6 spd fluid change - DO IT!!!

[DavidGP]

Changed my 6 spd manual fluid today and was shocked to say the least. This is supposed to be a lifetime fluid. My M3 has 12,000 miles on the odo. The picture tells a thousand words. What looks like a nice glass of my favorite whiskey is actually brand new fluid to show you the difference.

[AIRPOWER]

OP, really appreciate you posting this and the visual difference between the two is astounding.

Not sure you have the answer to this question but I wonder if the viscosity/lubrication of the older fluid is actually different from the new one. Common sense would say yes but I was looking for something other than a visceral answer.

[JamesGames]

I'll prob get mine changed around 10k too. Although for what it's worth, color isn't really a good indicator that the fluid is not doing it's job anymore. But I'm OCD and do 6 months oil changes anyway and this was on my 10k plan.

[DavidGP]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

I'll prob get mine changed around 10k too. Although for what it's worth, color isn't really a good indicator that the fluid is not doing it's job anymore. But I'm OCD and do 6 months oil changes anyway and this was on my 10k plan.

I agree, I just cant imagine this fluid being in the car for its entire life. My OCD also got the best of me so I just had to do it.

[DavidGP]

For what its worth, shifts feel smoother with less notchiness. Dont remember how it felt brand new but it does feel much better. That alone would say the fluid properties have changed over time. I know this is not a true test but running the fluid between my finger tips you can tell the new fluid is more slippery. I am sure however the color of the new fluid has already changed inside the case.

[NorCal f80]

is there a '''better''' trans oil than oem ?

[teefive]

I'm planning on getting mine done too (I'm around 14k) -- looking forward to compare before / after shifting quality

[vonmayr]

Originally Posted by DavidGP

Changed my 6 spd manual fluid today and was shocked to say the least. This is supposed to be a lifetime fluid. My M3 has 12,000 miles on the odo. The picture tells a thousand words. What looks like a nice glass of my favorite whiskey is actually brand new fluid to show you the difference.

Thanks for that! I just had mine done at 17K miles.

[shiv.nandak]

Originally Posted by DavidGP

For what its worth, shifts feel smoother with less notchiness. Dont remember how it felt brand new but it does feel much better. That alone would say the fluid properties have changed over time. I know this is not a true test but running the fluid between my finger tips you can tell the new fluid is more slippery. I am sure however the color of the new fluid has already changed inside the case.

Would be awesome if you could send it for a black stone lab test

[gatorfast]

Don't think color is really an indicator of anything when it comes to gear oils. I'm sure the oil was fine and doing its intended job, especially at only 12k miles.

If you drain your new fluid in a few thousand miles it will probably look the same.

[vonmayr]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Don't think color is really an indicator of anything when it comes to gear oils. I'm sure the oil was fine and doing its intended job, especially at only 12k miles.

If you drain your new fluid in a few thousand miles it will probably look the same.

Agree that color is not the most reliable indicator. Would be really interested in a blackstone lab analysis to see how much life is consumed. However, I don't think it's a lifetime fluid and will change mine every 20K or so since I plan to keep this car a long time.

[teefive]

Just had my MT fluid changed at the dealer this morning. 1.6L went in, was $240 OTD. The car shifts much smoother. I have about 14k.

For those receiving astronomically high quotes, it's because the dealer system is quoting for a stupid amount of LT5 trans fluid. You only need 2L (less than $100 in parts) and two hours of labor max.

[raisingAnarchy]

Is BMW no longer suggesting/requiring the 1200 mile break-in service (engine oil, trans/diff oils) for M models?

[cwhands]

Originally Posted by raisingAnarchy

Is BMW no longer suggesting/requiring the 1200 mile break-in service (engine oil, trans/diff oils) for M models?

Trans is no longer included in that. Just Diff/Engine. Have to pay for Trans.

[AllMyBMsAreDoubleYous]

Originally Posted by cwhands

Trans is no longer included in that. Just Diff/Engine. Have to pay for Trans.

Not even diff in my experience (MY2016).

[teefive]

Originally Posted by AllMyBMsAreDoubleYous

Not even diff in my experience (MY2016).

MY16 here and they changed my rear diff. Didn't think that changed?

[AllMyBMsAreDoubleYous]

Originally Posted by teefive

MY16 here and they changed my rear diff. Didn't think that changed?

Here in NorCal, back in December of 2015, I was told that it's "no longer done" at the 1200mi break-in, but I could just be suffering from a hazy memory and perhaps that conversation was about the transmission. Unfortunately I can find all my service records except for that one, at present.

[cwhands]

Originally Posted by AllMyBMsAreDoubleYous

Here in NorCal, back in December of 2015, I was told that it's "no longer done" at the 1200mi break-in, but I could just be suffering from a hazy memory and perhaps that conversation was about the transmission. Unfortunately I can find all my service records except for that one, at present.

I watched them change my diff fluid at break-in. MY16 as well.

I'm certain it is done, or is supposed to be done, to all of them.