3.0 Manual Transmission Oil Change?
 

Hi there:

I'm a recent buyer of a 2002 3.0 5-speed with 94,000 miles on the clock. After the first engine oil change, the mechanic took it for a spin and said the transmission was a little 'whiney' but that I shouldn't be concerned. He also said that the transmission fluid was lifetime and that changing it would not be beneficial to the car or the sound...

I've done searches on here, but I can't find any good advice for the 3.0 manual -- only articles and guides for the automatic!

So now I'm seeking ya'lls advice... What do you have to say about changing the fluid in the 3.0 manual? Is this something I can do myself (I have amateur level car skills). Does a guide exist for this process somewhere on the internet?

Thanks so much!

Not a bad idea to change it. It is low risk. Use the fluid specified on the tag on the transmission. It is the same as changing any manual transmission fluid.

MTF-LT2 or eqivalent for your 2002, just go under the car and the drain and fill plugs will be a 17mm hex socket i believe. make sure you have a hand pump or something to pump the fluid into, it takes about 2 quarts I believe. When fluid comes out of the fill hole tighten her back up!

I'm getting my fluid done soon and will let you knnow if it improves shifting, noises etc.


and please don't forget to register in the manual transmission thread!

That whiney sound may be coming from your transfer case.

Same thing happened to me. Thought it was my 6 speed gearbox, but it ended up being the tansfer case. Replaced under BMW's goodwill policy.

Daniel

I'm replacing my fluids in the coming weeks all around (power steering, manual trans, transfer case and diffs), and hopefully things sound better. i also have squealing belt tensioners so to be honest i don't think i have as much drivetrain noise as i thought lol.

make sure to post in the manual trans registry!

Congratulations! 2002 is a good vintage. I have the same car. 215k miles and runs like day I drove it off the dealer lot.

There is no down side to replacing the transmission fluid. I use Red Line D4ATF.

I also use Redline in mine. Be sure to change front/rear diffs and transfer case at the same time (tcase takes regular ATF).

Only if it is 2003 or earlier.

I'm planning to change mine but I can't find the required amount. I expect that 2 qts will be sufficient. True??

I plan to use Redline D4 ATF in both the tranny and the xfer case.

If anyone can confirm the tiotal amount needed, I would really appreciate the information.

Thanks

ct