @ 100c), it's too viscous for a LT-3 match.

Nevertheless, RP recommends it as an LT-3 replacement in 2013. I understand they are in it to sell fluid, but I also hope they're serious enough about it to know if it's not compatible.

triger716 · 06-18-2013, 10:06 PM

I just wanted to thank the OP for this little tidbit...

Quote:

Removing the fill plug first is very important. If you drain your fluid first and you can't remove the fill plug then you're screwed!

I would have in fact been screwed if I didn't try to remove the fill plug first. My fill plug is severely rounded off and I can't remove it. I think I am going to have to take to an indy to get them to remove it somehow.

Zero_09 · 06-23-2013, 10:56 PM

Thanks for the DIY. Took me a little longer than expected.

I drove around with the new fluid and holy cow did it make a difference. The shifts are buttery smooth and they go into gear much better than. I'm at 150k kms so I guess it was time to change it. I used Redline D6 ATF

rabydanimal · 09-07-2013, 10:05 PM

I just did this to my 2007 328XI with 110k miles. I used Redline D4 ATF. My local BMW indy said the D6 would likely be fine but I'd be better off with the D4 for maximum tranny longevity. It shifts better now but it isn't the night and day difference I had with my 540. Still, I'm glad I went through with it.

805beemer · 12-29-2013, 12:07 PM

Just a heads up, guys are now having great success with Redline MT-90. Just bought two quarts today at Napa and will report back on how it feels. If your in a colder climate some people are using gm syncromesh with friction modifier as well.

omerfar23 · 03-19-2014, 07:16 PM

So D6-ATF is okay for 335i N54 6speed?

it is better than D4 for colder climates, yes?

iBoost335STi · 03-29-2014, 02:35 PM

HERE'S A TIP... I just did this transmission fluid change with the same Royal Purple used in this write up. I have 108,000 miles and I can say Everything the op says is True, shifts feel SUPER smooth.

HERE'S THE TIP: If you have access to a friend to lend a hand, when your at the step where your ready to add the new fluid... connect the bottle to the hose and insert the hose into the fill hole all the way (about an inch or 2 is all it will go in) flip the bottle upside down like you would if you were going to squeeze in the fluid in and hold the bottle and hose tight. Have your friend cut a very small circular hole in the bottom of the bottle (which is now facing up) by twisting a razor into it l. Make sure no plastic goes into the bottle. Take an air gun hooked up to a compressor and apply air. The fluid will empty the bottle and into the transmission in about 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat for second quart. Another piece of advice is to clean up any fluid that gets on the exhaust piping so it dosnt smoke everywhere when you drive.

Happy driving!

iBoost335STi · 03-29-2014, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by triger716

I just wanted to thank the OP for this little tidbit...

I would have in fact been screwed if I didn't try to remove the fill plug first. My fill plug is severely rounded off and I can't remove it. I think I am going to have to take to an indy to get them to remove it somehow.

Vice Grips around the edge of the screw is what a shop would probably try first. You can do this yourself.

tman · 04-18-2014, 07:52 AM

Guys, I have a 06 330i with 150k miles on it. What do you recommend? The D4 or D6 or MTL? Thanks.

tman · 05-23-2014, 09:24 AM

Thanks Op! Just did my E90 330i. Used Royal Purple SynchroMax as I couldn't find any D4 local to me and was in a hurry to do it. Shifts are smooth like butter!

tman · 05-23-2014, 10:48 AM

Btw, the stuff that came out was pitch black and very thin and runny!

Dustin335i · 05-31-2014, 09:36 PM

here's just my experience:

- Royal Purple Synchromaxx feels awesome, shifts incredibly well - but only for a short time. The feeling noticeably wore out.
- I replaced with Redline MTL 30k miles ago, and was happy enough with it over the 30k period.
- Today, I replaced again with fresh Redline MTL and am loving the smoothness, yet again.

*an excellent shop in the Philly area, VAC Motorworks, recommends MTL over D4 or D6, as it has properties most similar to the OEM fill.

05-01-2013, 04:50 PM	#67
tigermack OPN DIFF 474 Rep 1,908 Posts Drives: 10' E90 M3 6MT LB Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pacific Ocean iTrader: (12) Garage List 2010 M3 [0.00] 1995 BMW e36 325i [7.91] 2006 BMW e90 330i [8.34]	So, conclusion, most people use the Redline D6 ATF for their cars even for 6MT. Right? __________________ '10 LB E90 slicktop/speed cloth/6MT ex. '06 330i 6MT & '10 n54 6MT Msport Autocross vids https://www.youtube.com/user/tigermack https://www.instagram.com/tigermack
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06-23-2013, 10:56 PM	#79
Zero_09 Captain 38 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 07 E90, 2011 E90 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: = iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the DIY. Took me a little longer than expected. I drove around with the new fluid and holy cow did it make a difference. The shifts are buttery smooth and they go into gear much better than. I'm at 150k kms so I guess it was time to change it. I used Redline D6 ATF
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09-07-2013, 10:05 PM	#80
rabydanimal Enlisted Member 2 Rep 47 Posts Drives: '07 328XI E90 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Mass iTrader: (0)	I just did this to my 2007 328XI with 110k miles. I used Redline D4 ATF. My local BMW indy said the D6 would likely be fine but I'd be better off with the D4 for maximum tranny longevity. It shifts better now but it isn't the night and day difference I had with my 540. Still, I'm glad I went through with it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-29-2013, 12:07 PM	#81
805beemer Captain 22 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Lompoc, CA iTrader: (4)	Just a heads up, guys are now having great success with Redline MT-90. Just bought two quarts today at Napa and will report back on how it feels. If your in a colder climate some people are using gm syncromesh with friction modifier as well.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-19-2014, 07:16 PM	#82
omerfar23 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 335i, 2008 335i e92 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Baltimore, MD iTrader: (0)	So D6-ATF is okay for 335i N54 6speed? it is better than D4 for colder climates, yes? __________________ ******** 2008 BMW 335i TT****
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03-29-2014, 02:35 PM	#83
iBoost335STi Private First Class 5 Rep 99 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: 914 New York iTrader: (0)	HERE'S A TIP... I just did this transmission fluid change with the same Royal Purple used in this write up. I have 108,000 miles and I can say Everything the op says is True, shifts feel SUPER smooth. HERE'S THE TIP: If you have access to a friend to lend a hand, when your at the step where your ready to add the new fluid... connect the bottle to the hose and insert the hose into the fill hole all the way (about an inch or 2 is all it will go in) flip the bottle upside down like you would if you were going to squeeze in the fluid in and hold the bottle and hose tight. Have your friend cut a very small circular hole in the bottom of the bottle (which is now facing up) by twisting a razor into it l. Make sure no plastic goes into the bottle. Take an air gun hooked up to a compressor and apply air. The fluid will empty the bottle and into the transmission in about 10 to 15 seconds. Repeat for second quart. Another piece of advice is to clean up any fluid that gets on the exhaust piping so it dosnt smoke everywhere when you drive. Happy driving!
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04-18-2014, 07:52 AM	#85
tman Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2014 i3 BEV Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Guelph, Ontario iTrader: (11) Garage List 2014 i3 BEV [0.00]	Guys, I have a 06 330i with 150k miles on it. What do you recommend? The D4 or D6 or MTL? Thanks. __________________ OMG! Born Electric 10/17/2018! 2014 I01 i3 BEV 2011 E91 328i xDRIVE TOURING \| 2010 F83 X3 3.0i xDRIVE \| 2006 E90 330i 6MT (Ret)
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05-23-2014, 09:24 AM	#86
tman Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2014 i3 BEV Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Guelph, Ontario iTrader: (11) Garage List 2014 i3 BEV [0.00]	Thanks Op! Just did my E90 330i. Used Royal Purple SynchroMax as I couldn't find any D4 local to me and was in a hurry to do it. Shifts are smooth like butter! __________________ OMG! Born Electric 10/17/2018! 2014 I01 i3 BEV 2011 E91 328i xDRIVE TOURING \| 2010 F83 X3 3.0i xDRIVE \| 2006 E90 330i 6MT (Ret)
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05-23-2014, 10:48 AM	#87
tman Lieutenant Colonel 44 Rep 1,511 Posts Drives: 2014 i3 BEV Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Guelph, Ontario iTrader: (11) Garage List 2014 i3 BEV [0.00]	Btw, the stuff that came out was pitch black and very thin and runny! __________________ OMG! Born Electric 10/17/2018! 2014 I01 i3 BEV 2011 E91 328i xDRIVE TOURING \| 2010 F83 X3 3.0i xDRIVE \| 2006 E90 330i 6MT (Ret)
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05-31-2014, 09:36 PM	#88
Dustin335i Dustin335i 50 Rep 80 Posts Drives: Mineral Grey M235i M/T Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Downingtown, PA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i Sport ... [0.00] 2005 Harley 1200 Cu ... [0.00]	here's just my experience: - Royal Purple Synchromaxx feels awesome, shifts incredibly well - but only for a short time. The feeling noticeably wore out. - I replaced with Redline MTL 30k miles ago, and was happy enough with it over the 30k period. - Today, I replaced again with fresh Redline MTL and am loving the smoothness, yet again. *an excellent shop in the Philly area, VAC Motorworks, recommends MTL over D4 or D6, as it has properties most similar to the OEM fill. __________________
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