Redline 75w140 + Redline Limited Slip Friction Modifier

[noremaC]

I am up for a diff fluid change. 30k miles since last change and beginning to squeal when turning at low speeds (sounds like shot brake pads).

My indy says they used Redline 75w140 vs. the BMW diff fluid +FM booster for the e9x platform and highly recommend it over the latter. At 1/3 the cost, I agree.

My question is, has anyone used the above Redline fluid, and added the Limited Slip Friction Modifier (http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-M3-...e/ES2770333/)?)

It appears that the 75w140 does not include any FM, but was hoping to get feedback on those that have used this combo.

Any thoughts?

75w140 - http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E92-M3-...ine/ES1303003/

[dbyrd]

I've been using the Redline for over 50,000 miles - never had any noise or problems. I don't add any additives.

[Hujan]

The bottle of the Redline 75w140 suggests it has additives for LSDs. I've run it twice: Once without adding any FM booster and one with. I didn't notice much of a difference between the two except perhaps a very minor reduction in groans and clunks from the diff at low speed. But some believe the FM booster eliminates those noises at the expense of the LSD's intended function.

Unless you know you have a very noisy diff, maybe run straight 75w140 without any FM booster and see how you get along.

One thing to note: The Redline bottles are, unlike the bottles of BMW-spec fluid, too large to pour into the fill hole on the diff. Thus, you either need an old empty bottle of BMW-spec fluid (and a funnel to pour the Redline into the empty bottle of BMW-spec fluid), or you need something like a MityVac to pump it in there. I found this out the hard way.

[noremaC]

Hujan I did notice the bottle's fill methods are different. Thought about this, however, my indy is offering to do this service (with fluid included) for $100 flat. At ~$50-60 shipped for just the fluid, I think the $40 in labor is well justified. Also taking into account the cost of new fill and drain plugs.

Good to know about the comparison with and without FM booster - thanks guys!

[Hujan]

Originally Posted by noremaC

Hujan I did notice the bottle's fill methods are different. Thought about this, however, my indy is offering to do this service (with fluid included) for $100 flat. At ~$50-60 shipped for just the fluid, I think the $40 in labor is well justified. Also taking into account the cost of new fill and drain plugs.

Good to know about the comparison with and without FM booster - thanks guys!

Gotcha. They should be able to get it in there, then. Unfortunately, I did not discover the issue until I'd already drained the OEM fluid from the diff. It was about 9:30 p.m. at the time. That was a long night.

[elim11]

I used the redline 75W-140 NS in the diff and had really bad grinding noises. Maybe I the redline didnt have the FM in it, but I promptly switched back to the OEM with the FM and had no issues since.

[noremaC]

elim11 I believe the 75w140 and 75w140NS are two different gear oils, if I'm not mistaken.

[noremaC]

non-NS (for M's) - http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=134&pcid=4

NS - http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=39&pcid=4

This could have had something to do with it.

[marksae]

I've been running Redline 75w140 for the last 10K miles (all street). I haven't noticed any abnormal noises from the diff at all.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by dbyrd

I've been using the Redline for over 50,000 miles - never had any noise or problems. I don't add any additives.

+1, I don't use the FM shit.

[apecush]

another with redline (NOT the NS variant) and no additives. No noise, and I can leave two black marks out of a tight corner on the track, so no negative influence on the locking ability either.

[elim11]

Originally Posted by noremaC

non-NS (for M's) - http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=134&pcid=4

NS - http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=39&pcid=4

This could have had something to do with it.

That explains it. I will give it another shot. Thanks

PS. how often are you guys changing your diff fluid? How about if your car sees track time?

[noremaC]

Originally Posted by elim11

That explains it. I will give it another shot. Thanks

PS. how often are you guys changing your diff fluid? How about if your car sees track time?

I'm at the 30k mark. Was done at 24k, currently at 54k. Didn't start whining until 1 or 2k miles ago.

Doing the change next Tuesday, so I'll post results. Also, zero track time.

[admranger]

Originally Posted by noremaC

I'm at the 30k mark. Was done at 24k, currently at 54k. Didn't start whining until 1 or 2k miles ago.

Doing the change next Tuesday, so I'll post results. Also, zero track time.

Curious as to the condition of the diff fluid when you drained it at 24k miles? Dark or amber in color?

I've used Redline diff fluid in my old race car and in the E46M3. E90M3 is still under warranty so I'll deal with the fluids upon expiration (I have <23k miles and 5 months to go...). Never had any issues. Same with Mobil1 diff oils.

[noremaC]

Originally Posted by admranger

Curious as to the condition of the diff fluid when you drained it at 24k miles? Dark or amber in color?

I've used Redline diff fluid in my old race car and in the E46M3. E90M3 is still under warranty so I'll deal with the fluids upon expiration (I have &lt;23k miles and 5 months to go...). Never had any issues. Same with Mobil1 diff oils.

Not sure as the PO did this through the dealer.
I will, however be taking a Blackstone sample next week. I'll report back.

[1MOREMOD]

I too use the redline. Think mine was a relatively new 75-110w.

[thekurgan]

Originally Posted by noremaC

non-NS (for M's) - http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=134&pcid=4

NS - http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=39&pcid=4

This could have had something to do with it.

If you only get the groan sound once or twice while turning, then I'd stick with the non-fm stuff. Try doing 8-10 figure 8s in a parking lot and see if it helps.

[Millie]

Originally Posted by Hujan

Gotcha. They should be able to get it in there, then. Unfortunately, I did not discover the issue until I'd already drained the OEM fluid from the diff. It was about 9:30 p.m. at the time. That was a long night.

Turkey baster works too, albit slower.

[Z K]

I just use the non-FM version of the OEM Castrol fluid. I didn't get grinding so no need for the FM version fluid.

This kit from ECS.
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-M3-S65_4.0L/ES2602524/

[dparm]

Originally Posted by admranger

Curious as to the condition of the diff fluid when you drained it at 24k miles? Dark or amber in color?

I've used Redline diff fluid in my old race car and in the E46M3. E90M3 is still under warranty so I'll deal with the fluids upon expiration (I have <23k miles and 5 months to go...). Never had any issues. Same with Mobil1 diff oils.

Color is largely irrelevant unless you are talking about contamination in motor oil (e.g. coolant). If you want to know how "dirty" it is, get a UOA. Remember, the diff is a sealed unit and doesn't get "dirty" in the same sense that engine oil does.

[1MOREMOD]

Get a 10$ transfer pump at autozone. Works for diff or tranny and tons of other uses also

[admranger]

Originally Posted by dparm

Color is largely irrelevant unless you are talking about contamination in motor oil (e.g. coolant). If you want to know how "dirty" it is, get a UOA. Remember, the diff is a sealed unit and doesn't get "dirty" in the same sense that engine oil does.

Ummm, I think you may not understand differential fluid and diffs very well I'm afraid. First of all, diffs are vented, not sealed. If they were sealed, they'd be vented in short order as temps increased in the diff and pressures rose (gas pressure). Sure, it's a small vent, but it's a vent nevertheless. Agreed there are no combustion byproducts, but the rest is there. Agreed a UOA would give useful data, but I can make a qualitative judgement without it, and it's not really cost effective to do a UOA on diff fluid given the small quantities needed for a change.

Clutch packs wear, putting contaminants into the fluid...as do bearings and the gears themselves. Fluid changes colors due to the extreme temps a diff can see on track (I saw 275 deg F on the E36M3 race car diff before adding the Rogue diff cover).

I've changed diff fluid in my BMWs more than many of you have changed oil. That's what happens when you track or race them (I did both and still track them). The color of the diff oil is much different from the time I put it in until I drain it.

So, contrary to your belief, my significant experience tells me that diff fluid color is an indicator that I'm interested in. My curiosity is how the heavier E9xM3 cars are treating their diffs. The diff fluid color will be an indicator.