Gearbox, Diff & Transfer Box Recommendations Here >

[oilman]

Getting the right oil for gearboxes, diffs and transfer boxes can be tricky, so please ask here if there is any information that you need.

To help us to give the most accurate advice possible we do need some information about your car. e.g.

Make:

Model:

Year:

Manual/Auto:

Performance Modifications:

Driving style: (road / off-road / track etc.)

Any other information that may be relevant: e.g. approx BHP if modified, any transmission problems

What recommendation are you looking for? Gearbox, diffs, limited slip diffs, transfer boxes etc

Any oil we recommend is available to buy from us (if you would like to) for delivery throughout the UK and many destinations Worldwide. We offer a really extensive range of oils and lubricants from 11 major oil manufacturers at prices much lower than the high street and main dealers. We stock oils and fluids that meet pretty much all manufacturers and international specifications. Our brands include, Silkolene, Fuchs, Gulf, Castrol, Motul, Mobil, Millers Oils, Shell, Valvoline, Amsoil and Redline.

Plus, as the Club is a member of our club discount scheme you can get discounts of at least 10% across our entire range.

To redeem your 10% club discount simply use the following club discount code at the checkout.

E46Z

Once the code is added at the checkout you will then receive your extra 10% club discount. However this discount code cannot be used in conjunction with other offer codes, BUT the code can be used in conjunction with any of our offers on this page HERE that do not require offer codes.

Any questions please ask here or contact us via email at sales@opieoils.co.uk

Finally, if there are any products we don't stock and you have difficulty getting hold of elsewhere, let us know and we'll see if we can stock them.

We look forward to being of help!

Cheers

Tim, Opie Oils

You can also contact us by phone on +44 1209 202944

(All oils recommended are available to buy online at my web site)

[n0v0s]

Hi Tim,

I have a 330d with the newer, 3.0l m57n engine diesel and 6spd manual gearbox. I'm after oil for the gearbox and diff. At the moment I am running standard power with future plans to get a 'strong' map. I have the typical notchy feel to the box when cold, soon clears when warmed up. On very rare occasions, I can have some difficulty getting into first again when cold. There is also a slight whine when letting off the power at high motorway speeds. Disappears when throttle is touched.

Cheers

[oilman]

Hi

Technically you need an MTF for the gearbox and I would go with the Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF or Fuchs Sintofluid.

http://www.opieoils....5w-85-mtfs.aspx

The problem is that the MTF doesn't always work out well for cold changes in BMW gearboxes and using a mix of a quality ATF, like the Redline D4, Amsoil ATF or Fuchs ATF5005 can help out. If do decide to go for the mix, use the full bottle of the MTF and top up the difference with the ATF.

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

Cheers

Tim

Edited November 26, 2012 by oilman

[Larry D]

Make: BMW

Model: 328

Year: 2000

Manual/Auto: Manual

Performance Modifications: None

Driving style: Fast road

Diff oil please, makes a little whine when changing gear under full load.

Gearbox oil, notchyness in changing gears, doesnt spring back to centre when going into neutral.

Any oils help those out a little?

[oilman]

Hi

For the gearbox, my answer would be the same as above. The stick not springing back to position is due to a spring (in my experience).

The diff takes a 75w-90. It's likely that a change of oil will help to get rid of the whine.

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

The Fuchs Syn 5, Millers CRX, Redline 75w-90 GL5, Motul Gear 300 and Gulf Competition are ideal for the diff. The Fuchs Sintopoid, Castrol Syntrax Longlife, Millers TRX, Motul Motylgear, Mobil SHC and Amsoil FGR are also good choices.

Cheers

Tim

Edited November 26, 2012 by oilman

[n0v0s]

Hi

Technically you need an MTF for the gearbox and I would go with the Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF or Fuchs Sintofluid.

http://www.opieoils....5w-85-mtfs.aspx

The problem is that the MTF doesn't always work out well for cold changes in BMW gearboxes and using a mix of a quality ATF, like the Redline D4, Amsoil ATF or Fuchs ATF5005 can help out. If do decide to go for the mix, use the full bottle of the MTF and top up the difference with the ATF.

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

Cheers

Tim

Thanks for your reply Tim. Is dexron 2/3 a suitable ATF to use with the 75w 80 MTF? In your opinion, is there any disadvantages with adding an ATF, especially with the increased torque from a remap? Reduced lubrication? Cheers,

Niv

[oilman]

Those ones are Dexron III, but the reason I recommend those ones specifically is the quality. They are top end fluids and will give plenty of protection, unlike a more basic mineral based Dexron III.

Cheers

Tim

[n0v0s]

Those ones are Dexron III, but the reason I recommend those ones specifically is the quality. They are top end fluids and will give plenty of protection, unlike a more basic mineral based Dexron III.

Cheers

Tim

Hi Tim,

For the diff, should I be using a gl5 spec oil or is it ok to put in a 75w-90 gl4 gearbox oil?

Cheers

[Mengwalton]

2000 x reg, E46 316 1.9l engine

Auto/ steptronic box

Std final drive unit

No power mods

Fast road use

I need the correct oil for the auto box & rear diff / final drive unit

Thanks

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2

Edited December 8, 2012 by Mengwalton

[agd320i]

BMW E46 2000MY

32Oi 6-cylinder

Manual gearbox

Completely standard

Driving style - relaxed

Vehicle mileage - 70,000 miles

Gearbox-,notchy when cold. Better as it warms up. 1st gear sometimes not "available" even when warm!!

Differential- slight "rumble" (not a whine) when in 5th between 30-45mph, with very light accelerator pressure. "Rumble" not so apparent when in 3rd or 4th gears. At these same speeds, slight whine when coming off the accelerator. Above 45mph, everything quiet. No noises, whines, etc at motorway speeds.

Service history shows no record of oil changes. Have inspected gearbox/diff plugs, appear never to have been touched!

Thanks for the help

[oilman]

Hi Tim,

For the diff, should I be using a gl5 spec oil or is it ok to put in a 75w-90 gl4 gearbox oil?

Cheers

Hi

It needs to be a GL5 oil due to the pressure in a diff.

Cheers

Tim

[oilman]

2000 x reg, E46 316 1.9l engine

Auto/ steptronic box

Std final drive unit

No power mods

Fast road use

I need the correct oil for the auto box & rear diff / final drive unit

Thanks

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2

Hi

Is it the ZF or GM auto?

The diff needs a 75w-90

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-673-75w-90-mtfs-manual-transmission-fluid.aspx

The Fuchs Syn 5, Millers CRX, Redline 75w-90 GL5, Motul Gear 300 and Gulf Competition are ideal for the diff. The Fuchs Sintopoid, Castrol Syntrax Longlife, Millers TRX, Motul Motylgear, Mobil SHC and Amsoil FGR are also good choices.

Cheers

Tim

[oilman]

BMW E46 2000MY

32Oi 6-cylinder

Manual gearbox

Completely standard

Driving style - relaxed

Vehicle mileage - 70,000 miles

Gearbox-,notchy when cold. Better as it warms up. 1st gear sometimes not "available" even when warm!!

Differential- slight "rumble" (not a whine) when in 5th between 30-45mph, with very light accelerator pressure. "Rumble" not so apparent when in 3rd or 4th gears. At these same speeds, slight whine when coming off the accelerator. Above 45mph, everything quiet. No noises, whines, etc at motorway speeds.

Service history shows no record of oil changes. Have inspected gearbox/diff plugs, appear never to have been touched!

Thanks for the help

That sounds like the oil needs replacing to me, despite what BMW say, oils do not last the lifetime of the car.

Technically you need an MTF for the gearbox and I would go with the Redline MTL, Amsoil MTF or Fuchs Sintofluid.

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

The problem is that the MTF doesn't always work out well for cold changes in BMW gearboxes and using a mix of a quality ATF, like the Redline D4, Amsoil ATF or Fuchs ATF5005 can help out. If do decide to go for the mix, use the full bottle of the MTF and top up the difference with the ATF.

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

The diff takes a 75w-90

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

The Fuchs Syn 5, Millers CRX, Redline 75w-90 GL5, Motul Gear 300 and Gulf Competition are ideal for the diff. The Fuchs Sintopoid, Castrol Syntrax Longlife, Millers TRX, Motul Motylgear, Mobil SHC and Amsoil FGR are also good choices.

Cheers

Tim

Edited December 10, 2012 by oilman

[Mengwalton]

Hi

Is it the ZF or GM auto?

The diff needs a 75w-90

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-673-75w-90-mtfs-manual-transmission-fluid.aspx

The Fuchs Syn 5, Millers CRX, Redline 75w-90 GL5, Motul Gear 300 and Gulf Competition are ideal for the diff. The Fuchs Sintopoid, Castrol Syntrax Longlife, Millers TRX, Motul Motylgear, Mobil SHC and Amsoil FGR are also good choices.

Cheers

Tim

I have absolutely no idea, whatever is std to the 2000 316 m43tu engine. Its automatic with the sports bit and steptronic bit. I can try get a part number

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Tapatalk 2

[oilman]

That's the GM box according to what I can see and you need the Fuchs ATF 4000, 5005 or 6000 for that.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/c-1432-atfs-automatic-transmission-fluid.aspx

Cheers

Tim

[harmzsingh]

Make: BMW

Model: 330ci Clubsport

Year: 2003

Manual/Auto: Auto (Steptronic)

Performance Modifications: None

Driving style: Road/Fast Road

Any other information that may be relevant: No problems..yet

What recommendation are you looking for? Diff Oil

As above really, just looking for a diff oil for my Clubsport please. Castrol seems to recommend a 75w140 but there's only two options for that and other forums seem to use a different grade altogether.

Thansk.

[Rob-]

Make: Toyota

Model: Avensis 1.8 Manual

Year: 1999

Driving Style: Granny

Just need to know what MTF to use, I know its 75w90 but is it GL3, GL4 or GL5. The Haynes says "hypoid gear oil to GL3" but this is a bit of a contradiction as GL3 is not suited to hypoid gears due to the low amount of anti friction additives in it.

Confused.

[oilman]

Make: BMW

Model: 330ci Clubsport

Year: 2003

Manual/Auto: Auto (Steptronic)

Performance Modifications: None

Driving style: Road/Fast Road

Any other information that may be relevant: No problems..yet

What recommendation are you looking for? Diff Oil

As above really, just looking for a diff oil for my Clubsport please. Castrol seems to recommend a 75w140 but there's only two options for that and other forums seem to use a different grade altogether.

Thansk.

Hi

Has it got a limited slip or open diff?

Cheers

Tim

[oilman]

Make: Toyota

Model: Avensis 1.8 Manual

Year: 1999

Driving Style: Granny

Just need to know what MTF to use, I know its 75w90 but is it GL3, GL4 or GL5. The Haynes says "hypoid gear oil to GL3" but this is a bit of a contradiction as GL3 is not suited to hypoid gears due to the low amount of anti friction additives in it.

Confused.

Hi

You need a GL4/5 75w-90.

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

If you want to go for the best, the Millers CRX 75w-90 NT, Gulf Competition, Motul Gear 300 and Millers TRX are ideal. The Castrol Universal, Motul Motylgear and Fuchs Gear Syn are all decent alternatives.

Cheers

Tim

Edited December 12, 2012 by oilman

[harmzsingh]

Hi

Has it got a limited slip or open diff?

Cheers

Tim

This is the weird one - I'm sure it's got an open diff as only the e46 M3's had LSD's from factory, but your sales team (phone) and Castrol both recommend the LSD Castrol 75w140 oil.

What would you recommend for an open diff please?

[oilman]

The M3s were the only ones fitted with an LSD as standard, but as far as I know, it's a factory option on all BMWs (apart from the 4wds).

You need a 75w-90 for the open diff

http://www.opieoils....sion-fluid.aspx

The Fuchs Syn 5, Millers CRX, Redline 75w-90 GL5, Motul Gear 300 and Gulf Competition are ideal for the diff. The Fuchs Sintopoid, Castrol Syntrax Longlife, Millers TRX, Motul Motylgear, Mobil SHC and Amsoil FGR are also good choices.

Cheers

Tim

Edited December 12, 2012 by oilman