Help! I wanted to change the manual transmission fluid in my R56 S as it has seen a few track days and has about 42K. Switched to the Redline MTL 75W-80 that everyone was recommending and now it grinds occasionally going into second.

Does it take the MTL-LT-4 75W-90 fluid instead? How would I know? It's a 2013 R56 S if that matters.

 

That's rare with Red Line. We use it to good effect. Check your level, and also be sure that the symptom started immediately after changing the fluid. If that doesn't work, you might try Royal Purple Synchromax. I've had good luck, especially on BMWs who have notchy shifting with the factory fluid and Red Line. To my surprise, it really made a difference in shifting smoothness.

 

Fluid level is definitely correct, and I am just hoping it is not a bad synchro. I'm not sure how it could be with it only happening some times.

As far as I can remember it started after changing the fluid, or maybe it just became more pronounced?

I wonder if my transmission requires the 75W-90 fluid instead of the MTL 75W-80?

 

Yea, it must be the internals, have redline on my R52 w/ 255K , no issuse , very smooth.

Check the bottom on the transmission for the part number on a sticker , then pop the number into our site to see the weight on the bottle.

 

According to Red Line's application guide HERE they state they do not offer MTF-LT-4 fluid for a 2013 S. So I would assume you've possibly got the wrong stuff in your car and should switch it out to see if this resolves your issue.

 

Last year I had a Quaife put into the tranny of my 2012 S and noted that it was a lot stiffer shift and would "grunch" going into second. The shop used Redline. This seems to be only do this when it was cold. I found that once it was good and warm it would shift very nicely. Now a year later, it is shifting better. But on a 10 deg day, it is still a bit of a pain. I just make a slow and deliberated change of gears until it is warm.

 

I have Redline MTL in my box, and with the colder weather, it does feel a bit crunchy until warmed up. Loved it in the summer! Just be a bit more slow and deliberate with your shifts until it warms up some. As said before.....

 

This is why there is no magic bullet when it comes to fluids. What works and is recommended by one member in TX may not be suitable for a New Englander where temps are at extremes. So all factors must be considered.

I had a clutch job done at Inde Shop, they dumped in what I was told the equivalent of MINI MTF-LT3 by Amsoil. Turns out it wasn't, when I checked it was closer to the specs for MINI's MTF-94... Shifting into synchro's was notchy for first ten minutes of driving... IMO these aftermarket lubrication companies don't know jack when it comes to cross applications of their lubrication products and their throwing spit wads at the wall hoping something sticks with my 7K dollar transmission only pissed me off more.

I made them dump it and put MINI's fluid in, problem solved only my 3 gear synchro has never been the same. Afla Hotels.....

That said, sometimes there is just no substitute for OEM, especially for something as expensive as a 6K-8K dollar transmission job. ( cost of replacement/labor )

 

There are two different oils for the 6 speed transmission. MTF LT-4 for use without limited slip and MTF-2 for limited slip. There should be a tag on the bottom of your transmission with the proper fluid type, if not call your dealer with the last 7 of your vin

 

Thank you for all of the replies... I had gone and spent an eye watering amount on OEM MTF-LT-4 from the dealer and its SLIGHTLY better but still randomly grinds. I know it's not me because I have had the car for two years without a problem... I had posted another thread but it also seems to do it mostly when turning right almost as though something goes out of alignment... Taking in to the dealer under warranty to see what they say...

 

Get the redline equivalent, that what I ran in both my MINIs. +1 sticker is on the bottom.

But since you are under warranty , see whats up with them first.

Post up what they say or find.

 

I know you run Redline MTL but I read that it is suited for the GEN 1 MINI that runs 75w-80 and not the GEN 2 that runs the 75w-90 MTF-LT-4. But, the car goes in today and I will post anything that they find. My thoughts are shift linkage related.