M-DCT Transmission Fluid Changed and Tested

Richard@M-World · 03-06-2012, 07:28 PM

My NASA TTA track car has logged 30k miles and recently I changed out the Pentosin BMW-DCTF-1 fluid (PN 83222147477 20-litre can) for the first time as a preventive maintenance.

The fluid was then sent out to Blackstone Labs for analysis.

Just received the results back. This was Blackstone's first sample of the DCT fluid from an M car, so they could not make a comparison between my gearbox and others. However, they did observe that the "wear is so low that [they] doubt any mechanical problems."

My car has logged over 400 hot laps at my home track MSR Houston alone, so I would presume that for regular street use, the DCT fluid will last quite a long time.

I would still encourage more owners to send in their oil sample at different mileages (they only require 2-3 oz) so that we have a larger database to compare from.

The report is attached. The water mentioned was due to moisture caught during the collection process.

Cheers,
Richard@M-World

Name: nasatta.jpg
Views: 1287
Size: 208.7 KB

Name: nasatta.jpg
Views: 1287
Size: 208.7 KB

Morning Hawk · 03-06-2012, 08:06 PM

Great, thanks for this update. I've been skeptical about this "lifetime DCT fluid" for the M3 since I started following the GT-R forums and their DCT fluid maintenance schedules that are required on their DCT transmissions.

///Montreal3 · 03-06-2012, 08:11 PM

Great info for the community. Most appreciated, thank you!

Stainless 45 · 03-06-2012, 08:12 PM

Great info! Thanks for posting.

aus · 03-06-2012, 08:16 PM

As always, great work and much appreciated.

SchnellM3 · 03-06-2012, 08:24 PM

Pretty amazing if you ask me. Especially since you are using your car as a track beast with that 400+ laps recorded that its not even showing any slight wear.

So the big topic here would be with your results would it be a safe conclusion that someone whose using a car as a daily or weekend car could expect this to hold up as BMW is claiming....

j2m · 03-06-2012, 08:25 PM

Awesome!! Thanks for sharing!

Radiation Joe · 03-06-2012, 08:40 PM

This is a transmission as apposed to motor. However, I'm impressed that nothing unusual showed up. I believe that if you have a good dct vs one with problems this will be the result. Keep in mind that even when I offered to pay for a fluid change in my dct, BMWUSA would not allow it.

Congrats on a clean bill of health.

Justin(OKC) · 03-06-2012, 10:36 PM

Thank you so much for posting this information. I'm trying to decide at what interval this should be changed. Good to know how things turned out with this sample. Was this the first time it was changed?

Richard@M-World · 03-06-2012, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radiation Joe

This is a transmission as apposed to motor. However, I'm impressed that nothing unusual showed up. I believe that if you have a good dct vs one with problems this will be the result. Keep in mind that even when I offered to pay for a fluid change in my dct, BMWUSA would not allow it.

Congrats on a clean bill of health.

I've talked to a shop foreman at a local BMW dealership regarding changing the oil. I don't think BMW has a moratorium on changing DCT oil, but I think many dealerships are reluctant to do it because 1) BMW says it's lifetime, and 2) they do not want to take the risk on a gearbox that they rarely, if ever, work on.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin(OKC)

Thank you so much for posting this information. I'm trying to decide at what interval this should be changed. Good to know how things turned out with this sample. Was this the first time it was changed?

Yes this was the first time. I would encourage everyone to at least send in a 2-3 oz sample to Blackstone to decide whether the oil should be changed. The oil is quite expensive, so doing such an analysis ($25) would be worth the money.

OC3 · 03-06-2012, 11:52 PM

Had mine done - 2 months ago, at around 20,000 miles and around 400 hot laps.

chmura · 03-06-2012, 11:58 PM

Since you changed your DCT fluid you should post up a DIY of how you did it. This would be a huge benefit to people that want or are thinking about changing their DCT fluid.

Mike van D · 03-07-2012, 12:11 AM

Interesting, wonder if they do anything simular with the M3s currently being used at the Ring for Ring-Taxis. Couldn't find anything on it...they get punished daily.

Richard@M-World · 03-07-2012, 02:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chmura

Since you changed your DCT fluid you should post up a DIY of how you did it. This would be a huge benefit to people that want or are thinking about changing their DCT fluid.

Will do. I took pictures during the process.

Leonardo629 · 03-07-2012, 03:29 AM

It's not hard to grasp the idea, there's no combustion inside the DCT case, so the fluid supposedly will last a very very long time...I'm just wondering if there's some kind of filter inside the case

BradfordSil · 03-07-2012, 03:33 AM

Great info! Thanks for posting.

Terraforce1 · 03-07-2012, 08:22 AM

Great to know, thanks

I would like to replace mine shortly, so perhaps a vid of how it was done would help

mkoesel · 03-07-2012, 09:43 AM

Excellent info, thanks for posting. Mine is almost at 60k now, and I admit that never having touched the DCT fluid does make me a little uneasy from time to time. Even though I suppose it is a relatively straightforward procedure, I am looking forward to seeing a DIY.

calintexas · 03-07-2012, 10:39 AM

Thanks for posting your results. It's great information.

It's possible that track use isn't the hardest service for the DCT. Heat and suspended contaminants should be the primary issues for the fluid. It seems like service with lots of clutching slipping such as stop and go traffic especially when the driver is using the transmission to hold the car on an upgrade or using the throttle and brake at the same time (like some people do an automatic in stop and go traffic) could be much harder on the fluid and clutches.

chmura · 03-07-2012, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

It's not hard to grasp the idea, there's no combustion inside the DCT case, so the fluid supposedly will last a very very long time...I'm just wondering if there's some kind of filter inside the case

That is true. In all my manual cars I changed the fluid every 100k+ miles and the fluid came out looking clean.

klammer · 03-07-2012, 10:59 AM

Great information Richard and can't wait to see the DIY. Plan on doing the change after this season and will plan on sending in my oil for analysis. Thx for the info

///Mobbin · 03-07-2012, 04:06 PM

Thanks for the info!

03-06-2012, 08:11 PM	#3
///Montreal3 Second Lieutenant Drives: 2011 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: ///Montreal Posts: 213 iTrader: (0)	Great info for the community. Most appreciated, thank you! __________________ BMW: 2011 AW/Black E92 M3 DCT - 2010 BSM/Tan E90 335i AT Other: 2004 AW GDB STi 6spd - 1991 Nero/Nero 348tb 5spd

03-06-2012, 08:12 PM	#4
Stainless 45 First Lieutenant Drives: Last of the V-8 Interceptors Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 383 iTrader: (0)	Great info! Thanks for posting. __________________ 2011.5 LeMans Blue e92 DCT, ZCP, European Delivery. Black Edition Grilles, No Keyhole or Reflectors, Rear Fogs Enabled, Encore Innovation Exhaust, LUX Angel Eyes. "Last of the V-8 Interceptors, a real piece of history..."

03-06-2012, 08:16 PM	#5
aus Major General Drives: M3 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Seal Beach, CA Posts: 6,177 iTrader: (5)	As always, great work and much appreciated. __________________ Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."

03-06-2012, 08:24 PM	#6
SchnellM3 Digger Drives: 03 E46 M3, 09 E92 M3, 09 X6 50 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Pa Posts: 2,607 iTrader: (4) Garage List 2003 BMW E46 M3 Tra ... [4.00] 2009 BMW E92 M3 [4.17] 2009 Yamaha R1 (FOR ... [4.75]	Pretty amazing if you ask me. Especially since you are using your car as a track beast with that 400+ laps recorded that its not even showing any slight wear. So the big topic here would be with your results would it be a safe conclusion that someone whose using a car as a daily or weekend car could expect this to hold up as BMW is claiming.... __________________ 2009 E92 M3 /// Melbourne Red /// Fox Red /// M DKG Full Innotech Exhaust - DINAN Intake - IND Engine Bay Appearance - IND Hand Stitched Boot Covers - and much more....

03-06-2012, 08:25 PM	#7
j2m Colonel Drives: '11 E92 M3 DCT Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Calgary, Ab Posts: 2,399 iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW E92 M3 [0.00]	Awesome!! Thanks for sharing! __________________ 11' E92 M3 Space Grey \| DCT \| ESS VT2- 625 \| Gintani Race (valved) + Quad Res Catless X-Pipe \| KW Sleeve's \| GC Camber Plates\|Arkym Diffuser \| Vorsteiner VRS Lip \| P3 Boost Guage \| Stud Conversion PHOTO's: Click Here ESS VT2 625 PHOTOS: Click Here

03-06-2012, 08:06 PM	#2
Morning Hawk Private Drives: Subaru R2 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Yokohama/Yokosuka, Japan Posts: 98 iTrader: (0)	Great, thanks for this update. I've been skeptical about this "lifetime DCT fluid" for the M3 since I started following the GT-R forums and their DCT fluid maintenance schedules that are required on their DCT transmissions.

03-06-2012, 08:40 PM	#8
Radiation Joe Veni Vidi Vici Drives: '11 JB/BBe-6sp-e90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Macungie PA Posts: 2,675 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2003 RS6 - Sold [0.00] 2011 e90 M3 [4.25] 2009 e90 M3 - Gone [0.00] 2003 M3 SOLD [0.00] old 2002 [5.00]	This is a transmission as apposed to motor. However, I'm impressed that nothing unusual showed up. I believe that if you have a good dct vs one with problems this will be the result. Keep in mind that even when I offered to pay for a fluid change in my dct, BMWUSA would not allow it. Congrats on a clean bill of health. __________________ Dinan compliment of stuff plus PF rotors and RG63s. Enough for now.

03-06-2012, 10:36 PM	#9
Justin(OKC) SMYLMKR Drives: 2011 E90 M3, 1988 M3, 2007 X3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 1,315 iTrader: (7) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [4.70] 1990 BMW M3 [5.00] 2011 BMW M3 Sedan [4.64] 1998 BMW M3/4 - sol ... [0.00] 2008 BMW 135i - sold [0.00] 2003 BMW M3 - sold [0.00]	Thank you so much for posting this information. I'm trying to decide at what interval this should be changed. Good to know how things turned out with this sample. Was this the first time it was changed? __________________ 2011 E90 M3 - Alpine White/Fox Red Extended/Carbon Leather Premium/Convenience/Cold Weather Package - Competition Package - M-DCT - Sunshades - EPS - BMW Apps - Sat Radio - Ipod/USB

03-06-2012, 11:52 PM	#11
OC3 Havin' a blast! Drives: 2013 M3 E92 Jerez Blk DCT ZCP Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: SoCal Posts: 3,731 iTrader: (0)	Had mine done - 2 months ago, at around 20,000 miles and around 400 hot laps. __________________ 2013 E92 M3 Jerez Black DCT ZCP 2011 E90 M3 Jerez Black DCT ZCP (Gone - traded in) 2008 E90 M3 Jerez Black 6MT (Gone - End of Lease)

03-06-2012, 11:58 PM	#12
chmura First Lieutenant Drives: 2011 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Orange County, California Posts: 351 iTrader: (1)	Since you changed your DCT fluid you should post up a DIY of how you did it. This would be a huge benefit to people that want or are thinking about changing their DCT fluid. __________________ Picked up via ED 9/27/2011 Redelivered 11/23/2011 2011 BMW M3 Sedan Alpine White Black Novillo Leather \| Carbon Leather Trim \| 6 MT \| Premium Package 3 \| Competition Package \| Fold Down Seats \| Satellite Radio \| iPod/USB \| Anti-Theft Alarm

03-07-2012, 12:11 AM	#13
Mike van D Major Drives: SG X6 35i; MW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Germany Posts: 1,114 iTrader: (0)	Interesting, wonder if they do anything simular with the M3s currently being used at the Ring for Ring-Taxis. Couldn't find anything on it...they get punished daily. __________________ ...just enjoying life.

03-07-2012, 03:29 AM	#15
Leonardo629 Captain Drives: 2013 M3 Coupe Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Walnut, CA Posts: 888 iTrader: (8)	It's not hard to grasp the idea, there's no combustion inside the DCT case, so the fluid supposedly will last a very very long time...I'm just wondering if there's some kind of filter inside the case

03-07-2012, 03:33 AM	#16
BradfordSil New Member Drives: bmw Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: toy Posts: 8 iTrader: (0)	Great info! Thanks for posting. __________________

03-07-2012, 08:22 AM	#17
Terraforce1 If you ain't first, you're last! Drives: 11' M3 ZCP + 10' 1198S Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: South Africa Posts: 549 iTrader: (0)	Great to know, thanks I would like to replace mine shortly, so perhaps a vid of how it was done would help

03-07-2012, 09:43 AM	#18
mkoesel Moderator Drives: IB/PS M-DCT E93 M3 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canton, MI Posts: 11,733 iTrader: (1)	Excellent info, thanks for posting. Mine is almost at 60k now, and I admit that never having touched the DCT fluid does make me a little uneasy from time to time. Even though I suppose it is a relatively straightforward procedure, I am looking forward to seeing a DIY.

03-07-2012, 10:39 AM	#19
calintexas Major Drives: 2010 E90 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: North Texas Posts: 1,397 iTrader: (1)	Thanks for posting your results. It's great information. It's possible that track use isn't the hardest service for the DCT. Heat and suspended contaminants should be the primary issues for the fluid. It seems like service with lots of clutching slipping such as stop and go traffic especially when the driver is using the transmission to hold the car on an upgrade or using the throttle and brake at the same time (like some people do an automatic in stop and go traffic) could be much harder on the fluid and clutches. __________________

03-07-2012, 10:59 AM	#21
klammer Colonel Drives: 11 spc gry m3 e90, 07 X5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: chicago Posts: 2,725 iTrader: (0)	Great information Richard and can't wait to see the DIY. Plan on doing the change after this season and will plan on sending in my oil for analysis. Thx for the info __________________ mods: akra evo, dinan 3.45 diff, ess akra tune, dinan stg.3, Alcon bbk, HRE P40

03-07-2012, 04:06 PM	#22
///Mobbin Enlisted Member Drives: e93 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 41 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the info!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search