6MT & the 1,200 Running In Service

[RickMonet]

Originally Posted by gsrbri

Dropped my car off this morning for the 6MT fluid change (at my request and on my nickel).

The service manager spoke with BMWNA, who has confirmed that the running-in service, for the manual transmission M4, is indeed only the differential and engine oil. The 6MT contains "lifetime" fluid according to BMWNA. I pressed the point regarding the service manual booklet and how it reads contrary to this. He suggested I take it up with BMWNA directly, which I have via online email.

Bottom line: I'm happier to pay for the proper servicing of the car and deal w/this after the fact. "Lifetime" fluid really translates to an engineering trade study being perfomed that says, under typical conditions, the fluid and the metal contained in the fluid from running-in, likely won't harm the transmission - in most cases. It is a cost-saving measure. Changing the fluid is the proper approach,as was the case with every M car prior to the F8X.

I'll continue to report on what interaction I have with BMWNA.

-Brian

Thanks Brian - let us know if BMWNA comes back with anything definitive. Also, how much did the dealership charge you for tranny fluid change?

[gsrbri]

$275 for the flush/fill

[stevenc]

BMW tech took my car for a quick joy ride during my 1200 service. He didn't notice the dashcam.

[celler]

I'll bet his employer would probably notice him driving that fast in the vicinity of pedestrians. That said, it did not sound like he redlined it or mistreated it.

Nice dashcam. Which one did you decide to go with?

[stevenc]

^ yeah, im not too pissed. Boys will be boys and he like you said he didnt redline it.

Mini 0803

[celler]

Originally Posted by stevenc

^ yeah, im not too pissed. Boys will be boys and he like you said he didnt redline it.

Mini 0803

Very cool. [slight thread hijack] How are the nighttime images? I've been looking for a good camera, but I do most of my driving in the dark -- and yes the LED headlight option is awesome. [/slight tread hijack]

[stevenc]

Here is the review with sample nighttime footage. The 0803 specifically improved nighttime recording over the 0801 previous generation.

[celler]

I will check that out. Back on topic: I checked with my dealer for my 1200 next week and he said that the current BMW requirements list the 6MT with "lifetime" fluid and that is it not changed in the 1200 inspection, oil and differential only.

[rubber_ducky]

Originally Posted by celler

I will check that out. Back on topic: I checked with my dealer for my 1200 next week and he said that the current BMW requirements list the 6MT with "lifetime" fluid and that is it not changed in the 1200 inspection, oil and differential only.

Did you guys talk about what is written in the manual?

[celler]

Originally Posted by rubber_ducky

Did you guys talk about what is written in the manual?

I'm talking about the instructions the dealer uses for the 1200 mile inspection. I don't know what the owner's manual says.

[rubber_ducky]

Originally Posted by stevenc

BMW tech took my car for a quick joy ride during my 1200 service. He didn't notice the dashcam.

He was probably just warming up the oil so that it drains quicker.

You've got a good attitude about it. Much different than what some are suggesting in the marathon thread about the tinting shop. Then again, that owner didn't have a dashcam.

[rubber_ducky]

Originally Posted by celler

I'm talking about the instructions the dealer uses for the 1200 mile inspection. I don't know what the owner's manual says.

Post #1 in this thread has a photo of that particular section of the owner's manual... which says that the MT fluid is supposed to be changed at 1200 miles.

[JoeFromPA]

You should share that footage with the dealer. Make it clear you aren't asking for anything, just that you wanted to share it with them.

I agree that in the video the guy was short-shifting it. Sounded like 4500rpm max to me. Makes me actually wonder if they were getting a little heat in the oil, cause that's definitely not how most people joy ride a car

[celler]

Originally Posted by JoeFromPA

You should share that footage with the dealer. Make it clear you aren't asking for anything, just that you wanted to share it with them.

I agree that in the video the guy was short-shifting it. Sounded like 4500rpm max to me. Makes me actually wonder if they were getting a little heat in the oil, cause that's definitely not how most people joy ride a car

I think I would do what Steven did and keep it to myself. The tech guy needs to earn a living and he would have to have done a lot more than what I saw for me to justify putting his ability to make a living in jeopardy. I did not see him do anything I have not done myself -- except scare a couple of pedestrians, maybe.

[jc05e46m3]

As per newer guidelines than the owners manual, neither tranny requires change at 1200mi.

[MaynardZed]

Do I hear an "oh yeah" at the 0:10 second mark in the video?

[stevenc]

^ yup.

[gsrbri]

No fluid is "lifetime" fluid...they've just done the engineering trade study that shows the fluid will limp it's way through the vehicle's normal operating life. Plus, w/the screens and filters in the units, problems from metal debris are probably minimized.

My M4 will see significant track duty, so this is piece of mind for me. Given the heavy loads on the drivetrain, I change the tranny/differential every year (about every 10,000 miles). Oil every 5,000 miles and always after a track event.

The new C7 vettes are seeing blown motors and the root cause appears to be break-in debris in the oil and clogging of rod bearing passages. Tough learning, it seems, for cost vs. sensible maintenance.

No word yet from BMWNA. Loving the car.

[celler]

I went in for my 1200 mile service this morning and I'm getting 5w30 engine oil and differential change, no transmission oil change. I saw the official parts list for the service and that is what BMW is doing.

[gsrbri]

Spoke today with BMW NA again. They called to ensure they have correctly characterized my concern (took a bit of explaining, but they have it). They confirmed the language within the M3/M4/M5/M6 service manual clearly reads that the 6MT fluid requires changing at the 1,200 mile service.

Next step is they will speak to the BMWNA Tech Rep and discuss the service w/the dealership. The service manager at my local BMW center is prepped for their call. Should be interesting.

-Brian

[Black Gold]

I just called my local dealer to set up the 1200 mile service. They had no idea that there was even a 1200 mile service :facepalm:

I read off the service manual (pic earlier in this thread) and will see what happens. I will make sure to bring my manual with me and have that page bookmarked. I definitely want all the fluid changes done

[Damasconian]

Originally Posted by stevenc

BMW tech took my car for a quick joy ride during my 1200 service. He didn't notice the dashcam.

That would really bother me, you're a more understanding man than I am.

I also bought my car from midtown BMW Houston and know that street well. No way it's safe to drive at that speed in those areas. Show the dealer the vid to protect those of us who must continue to use them for service. That dude deserves to be warned at a minimum.