Recommended oil for F87 BMW M2 (N55)

[edyvw]

All the MTF and DCTF have friction modifiers for synchros, unlike the ATF. I tried D4 ATF in my first Z4M with ZF 6MT same line as the current BMW 6MT and I don’t think the shifting is as good without the modifiers, personally. I know plenty of people that agree with you, but I prefer to stick with an MTF or DCTF of the appropriate viscosity as you mention.

Will see, I think next time I will use dedicated MTF. I am going through different fluids, just because. Redline D4 is GL4, so modifiers are there.

 

[chris719]

Will see, I think next time I will use dedicated MTF. I am going through different fluids, just because. Redline D4 is GL4, so modifiers are there.

It’s GL4 so it has yellow metal compatible EP package but I don’t think it ensures friction modifiers for synchros. @MolaKule would know for sure. I considered using Redline MT-LV but didn’t want to go lower than OEM fluid viscosity.

 

[svenson]

Next time you change fluid in manual, go Redline D4 or better, Motul Multi ATF. Drastic change, especially with Motul.
These are two cooler options, if you have any:

i am between these 2 next change.

I changed the oil, and checked it. The gage spun for a while and then eventually read max. Haven't actually driven it yet (today).

I'm surpised the manuals in 135 are so hard to find. Seems to be a common younger enthusiast car these days, and they are all DCT. In my younger days automatics were a no go, granted 4 speed automatics in the last 90s/ early 2000s when I was into cars were terrible. I flew West Palm Beach Florida for this one, drove it back to TN.

today's automatics have nothing to do with old ones,thats why more and more drivers prefer them.

 

[MolaKule]

Will see, I think next time I will use dedicated MTF. I am going through different fluids, just because. Redline D4 is GL4, so modifiers are there.

Yes, but there is different friction modifier chemistry in the ATF fluids versus the MTF fluids.

Maybe you missed it but I have posted this before:

"Each fluid type and fluid application has a different additive package and contains different Friction Modifier and AW chemistry for the specific materials used in those transmissions.

The friction modifiers in engine oils are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in ATF's. The friction modifiers in ATF's are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in LSD gear oil or MTFs. The friction modifiers found in ATF's are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in Hy-Gard or UTTO fluid or a Trans-Hydraulic fluid. The friction modifiers found in Hy-Gard or UTTO fluid or a Trans-Hydraulic fluids are NOT the same friction modifiers found in ATFs, MTFs, etc. etc."

 

[edyvw]

Yes, but there is different friction modifier chemistry in the ATF fluids versus the MTF fluids.

Maybe you missed it but I have posted this before:

"Each fluid type and fluid application has a different additive package and contains different Friction Modifier and AW chemistry for the specific materials used in those transmissions.

The friction modifiers in engine oils are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in ATF's. The friction modifiers in ATF's are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in LSD gear oil or MTFs. The friction modifiers found in ATF's are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in Hy-Gard or UTTO fluid or a Trans-Hydraulic fluid. The friction modifiers found in Hy-Gard or UTTO fluid or a Trans-Hydraulic fluids are NOT the same friction modifiers found in ATFs, MTFs, etc. etc."

I read that. Both Redline and Motul recommend these fluids for these type of manuals.
Now, D4 has been used in these manuals forever, and I don’t know anyone having any long term issues. I am specifically talking here BMW manual. In others, I don’t know. I would go with what manufacturer says.
Also, many E90 manuals had Dexron/Mecron recommendation, some same one had MTF 3.

 

[Jimmy_Russells]

@edyvw it's the upper pic, so looks like it runs to the radiator.

Gents, the car is a manual 6 speed. It was suprisingly very hard to find a low mileage 135 convertible N55 6-Speed manual in a non gold color, and without interior wood trim pieces.

On a side note, only put 6 quarts of oil in (5 quarts Euro, 1 Quart 5w50). I checked it on the electronic dash, and it shows full. Most say 6.5 quarters. A bit odd.

My vehicle is the same way. I put in 6.5 and it shows full even though the spec is 7. I've never had it not show full so I suspect it just reads full until it needs a quart

 

[drtyler]

Yes, but there is different friction modifier chemistry in the ATF fluids versus the MTF fluids.

Maybe you missed it but I have posted this before:

"Each fluid type and fluid application has a different additive package and contains different Friction Modifier and AW chemistry for the specific materials used in those transmissions.

The friction modifiers in engine oils are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in ATF's. The friction modifiers in ATF's are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in LSD gear oil or MTFs. The friction modifiers found in ATF's are NOT the same friction modifiers as found in Hy-Gard or UTTO fluid or a Trans-Hydraulic fluid. The friction modifiers found in Hy-Gard or UTTO fluid or a Trans-Hydraulic fluids are NOT the same friction modifiers found in ATFs, MTFs, etc. etc."

I have a 2009 BMW 328i with 6 speed manual transmission. Original fluid was MTF-LT-3, and that is what I have used as replacement every 30k - 50k miles.

I recently asked Red Line why they recommend D6 ATF for the manual transmission in the car instead of their MTF-LV. It has the correct viscosity, and I've always had good luck with their MTL fluid in BMW manual transmissions. Red Line support would not provide a reason, other than "although MTF-LV is a good product, we still recommend D6 ATF in that transmission".

 

[edyvw]

I have a 2009 BMW 328i with 6 speed manual transmission. Original fluid was MTF-LT-3, and that is what I have used as replacement every 30k - 50k miles.

I recently asked Red Line why they recommend D6 ATF for the manual transmission in the car instead of their MTF-LV. It has the correct viscosity, and I've always had good luck with their MTL fluid in BMW manual transmissions. Red Line support would not provide a reason, other than "although MTF-LV is a good product, we still recommend D6 ATF in that transmission".

Yes, they recommend D6, but most folks use D4, especially on track.
Type-R guys use Motul MultiATF.
I don’t think when it comes to these manuals there is wrong answer.

 

[MolaKule]

I have a 2009 BMW 328i with 6 speed manual transmission. Original fluid was MTF-LT-3, and that is what I have used as replacement every 30k - 50k miles.

I recently asked Red Line why they recommend D6 ATF for the manual transmission in the car instead of their MTF-LV. It has the correct viscosity, and I've always had good luck with their MTL fluid in BMW manual transmissions. Red Line support would not provide a reason, other than "although MTF-LV is a good product, we still recommend D6 ATF in that transmission".

@edyvw D4/D6 does not have the requisite additive package necessary for synchros.

MT-LV has higher anti-wear levels and the needed friction modifiers.

HPL's 75W MTFLife has special anti-wear chemistry and the needed friction modifiers, so that would be my preference.

Use what you like, it's your vehicle.

 

[svenson]

I read that. Both Redline and Motul recommend these fluids for these type of manuals.

when i wanted to try motul, the guy i shop oils from,told me that motul suggests ATF.i asked why and he said thats what they suggest from their page too.

HPL's 75W MTFLife has special anti-wear chemistry and the needed friction modifiers, so that would be my preference.

Use what you like, it's your vehicle.

thats seems to be another good stuff from that company.wish they were sold in Europe.

 

[edyvw]

@edyvw D4/D6 does not have the requisite additive package necessary for synchros.

MT-LV has higher anti-wear levels and the needed friction modifiers.

HPL's 75W MTFLife has special anti-wear chemistry and the needed friction modifiers, so that would be my preference.

Use what you like, it's your vehicle.

Well yeah, we all use what we want.
But, since I tried Redline and Motul, I might actually now go HPL MTF as I have not seen anyone using it in BMW community.

 

[edyvw]

OK, in the name of scientific inquiry, I ordered HPL MTF75W to see how that thing works in BMW ZF gearbox. I have never seen anyone using it in BMW manual gearbox.

 

[drtyler]

@edyvw D4/D6 does not have the requisite additive package necessary for synchros.

MT-LV has higher anti-wear levels and the needed friction modifiers.

HPL's 75W MTFLife has special anti-wear chemistry and the needed friction modifiers, so that would be my preference.

Use what you like, it's your vehicle.

@MolaKule What is the difference between HPL MT Life viscosities 75W and 75W-75?

 

[drtyler]

Yes, they recommend D6, but most folks use D4, especially on track.
Type-R guys use Motul MultiATF.
I don’t think when it comes to these manuals there is wrong answer.

I had wild hair, and deviated from BMW MTF-LT-3 with Ravenol MTF-3 75W. The 1-2 shift is quite a bit worse. I may wait and see how you like HPL. I expect it will be ok.

 

[edyvw]

I had wild hair, and deviated from BMW MTF-LT-3 with Ravenol MTF-3 75W. The 1-2 shift is quite a bit worse. I may wait and see how you like HPL. I expect it will be ok.

I will let you know soon. I tend to heat up the gearbox a lot during ski trips, so I will see how it shifts then as well in really cold weather.
I think, just out of curiosity, I might switch immediately to check it out.

 

[MolaKule]

@MolaKule What is the difference between HPL MT Life viscosities 75W and 75W-75?

Their 75W is actually what I would classify as a 70W75 with a kinematic viscosity of 6.2 cSt while the 75W75 has a kinematic viscosity of 7.1 cSt.

Thread 'Updated List of MTFs'

May 30, 2024

Updated List of Manual Transmission Fluids Updated May 30th, 2025

NOTE: This list is only a “summary” list of MTFs available in the MTF Lubricant Market and only available in US auto parts stores and US Import outlets. It is not an endorsement nor a critique of any one fluid, nor is it implied that any one fluid will cure problems in MTs that have design problems or those that have excessive wear. Viscosities listed are at 100C and rounded up.

A.These MTL fluids are closest to a Kinematic Viscosity of 6.X cSt@100C (About the same viscosity as Dexron VI ATF) LV MTF's:

1. HPL Manual...

• MolaKule
• Replies: 0
• Forum: ATF, Differential, Trans, Brakes, P/S

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[Indyxc]

i am between these 2 next change.

today's automatics have nothing to do with old ones,thats why more and more drivers prefer them.

Yes, please educate me more on how today's automatics have nothing to do with old ones.

Any car under 400 HP needs to be manual to be fun imho. After than it's a bit of a mix depending on the engine, purpose, and how much it weighs.

 

[chris719]

I had wild hair, and deviated from BMW MTF-LT-3 with Ravenol MTF-3 75W. The 1-2 shift is quite a bit worse. I may wait and see how you like HPL. I expect it will be ok.

I’m surprised, I had a really good experience replacing old MTF-LT-2 with Ravenol MTF-2. Pentosin recommends FFL4 for LT-3 applications now I think so that’s another option.

 

[edyvw]

OK, finally arrived.
I decided to change radiator since car has 150k and radiator is $168. High altitude is not forgiving to compromised cooling system parts. Not big job, but HPL MTFlife 75W was delayed in shipping, I guess bcs. of that storm in MidWest, so finally filled today:

I let Motul MultiATF drain while I picked up kids from school. Maybe an 1hrs of draining.

Warmed up HPL in living room in the meantime to pump in easier.

So, initial impressions? There was no difference in shifting compared to Motul, which is good, as MultiATF was smooth as butter.
Will see shifting when I heat up gearbox a lot, or super cold starts at ski place.

 

[svenson]

Yes, please educate me more on how today's automatics have nothing to do with old ones.

Any car under 400 HP needs to be manual to be fun imho. After than it's a bit of a mix depending on the engine, purpose, and how much it weighs.

View attachment 256606

my pleasure..
you claim 2 different things.cars under 400 hp need to be manual..thats an opinion.i might agree on this one.car tests don't.

but my point was about todays automatics in general.and why more young enthusiasts prefer it. and i told you why.

old ones had huge lags between gear changes, kick down that only occasionally worked well, gas per mile was terrible.

new ones on the other hand ,are smooth as butter, have better acceleration than manual transmissions, deliver power seamlessly, using the best computers, automatics change gears faster than a human can.

need more?