Red Line lubes, engine & x-missions

18th April 2003, 04:39

Okay Guys & Gals,

I am new to the forum and have seen some posts rearding oils, but no where have I seen Red Line mentioned. Roundel and some of the other BMW pubs seem to speak highly of these products and my past experience with other BMW models seem to support these products. Have other owners has similar experiences, good or bad and how do you feel about using them in lieu of the standard BMW product lines.

My experience with their transmission fluids seemed to greatly enhance the smoothness of my 6 spped in my 2002 540. Any comments would be appreciated as I put on the miles in my new M5. I do not believe that one should start using ther Red Line products until the car has at least 4,000 miles behind it for break-in purposes. BTW, my Bimmer dealer seems to support the Red Line concept so I need to hear another story if there is one out there.

Thanks in adavance,

Bob Poole

2003 Imola Red

TCM · 18th April 2003, 06:40

Redline or ATF fuilds definately help smooth out the transmission in the M5. Just be sure to put in ATF and not MTF. Please let us know how you make out.

kwalls · 18th April 2003, 11:59

Welcome Bob.
Since you have seen some of the posts on this subject you should know that there are many opinions on what to or what not to use. I see that you are a corporate pilot so I know you know the importance of using the right oil. Many people think oil is oil and for the most part that might be correct as long as any oil conforms to the specifications that measure the performance and protection criteria established by various bodies that regulates such. So that said, if you are going to use a particular Red Line product that meets all of the requirements BMW states in the owner’s manual and your dealer supports that, then your choice may be okey.
While I may be a new M5 owner, I am not a new BMW owner. As such I have seen / heard many stories concerning BMW’s warranty support for engine problems. I have also seen dealers sell products for customer use that may or may not be consistent with BMW policies or specifications. I am not knocking Red Line products but I would be certain that BMW supports the use of such, not just the dealer before I used it in my engine. As a new M5 owner and new board member I too have seen the numerous posts on the subject of oils to use in the US. It has not been as diverse here in Europe. I also see the SES posts and mention of vanos failures. Being an old maintainer of aircraft I wonder what correlation if any there is between vanos failures and oils that may not met the engineer’s specs.

Ken

James A · 18th April 2003, 17:03

As my M5 is still in the warrenty period I let the dealer keep the oils up in the car. But, I use Red Line in my M3 and my Caterham, the gearbox is quite good even when cold with the Red Line MTF. Also thier LS differential oil is very good. I am quite happy with Red Line.

Suretyagent · 18th April 2003, 17:51

Quote:

Originally posted by kwalls
. As a new M5 owner and new board member I too have seen the numerous posts on the subject of oils to use in the US. It has not been as diverse here in Europe. I also see the SES posts and mention of vanos failures. Being an old maintainer of aircraft I wonder what correlation if any there is between vanos failures and oils that may not met the engineer’s specs.

Ken

Well said Ken. And welcome Bob.

As you might have gleaned from my ongoing Service Engine Soon saga - I would now think twice before giving BMW any chance or reason to void the warranty.

Derek