Break in service...manual transmission fluid too?

smaglik · 01-26-2022, 10:39 AM

Hey all. I just scheduled my break in service, and can't wait. From what I understand, it's engine oil, oil filter, and rear diff fluid (I have a 6MT). But, when I read the info from Mike Miller and the old school maintenance (which I use to maintain my other vehicles), he notes that manual transmission fluid should be part of a break in service as well. So, is anyone doing this? I'm happy to do it myself (I haven't looked at the transmission yet, but I presume it has the usual fill and drain plugs...you never know with BMW anymore), and it's generally pretty darn easy. Any thoughts on this? Thanks!

Ed

Erebor · 01-26-2022, 11:29 AM

No, tranny fluid is not part of the break in service.

LuvMyE92 · 01-27-2022, 07:03 AM

In the old days BMW would use a different oil for the break-in period, one presumes of a lighter viscosity. This was on all cars, not just M cars. And only for the engine and diff, never for the transmission. The worst part was that it was not paid for by BMW; 2 months after you bought your new car, you had to take it in for a $200 service and I'm sure enough people complained that it's one of the reasons that BMW dropped it. This was back in the 80s, when $200 was a lot of money.

So, sure, it wouldn't 'hurt' to do it on the manual, but really, it's totally unnecessary and a waste of money.

01-26-2022, 10:39 AM	#1
smaglik First Lieutenant 529 Rep 359 Posts Drives: 2007 X3 MT Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: Flagstaff, AZ iTrader: (0)	Break in service...manual transmission fluid too? Hey all. I just scheduled my break in service, and can't wait. From what I understand, it's engine oil, oil filter, and rear diff fluid (I have a 6MT). But, when I read the info from Mike Miller and the old school maintenance (which I use to maintain my other vehicles), he notes that manual transmission fluid should be part of a break in service as well. So, is anyone doing this? I'm happy to do it myself (I haven't looked at the transmission yet, but I presume it has the usual fill and drain plugs...you never know with BMW anymore), and it's generally pretty darn easy. Any thoughts on this? Thanks! Ed __________________ 2007 X3 2022 M3 Base
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01-26-2022, 11:29 AM	#2
Erebor Lieutenant 1130 Rep 542 Posts Drives: M4 Competition (G82) Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Switzerland iTrader: (0)	No, tranny fluid is not part of the break in service.
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01-27-2022, 07:03 AM	#3
LuvMyE92 Occasionally frequent poster 3000 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: CT5V-Blackwing Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: RTP NC, USA iTrader: (0)	In the old days BMW would use a different oil for the break-in period, one presumes of a lighter viscosity. This was on all cars, not just M cars. And only for the engine and diff, never for the transmission. The worst part was that it was not paid for by BMW; 2 months after you bought your new car, you had to take it in for a $200 service and I'm sure enough people complained that it's one of the reasons that BMW dropped it. This was back in the 80s, when $200 was a lot of money. So, sure, it wouldn't 'hurt' to do it on the manual, but really, it's totally unnecessary and a waste of money. __________________ Current inventory: F22 & G05 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
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