Gearbox oil: have I got the right one?

[Boosh]

Hi all, and thanks for the advice so far. I've decided to change the gearbox oil in my manual 2002 1.9i z3. G went to the motor parts shop (an independent), he got his bible out, checked out make, model and year, and sold me 3 litre bottles of stuff. At home I realised he sold me some ATF-Q, which I understand stands for Automatic. Could that be correct? Wouldn't that be too runny for the gearbox? I don't really want to start a war about the best brand about, I'd just like to know whether I've got the correct stuff, or what grade I should get instead.
Thanks for your help and advice once again,
Boosh.

[Gazza]

It does sound strange to use ATF but it is correct. It will also help by giving a smoother gearchange.

Castrol 75w or similar is also recommended.

There are extensive threads on Gearbox Oil in the Knowledge Base.

[Del]

You won't need 3 litres, the 1.9 manual gearbox holds a shade over 1 litre about 1.1 litres.
http://oilselector.castrol.com/c/uk/eng/search

[TomH84]

I've just changed the gearbox fluid. I did a lot of research before selecting the right fluid - lots of conflicting info about fluids on the web generally.

In the end, I opted for Castrol Syntrans B Manual Transmission Fluid 75W. It's GL-4 and matches spec for BMW gearbox oil (http://www.castrol.com/en_gb/united-kin ... luids.html)

Tom

[Boosh]

Smoother gear change is the aim. So, the guy was right. It's just that I expected something thicker, closer to engine oil...
Well, now I need to suss out a way to pour it in, as there's not enough space to tilt the bottle to pour directly. Handpump and rubber tubing, methinks.
Thanks for the advice,
Boosh.

[Del]

I used an Ebay 100ml syringe and a few inches of plastic pipe.

[colb]

ATF is correct.
When I changed mine I used a length of plastic tube routed down through the engine bay to the filler plug with a small funnel in the top end it was easy to fill the box.

Colb

[lightning]

After much research and actually talking to Castrol themselves, l ended up with Syntrans B 75w.

There are other oils that will do the job, but what l can say is, this product is suitable for a Z3 gearbox when used in the UK.

[johnz3]

Had a gearbox oil change using ATF and gear change seems smoother - fine. The guy said to consider changing back in the summer. Should have asked why this might be but did not. Is there a good reason why this should be considered please. Thanks

[Davejue1]

I have syntrans b75 sat in my car waiting to be put in when it goes in for its spring service.

[Del]

to consider changing back in the summer

I assume by this he meant to drain out the ATF and replace it with something else? That would seem rather fussy. Many modern gear oils are 75W-90 multi-grade viscosity to cope with a range of temperatures. However, there isn't the same extreme heat range in the gearbox as produced by the engine and BMW Z3 gearboxes seem to offer a slicker gear change with quite thin oils. Worse case scenario is that in an extremely hot summer and after thrashing the car around the Nurburgring, you might notice that the gearbox is slightly nosier with ATF in it

[johnz3]

Great. Thanks

[BryZzz]

any1 tried RP?

Thanks!

[lightning]

Why mess about with different oil? It's not a job you want to be doing twice a year.
Just put the Castrol product in....

The gear change was improved on my 3.0 and you don't have to change it again in the summer

[gIzzE]

I used Redline D4, massive improvement.

I'm sure just putting new fresh oil in helps no end.