Redline 75w85 for BMW

[BMW Dom]

Attached old copies of BMW 8/2018 charts of front and rear final drive fluids used in all models back when it was easier to find these things online. I note that the 2011 switchover to new fluid types in rear final drive does not correspond with any hardware change (every part# I ever checked was the same before and after the fluid spec change) leading me to believe the change was due to a supplier change or a fuel efficiency initiative rather than the hard parts truly requiring a different fluid.

In my F10, I chose to interpret the requirements as SAF-XO rear, G2 front. I went with Amsoil SVG in the rear and genuine G2 in the front (after reading lots of stories online of F10 front diffs being oddly hard on fluid, suffering failures etc...). I may change my stance on genuine G2 by the next time I change it, which is still years away.

Nothing but the BMW genuine fluid goes in my transfer case, which was already replaced once under warranty. I believe I still have a bottle of the predecessor to DTF-1 on my shelf which I might use next change.

I'm planning on going Liquimoly 75w90 for front and rear differentials. https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/gear-oil-liqui-moly-99991754600

 

[CumminsMech]

Ravenol also makes an x-drive transfer case fluid that “meets/exceeds requirements” for DTF-1 and TF-0870. I bought a bottle for the X5 when Blauparts had a sale earlier, but haven’t gotten around to changing it yet.

https://www.ravenol-direct.uk/ravenol-dtf-1-transfer-fluid-tf-0870.html


I also bought Redline 75w85 from FCP for the diffs after going around in endless circles trying to figure out the right fluid. Haven’t changed it yet either, but now I’m thinking of getting the 75w90 instead.

 

[BMW Dom]

Ravenol also makes an x-drive transfer case fluid that “meets/exceeds requirements” for DTF-1 and TF-0870. I bought a bottle for the X5 when Blauparts had a sale earlier, but haven’t gotten around to changing it yet.

https://www.ravenol-direct.uk/ravenol-dtf-1-transfer-fluid-tf-0870.html


I also bought Redline 75w85 from FCP for the diffs after going around in endless circles trying to figure out the right fluid. Haven’t changed it yet either, but now I’m thinking of getting the 75w90 instead.

I’m thinking of going Liquimoly gl4/5 hypoid gear oil 75w90

 

[edyvw]

I mean for transfer case (x drive)

Oh DO NOT GAMBLE THERE! Strictly BMW DTF-1.

 

[edyvw]

So why wouldn't the Redline work? AFAIK my other BMW has 128k on factory fill for all fluids except coolant and oil.

Redline offers TC fluid for BMW only last 2 years. That should tell you something. BMW owners are huge business for Redline. Yet, Redline was hesitant for 14 years to offer fluid for xDrive TC. Even bimmerworld that sell anything Redline, and Redline sponsors their racing team is selling only DTF-1 for TC.

 

[BMW Dom]

Redline offers TC fluid for BMW only last 2 years. That should tell you something. BMW owners are huge business for Redline. Yet, Redline was hesitant for 14 years to offer fluid for xDrive TC. Even bimmerworld that sell anything Redline, and Redline sponsors their racing team is selling only DTF-1 for TC.

Ok. It’s not too expensive. Is the shell stuff the same?

 

[edyvw]

Ok. It’s not too expensive. Is the shell stuff the same?

No. I highly doubt any other fluid would be same regardless that they might be blender.
Shell was also engine oil blender for BMW until recently, yet all BMW branded oils were different from Shell.

 

[BMW Dom]

No. I highly doubt any other fluid would be same regardless that they might be blender.
Shell was also engine oil blender for BMW until recently, yet all BMW branded oils were different from Shell.

Ok I’ll go dtf-1 then. And redline 75w90 or Liquimoly 75w90 in front and rear differentials

 

[edyvw]

Ok I’ll go dtf-1 then. And redline 75w90 or Liquimoly 75w90 in front and rear differentials

Differentials are not big deal. Valvoline from Wal Mart will do excellent job too. If you want something more exitic, Mobil1 Delvac 75W90 is exceptional stuff.

 

[BMW Dom]

Differentials are not big deal. Valvoline from Wal Mart will do excellent job too. If you want something more exitic, Mobil1 Delvac 75W90 is exceptional stuff.

I’m sure any gl5 75w-90 will do well.

 

[BMW Dom]

Ravenol also makes an x-drive transfer case fluid that “meets/exceeds requirements” for DTF-1 and TF-0870. I bought a bottle for the X5 when Blauparts had a sale earlier, but haven’t gotten around to changing it yet.

https://www.ravenol-direct.uk/ravenol-dtf-1-transfer-fluid-tf-0870.html


I also bought Redline 75w85 from FCP for the diffs after going around in endless circles trying to figure out the right fluid. Haven’t changed it yet either, but now I’m thinking of getting the 75w90 instead.

Both would be fine. They are of the same formulation, just different viscosity.

 

[BMW Dom]

No. I highly doubt any other fluid would be same regardless that they might be blender.
Shell was also engine oil blender for BMW until recently, yet all BMW branded oils were different from Shell.

This fluid was previously called TF0870 but has been replaced with a re-branded version called DTF-1

 

[edyvw]

This fluid was previously called TF0870 but has been replaced with a re-branded version called DTF-1

It was always DTF-1.

 

[BMW Dom]

It was always DTF-1.

I copied and pasted what Bimmerworld said

 

[edyvw]

I copied and pasted what Bimmerworld said

I can’t remember ever buying it in anything but DTF-1 form for this or previous BMW’s.

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

@MolaKule I am sorry for posting in this thread, however, I didn't want to start a new thread for just one question. The 2009 KIA Borrego specifies Mobilfluid LT for the full time transfer case fluid. While Mobilfluid LT isn't expensive by itself, it can only be purchased in bulk. Is there a good alternative that you know of to Mobilfluid LT? Thank you.

 

[MolaKule]

I am sorry for posting in this thread, however, I didn't want to start a new thread for just one question. The 2009 KIA Borrego specifies Mobilfluid LT for the full time transfer case fluid. While Mobilfluid LT isn't expensive by itself, it can only be purchased in bulk. Is there a good alternative that you know of to Mobilfluid LT? Thank you.

Have you tried any local agricultural firms?

https://www.mobil.com/en-de/commercial-vehicle-lube/pds/gl-xx-mobilfluid-lt

Otherwise, you could get a sample and have it analyzed and post it here for a possible match.

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

Have you tried any local agricultural firms?

I don't have any around here. Plus, I was wondering if there is anything that is better as in provides more wear protection.

I was wondering if Red Line Oil MT-LV would be a decent substitute. Red Line's website recommends MTL 75W-80, however, I would imagine they made that recommendation before they released MT-LV.

Amsoil recommends their ATF for the same transfer case, which I find weird.

 

[MolaKule]

The MT-LV's viscosity is a tad low but might do well in Boston's winters.

Their DI add pack has ample AW and friction modification chemistry.

 

[Obi Wan Noobi]

The MT-LV's viscosity is a tad low but might do well in Boston's winters.

Their DI add pack has ample AW and friction modification chemistry.

Red Line ATF D4 seems to match the viscosity of Mobilfluid LT pretty closely and Red Line recommends it for GL4 applications. IIRC the full time transfer case uses a high energy clutch patck to engage the front axle and requires a "Type-F" fluid for the clutch to operate properly. I'm just making assumptions here, so I assume that the ATF D4 has either the wrong type or too much friction modifiers for this type of clutch. It would be nice to know if I can use it though.

Would the Red Line MTL 75W-80 bee too thick for transfer case use? I realize there might be a loss in MPG (not that it's great to begin with), but would there be a negative impact in reliability?

Thank you.