E39 6-speen trans question - United Bimmer Community

**pogoman** · 06-12-2006, 12:30 PM

My 1998 540 has about 85,000 miles on it.
the shifter seams to grag or is gennerally stiff especially going form 2nd to 3dr or shifitng into 1st from a stop.
The porblem is bad when cold and seems to get better as the trans reaches operating temp. Is this a linkage lubrication issue or something in the trans. If in trans, wil adding a friction modifier ( ex. limited slip diff additive) to the oil help at all? would it hurt??

witeshark · 06-12-2006, 01:06 PM

Has the transmission fluid been changed?

**pogoman** · 06-12-2006, 01:10 PM

The car has received all scheduled maintenance at a Dealer. I just had the fluid checked it was full. Not sure when it was last changed.

**celsdogg** · 06-12-2006, 01:13 PM

^^^ probably never. i would take it to an independent shop and have them change your tranny fluid.

i assume its a 6 speed, or is it an auto?

**Dudesky** · 06-12-2006, 01:21 PM

Change the fluid out to Redline D4 or Royal Purple Synchromax, see if that improves it. Usually does. Hopefully Paul sees this, he's more likely to have a better answer.

**pogoman** · 06-12-2006, 01:27 PM

It is a 6 speed. I'll try the fluid change and cross my fingers

**pogoman** · 06-12-2006, 01:33 PM

Does BMW spec an automatic trans fluid ( syncomax, D4) in the 98 540 6-speed man. trans.

**celsdogg** · 06-12-2006, 01:37 PM

i would use Redline like dudesky says. lots of folks use and prefer redline

DEATH2000 · 06-12-2006, 01:58 PM

Were i am Redline is harder to find sadly

**Dudesky** · 06-12-2006, 05:44 PM

You can order it at synlubes.com

**cainchapman** · 06-13-2006, 07:25 AM

The fluid in the 6 speed manual is good for the life of the gearbox. If you are going to have it changed, get BMW to do it.

**celsdogg** · 06-13-2006, 07:59 AM

^^^ to BMW these days, the life of the gear box is when it fails. and if you dont change that oil periodically, then it will be sooner rather than later

**cainchapman** · 06-13-2006, 03:37 PM

Again, I've done nearly 183km of towing race cars, using it as a daily driver and taking it to numerous track days. No problems.

I'm not saying not to change the oil, but don't do it yourself.

**BMWLotAttendant** · 06-13-2006, 11:10 PM

Whenever you have ANYTHING related to your tranny, you should take it to the dealership.

They can at least hook it up to the computers and diagnose it and tell you what the problem is....and if it isn't anything serious....they can fix it on the spot.

**e39 bimmer** · 12-30-2006, 11:10 AM

Yeah Redline is the best. I changed my oil after about 8000 miles. When you look inside the valve cover, the parts are still a silver color with no dark stain spots.....close to new looking as it gets. I have redline throughout my car.