Best Transmission Fluid

[Maxima SE]

The new pentosin replacement for MTF 2 is FFL-4 DCT fluid. You can still order the original BMW MTF-LT2 for an arm and a leg or go with the new replacement which is MTF-LT3. There is also a MTF-LT5 which is oddly only recommended for 2011+ 6spd manuals... even though both E46 and E92 M3 6spds call for the same exact fluid.... basically a shit show at this point

[Tbonem3]

Thought I already addressed it, but might have been in another thread - that Febi stuff is conventional oil, not full synthetic.

you want the trifecta:

• full synth
• correct spec gl-4 (synchro safe)
• correct weight 75w80 or something very close to match your climate/use

[r4dr]

The new pentosin replacement for MTF 2 is FFL-4 DCT fluid. You can still order the original BMW MTF-LT2 for an arm and a leg or go with the new replacement which is MTF-LT3. There is also a MTF-LT5 which is oddly only recommended for 2011+ 6spd manuals... even though both E46 and E92 M3 6spds call for the same exact fluid.... basically a shit show at this point

BimmerWorld has LT-5 listed for 2011+ non-M models only, might not be as clear cut as just a year. I agree about it being a shit show though.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Fluids/Driveline-Fluids/Genuine-BMW-MTF-LT-5-Lifetime-Transmission-Fluid-1-Liter.html

[Tbonem3]

The new pentosin replacement for MTF 2 is FFL-4 DCT fluid. You can still order the original BMW MTF-LT2 for an arm and a leg or go with the new replacement which is MTF-LT3. There is also a MTF-LT5 which is oddly only recommended for 2011+ 6spd manuals... even though both E46 and E92 M3 6spds call for the same exact fluid.... basically a shit show at this point

The MTF 1...2...3...4...5...99 has been a long effort to increase MPGs through reduced "loss" from thinner fluid.

As much as I like giving BMW shit for having lost their way, their hand was certainly forced by the government(s) where the cars are sold. From design to engine choice to fluids, all being affected by safety or environmental policy.

[Maxima SE]

The MTF 1...2...3...4...5...99 has been a long effort to increase MPGs through reduced "loss" from thinner fluid.

As much as I like giving BMW shit for having lost their way, their hand was certainly forced by the government(s) where the cars are sold. From design to engine choice to fluids, all being affected by safety or environmental policy.

Interesting, I didn't know that. I run the original MTF-LT2 in the E46 and the FFL-4 in the E92. hopefully the pentosin stuff is the same crap that comes in the BMW bottle .

[Sharocks]

OE bruh. Not the fluid's fault the Getrag shifts like shit. You can buy an SSK to fix that though. Not a BMW SSK (that doesn't count), get a real one.

[heinzboehmer]

Hypothetically, If someone was trying to learn how to heel to toe, and grinded their gears missing a shift, does the transmission fluid need to be changed?

One instance of grinding gears isn't a big deal at all. The gears are pretty hard and won't have released many (if at all) metal shavings during the grind. I wouldn't worry about it.

[bigjae46]

Most of the metal shavings are the synchros.

Just a word of caution. If you put a GL5 lube in your transmission, it will die quickly. A GL5 lube contains friction modifiers which attack copper.

You’re synchros are copper. Unless you can perfectly rev match every shift...stick with a GL4.

Redline D4ATF is acceptable. The problem is you need to change it as often as your engine oil. If you want a long service interval, stick with OEM. I change mine every 6 months (track car) so I use Redline MT90 or MTL.

[old///MFanatic]

I'm with the others on using Pentosin. Especially on a street car.

[Arith2]

I use MT90 with my 11lb flywheel and it's super quiet. I'm also in FL where it's 80 degrees in the winter. It didn't add 50 hp but my transmission hasn't blown up yet. That's good enough for me.

[M3_CJ]

Used genuine bmw transmission fluid sourced from ECS Tuning, Have about 3-4k miles since replacing the original transmission fluid. Did not notice a difference to be honest (not there was anything wrong with the previous trans fluid, I just did it as part of inspection 2 item checklist).

[Obioban]

Used genuine bmw transmission fluid sourced from ECS Tuning, Have about 3-4k miles since replacing the original transmission fluid. Did not notice a difference to be honest (not there was anything wrong with the previous trans fluid, I just did it as part of inspection 2 item checklist).

I’ve always been of the opinion that, if you feel a difference when you change the fluid, you waited too long to change it.

[maupineda]

Very interesting tread. In the Z4M community many like the RP and Redline ATF. Now I realize I may not have what is ideal and now want to change to OE! Damn there is always something LOL

[sev]

when ordering do you need 2L or 3L?

edit. Fill capacity is 1.8 liters according to the manual. For future reference.

Just ordered the OE mtf-lt2 fluid from ecs. BTW the price with shipping on getbmwparts is the same even though the unit price is 10 dollars cheaper.

[sev]

oh man i just dumped out the synchromax and put the OE MTF in. What a difference. Gears engage so much smoother even when cold. I no longer feel like I have to force it in and the feel is much improved.