OK to use synthetic oil in trans and diff?

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cory58
Posts: 155
Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:49 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

OK to use synthetic oil in trans and diff?

Post by cory58 »

I want to replace the trans and diff oils in my E12 for the first time during my ownership. It's older than any other BMW I've owned by 10+ years. Is it ok to use synthetic oil or should I stick with conventional for the trans and diff? It's the only BMW I've owned that leaks zero fluids!

Thanks, Cory
1977 530i
1988 320i Touring (euro)
1992 325i Cabrio
2000 M5
2015 328i (wife's daily)
PatinaBeforePolish
Posts: 361
Joined: Sun Jan 18, 2015 1:22 pm
Location: Baltimore, Md.

Re: OK to use synthetic oil in trans and diff?

Post by PatinaBeforePolish »

I’ve been using Redline MTL in the transmission and Redline 75/90 in the differential with no problems. Trans actually shifted more smoothly when I switched to Redline which was around 8 years ago.
79 528i
76 530i - Stored since 1992, can it be brought back to life?
86 944- 2023 project
78 F150- Everyone needs a truck
cory58
Posts: 155
Joined: Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:49 pm
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: OK to use synthetic oil in trans and diff?

Post by cory58 »

PatinaBeforePolish wrote: Wed Jan 17, 2024 6:18 am I’ve been using Redline MTL in the transmission and Redline 75/90 in the differential with no problems. Trans actually shifted more smoothly when I switched to Redline which was around 8 years ago.
Thank you!
1977 530i
1988 320i Touring (euro)
1992 325i Cabrio
2000 M5
2015 328i (wife's daily)
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528i-1981
Posts: 570
Joined: Wed Feb 07, 2018 5:50 am
Location: Franklin, TN

Re: OK to use synthetic oil in trans and diff?

Post by 528i-1981 »

https://www.firstfives.org/phpBB-3.2.1/ ... hp?p=31333

I recall this being discussed here when I changed mine. LOL Cory, you initiated that thread four years ago. I think we all have E12 items that have been pending for that long or longer. Anyway there's good info in that thread. I've had no issues since making the switch. Cheers!
(oo=00=oo) Eric
1981 528i Manual
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