Correct Transmission Fluid for '85 M635 w/ Green Sticker

[cofred]

The green "special oil" sticker on the right side of the transmission is still intact with the part number 81229407305 which Google says is a Mobil 1 SAE 80 synthetic, but doesn't appear to be available.

I've found a few threads on this, but just wanted to gather some further validation that Redline MTL is what others are using /recommend in this case.

I appreciate the input!

[wattsmonkey]

Same sticker on my 280: I'm using Redline MT90. Defo a bit thinner: weeps its way past the drain plug. A bit late to add ptfe tape now!

[davem6]

If this forum is correct then the product is mobil shc630

[wjtesquire]

I use Brad Penn Classic in my M635. Its specifically designed for the metals found in older Getrag transmissions.

[cofred]

Thanks all!

Not sure if I'm less confused, but I really appreciate the input!

[wattsmonkey]

I'd welcome any input on this, but I am working on the assumption that the 280 needs oil to GL4 spec, just like the 260 and 265.

[Da_Hose]

I just ordered some oil for my 280. Yes, it needs GL4 spec. and the common wisdom is that the 280 works best with 1/2 dino. and 1/2 synthetic.

Redline synthetic is most commonly thrown out as the best formulation and it comes in two flavors that get alternatingly good reviews. Some prefer the MTL (80 weight) some really like the MT-90. It seems that people who live in very cold areas have a preference for the MTL.

My M6 definitely shifts harder into 2nd when it's cold, but after three or four shifts up/down as I leave the house it stops complaining. So I think it's less about temp. and more about getting things coated. I figure MT-90 might be my best solution as I live in California where it can get cold in winter, but it more often is warm to HOT!!! Capacity on a 280 is 1.2 liter, so about 1/2 a quart will be drained and then I'll top up with the MT-90 I just got.

Jose

[BenM635i]

Thread resurrection time gents.

Just changed the transmission oil on my M635 - believe it was done around 15k and 12 years ago but thought it best to do again.

Spent hours on the internet scouring sites trying to work out the best oil for the job. As Jose says consensus of opinion seems to be that Redline MTL or Redline MT-90 are the ones to go for .... lots of differing views as usual on the net! My car has a green sticker on the transmission so believe either oil grade would work nicely, seems that guys who used to rebuild the 280's always went for MTL but then as Jose says in warmer climates the MT-90 could be more suited.

Decided that living here in the UK the MTL was probably the preferred option so just filled the old girl up. Took her on a 10 mile drive and first impressions are that gear changes are smoother, how much of it is in the mind i don't know though First to second definitely comes across less lumpy and it will be interesting to see how it goes over the next few hundred miles.

Next job is the bushes and linkage on the selector mechanism, at the moment everything is loose. Few beers tonight to celebrate trans and diff fluid swap then ill get to researching gear linkage bushes

[86_6series]

Should be ATF

https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/showpa ... Id=23_0610

[smtguy]

This was on Bimmerforums in the e30 section relative to Getrag gearboxes:

GREEN LABEL* GLS
RED LABEL* AF
NO LABEL** 80W GL-4

CAPACITY, Refill:

1983-84 533i, 633CSi, 733i1.6 liters 3.4 pints
1983-85 318i1.2 liters 2.5 pints
1983-88 528e1.6 liters 3.4 pints
1985-87 535i, 635CSi, 735i1.6 liters 3.4 pints
1987-90 M51.3 liters 2.7 pints
1988-89 635CSi, M61.3 liters 2.7 pints
1988-92 735i1.3 liters 2.7 pints
1988-90 325i, 525i, 535i1.3 liters 2.7 pints
1988-90 M31.2 liters 2.5 pints
1991-92 525i1.0 liters 2.2 pints
1991-92 325i, 535i, M51.3 liters 2.7 pints
1991-92 850i2.3 liters 4.8 pints

* Units that are factory filled with AF or GLS are fitted with 17mm external hex head drain and fill plugs.
** Units that are factory filled with GL-4 are fitted with 17mm internal hex (Allen) head drain and fill plugs.[/b]

My 260 gearbox had no label and the internal Allen plugs so I went with GL4 from Liqui-Moly which was tough to find; ended up calling the distributor to find it.

[BenM635i]

Apparently green label 280's (at least the euro versions) were all specified to take Mobil SHC 630.

Mobil SHC 630 is approx. a 75-90 fluid... redline MTL is 75-80 and MT-90 is 75-90. Redline themselves recommend MT-90 as a direct swap for the original specification.

Might run it for a few weeks and then drain the MTL and refill with MT-90 so see if there is any difference - both should be fine for the green sticker 280 (famous last words!).

Fill plug on mine is a 22mm external hex, the drain is 17mm external hex.