BMW Transmission & Differential Oil

This page covers fluid information and recommendations for BMW manual and automatic transmissions, rear differentials, and front differentials on xDrive models. Note: for the purposes of this page, "Vintage" refers to all BMW cars built up to and including the E30 3-series.

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Fluid for manual transmission
Fluid for automatic transmission
Fluid for front axle or transfer case
Fluid for rear differential

BMW Manual / SMG / DCT Transmission Fluid

Vintage 5-speed manual
Most manual transmissions on vintage models do not have a fluid label on the transmission because nearly all gearboxes took the same fluid - a universal GL-4. If no label is present, the official recommendation is any GL-4 gear oil. Our favorite is the Red Line MTL. However, some transmissions will have an orange ATF label and you should use a Dexron III ATF fluid. The 1984-1986 325e/528e should have a green "Special Oil" label on the transmission. These transmissions use a specific Mobil SHC 630 synthetic fluid (SAE 90 weight). Because of the narrow applications we don't have a recommended alternative to the Mobil fluid.
Recommended replacement interval: 30,000-40,000 miles

Shop MTL for BMW Manual Transmissions:

1990s-2000s 5-speed and 6-speed ATF (excluding E46 M3, E9X M3, Z4M)
From the mid-1990s, nearly all BMW manual transmissions, except 6-speed M models, use a Dexron III ATF oil, indicated by an "ATF" label on the transmission. You can find a Dexron III spec almost anywhere but we are impressed with the performance of Red Line ATF D4 in manual transmissions. In our experience, it outperforms even fresh factory fluid, especially in colder temps. For track use, an ATF may become too slippery at high temps, in which case we recommend the Red Line MT-LV which has a slightly heavier weight that holds up better.
Recommended replacement interval: 30,000-40,000 miles

Shop ATF for BMW Manual Transmissions:

2000s-2010s M 6-speed and SMG (not DCT) MTF
This is the era that BMW started using "Lifetime" fluids, indicated by a "MTF" label on the transmission. The "Lifetime" has never been fully explained and we don't buy into it, especially when fresh fluid typically makes a huge improvement in shift quality and smoothness. The fluid formula has changed over the years - MTF-LT-1, LT-2, LT-3, LT-5, and FFL-4. There are discernible differences between them and LT-2 has the strongest following among enthusiasts. Our observations are that these LT fluids are acceptable in normal day-to-day driving and in cold temperatures but are permanently affected by high temps, such as on track. We have found that the Red Line MT-LV is superior than ATF D4 and factory MTF for these cars in all conditions. SMG transmissions use the same MTF oil as the manual transmissions, however, the SMG Hydraulic Pump uses Pentosin CHF 11S hydraulic fluid.
Recommended replacement interval: 30,000-40,000 miles

Shop MTF for BMW Manual Transmissions:

2000s-2010s DCT
The Double-Clutch transmission uses a set of two clutches that are "wet" clutches. The clutch discs are immersed in the same oil used to lubricate the transmission internals. The wet clutch system ensures smooth operation and engagement. BMW requires a special DCT-specific fluid, although they also label it as "Lifetime Fill". We don't buy in to the lifetime fluid policy and have experienced the benefits of fresh fluid on our daily and track cars.

The OEM DCT fluid is made by Pentosin and works just fine for normal street use. Red Line DCTF is an upgraded formula that works on normal street cars and holds up better for sustained track time. With more power or higher heat the fluid thins out and breaks down which causes the clutches to slip. A stronger oil like the Red Line fluid will not break down as easily at higher temps.
Recommended replacement interval: 30,000-40,000 miles

Shop DCTF for BMW:

BMW Automatic Transmission Fluid

Note that changing the fluid on automatic transmissions can be a very technical process that requires a precise procedure, special tools, and/or professional-level diagnostics software. There is no doubt that fresh fluid will perform better than used and dirty fluid. However, most of the problems we hear come from an improper transmission flush where particles and debris block fluid flow or from failing to set the correct fluid level after. We believe automatic transmission fluid service should be left to a professional BMW technician and that extended fluid service (>50,000 miles) is acceptable as long as the fluid level is regularly checked and maintained.

Vintage 4-speed auto
ATF Dexron III is the fluid standard for 4-speed BMW automatics (ZF 4HP). This is also the most common ATF you will find at auto parts stores (it's compatible with most GM and Ford auto transmissions).
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000 miles

Shop ATF for BMW Automatic Transmissions:

1990s-2000s 4- & 5-speed auto
BMW 4 and 5-speed automatics are made by either ZF (4HP) or GM (5L40-E/A5S360R). The recommended ATF for either is Dexron III (D4). This is also the most common ATF you will find at auto parts stores (it's compatible with most GM and Ford auto transmissions). BMW has transitioned to a newer Dexron VI spec, which is backwards compatible with Dexron III. If your car is serviced at the dealer they will likely install D6. BMW recommends using only the same fluid in the transmission when topping off the oil level. They do not recommend mixing ATF oil brands and specs so keep track of what oil is in your transmission.
Recommended replacement interval: 60,000 miles

Shop ATF for BMW Automatic Transmissions:

All 6-speed auto
The BMW 6-speed automatic is made by either GM (6L45/6L50) or ZF and was used mostly in mid-2000s RWD and AWD models. BMW used the ZF GA6HP19, GA6HP26, and GA6HP28 throughout the model range. Contrary to what's written online, the ZF 6HP can be serviced with a full oil pan and gasket kit available. However, professional servicing is recommended due to the precise procedures required. The OEM ATF is a ZF Lifeguard 6 which carries a Dexron VI (D6) rating. BMW refers to it as "ATF 2". Cars that originally used D6 cannot use D4 (all 6- and 8-speed automatics) so keep track of what oil is in your transmission.
Recommended replacement interval: 80,000 miles (BMW's estimate is 100,000 miles)

Shop ATF for BMW 6-speed Automatic Transmissions:

All 8-speed auto
The BMW 8-speed automatic is made by ZF and was used mostly in mid-2010s RWD and AWD models. BMW used the 8HP45, 8HP50, 8HP70, 8HP75 throughout the model range. The ZF 8HP can be serviced with a full oil pan and gasket kit available. However, professional servicing is recommended due to the precise procedures required. The OEM ATF is a ZF Lifeguard 8 which carries a Dexron VI (D6) rating. BMW refers to it as "ATF 3". Cars that originally used D6 cannot use D4 (all 6- and 8-speed automatics) so keep track of what oil is in your transmission.
Recommended replacement interval: 80,000 miles (BMW's estimate is 100,000 miles)

Shop ATF for BMW 8-speed Automatic Transmissions:

BMW xDrive Front Differential and Transfer Case Fluid

BMW Xi and xDrive models use a center transfer case to distribute power to the rear and front axles. This is a chain-driven transfer case mounted on the back of the transmission with a driveshaft extending from the front and rear of the housing. The front differential is a traditional hypoid gear design very similar to the rear differential but in a smaller size.

Center Transfer Case
1999-2003 325Xi/330xi and X5 Models (NV Transfer Case)
BMW recommendation: ATF Dexron III rated
Our recommendation: Red Line D4 ATF
Recommended replacement interval: 50,000-60,000 miles

Shop ATF Transfer Case Oil:

2003-present xDrive Models (ATC Transfer Case)
BMW recommendation: DTF-1 (previously TF0870) 75W GL-4
Our recommendation: same as BMW. The ATC transfer case has a proprietary blend and we do not offer an alternative at this time.
Recommended replacement interval: 50,000-60,000 miles

Shop DTF Transfer Case Oil:

All Front Differential
BMW recommendation: SAF-XO, 75W90 weight, GL-5 rated
Our recommendation: Red Line 75W90
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 miles

Shop Front Axle Gear Oil:

BMW Rear Differential Gear Oil

BMW rear differentials are either open without a limited-slip feature or with limited-slip (posi-traction). Nearly all non-M models use an open differential and rely on traction control to limit wheel spin. Vintage models and M cars use some form of limited-slip - clutch-type, viscous, or Torsen designs.

The ideal operating temp for diff oil is 150°F. If you exceed this at the track you may want to invest in a diff oil cooler which will also increase capacity. You can move up to the next highest weight (90 to 110) but realize there may be other consequences including limited slip behavior or not reaching your optimum temp. Oil weight is based mainly on how much power you expect to push through the clutches and shafts, generating higher operating temps. At some point a 90 weight is too thin and cannot handle the heat, pushing you into 110 or even 140 weights. Using 140 is not just for M Variable diffs and can be used in other limited-slip applications if the extra heat capacity is required.

Vintage-1990s Open or Limited-Slip Differential
BMW recommendation: SAF-XJ, 75W140, GL-5 rated*
Our recommendation: Red Line 75W90 or 75W110
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 miles

* - The SAF-XJ synthetic fluid replaces the previous factory recommendation of SAF-XLS mineral oil for clutch-type limited-slip differentials. This must have been part of a larger effort to switch to full synthetic instead of mineral-based oils. The 75W140 weight is strange to us but it's the only gear oil listed in BMW's official fluid guide for these differentials. We have used Red Line 75W90 in just about everything with great results and have adopted the new 75W110 for hot climates or heavy track use.

Shop 75W90 Rear Axle Gear Oil:

Rear Open Differential, before 7/2011 production
BMW recommendation: SAF-XO, 75W90 weight, GL-5 rated
Our recommendation: Red Line 75W90
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 miles

Shop SAF-XO Rear Axle Gear Oil:

Rear Open Differential, after 7/2011 production*
BMW recommendation: G1 synthetic, 75W85 weight, GL-4 rated
Our recommendation*: BMW G1 if under warranty, Red Line 75W85 GL-5 (Red Line-approved)
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 miles

* - BMW curiously switched gear oils from 7/2011 without any changes to the differential itself. Normally, GL-4 and GL-5 oils should not be mixed. They are incompatible with soft metals such as brass, used in high pressure applications like a transmission. The differential does not see the same high pressures and Red Line has approved their 75W85 GL-5 oil as an alternative to the factory GL-4. The fully-synthetic base oil from Red Line will cling better to metal surfaces and have greater strength especially when temperatures rise.

However, failing to use a GL-4 oil may cause warranty issues if you make a claim for differential/rear axle work. Any fluid other than the factory-approved type will likely void the warranty for that particular part. If you wish to stay compliant the factory GL-4 is your only choice. Red Line also makes a GL-4 75W85 oil (MT-85) but their official recommendation is the GL-5 75W85 because its additives and formula make it a better overall oil.

Shop G1 Rear Axle Gear Oil:

Rear 2001-2013 M-Variable Limited-Slip Differential
BMW recommendation: SAF-XJ+FM, 75W140, GL-5 rated
Our recommendation: BMW SAF-XJ+FM, 75W140, GL-5 (street or track) or Red Line 75W140 (high-temp track)
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 street miles, every other engine oil change for light track (more often for more hours).

Shop M-Variable Diff Oil:

Rear 2012-present M-Active Electronic Limited-Slip Differential
BMW recommendation: MSP/A 75W140, GL-5 rated
Our recommendation: BMW MSP/A 75W140, GL-5 (street or track) or Red Line 75W140 (high-temp track)
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 street miles, every other engine oil change for light track (more often for more hours).

Shop M-Active Diff Oil:

Rear M Performance Limited-Slip Differential (F22, F30, F32, etc):
BMW recommendation: hard to say because BMW does not publish a replacement fluid. We think it's MSP/A 75W140 (same as used in M Active diffs).
Our recommendation: Red Line 75W90 or 75W110
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 miles

Shop M Performance Diff Gear Oil:

Rear Custom Differential
Through our friends and diff experts at Diffsonline, we offer custom-built performance differentials. These diffs are usually built with some form of a limited-slip feature, using traditional clutch discs, a viscous unit, or helical gears. Below you will find fluid recommendations for each.
Recommended replacement interval: 40,000-50,000 miles
Traditional clutch-type: Red Line 75W90 for moderate street use; Red Line 75W110 for aggressive street and/or track
Factory BMW M Variable: Castrol-BMW SAF XJ+FM or Red Line 75W140
Diffsonline Helical: Red Line 75W110
Quaife: Red Line 75W110
Wavetrac: Red Line 75W110
OS Giken: proprietary OS Giken-branded 85W250
Kaaz: proprietary Kaaz fluid

Shop Custom Diff Gear Oil:

Red Line "Non-Slip" NS Gear Oil
Red Line produces a Non-Slip version of their 75W90 and 75W140 gear oil. This fluid does not contain friction modifier additives and will make the clutch plates engage quicker in limited-slip diffs. This is good for track use but will be noisy for regular street use.

Automatic Transmission Types

5-speed GM A5S360R GM A5S390R	Found in later E46 models, including the AWD 325xi/330xi, E83 X3, and E53 X5 models. The GM transmission has a smooth metal oil pan with 20 screws. Manufactured by General Motors (GM).
5-speed ZF A5S325Z	Found in early E46 models, as well as late E39 and Z4 models. The ZF was not used in the AWD 325xi/330xi models. The ZF transmission has a segmented metal oil pan with 22 screws. Manufactured by ZF.
6-speed ZF GA6HP19Z	Found in most E9X cars with N52 and N51 non-turbo engines. The same transmission is used on RWD and AWD xDrive models. Offered as a standard automatic or with the optional Sport mode (with the Sport button on the center console). Manufactured by ZF.
6-speed GM GA6L45R	Found in some 2007-2010 E82/E9X cars with N52 and N51 non-turbo engines. The same transmission is used on RWD and AWD xDrive models. Offered only as a standard automatic (no Sport mode). Manufactured by General Motors (GM).

Terminology & Acronyms
Below are some explanation of the scientific terminology, jargon, and acronyms commonly used when discussing BMW transmission and differential axle fluid.

Dexron	Dexron is actually a trade name used by General Motors (GM). GM and ZF are the original designers and suppliers for automatic transmissions to BMW (and many others). Dexron has been their brand-name for ATF since the 1960s but the specs have been adopted industry-wide. The chemical formula has evolved over the years and BMWs use the Dexron-III spec. Dexron VI is backwards compatible to Dexron III, however, III cannot be used in place of VI.
GL	"GL" is a rating used to differentiate various grades and formulas of gear oil. The American Petroleum Institute (API) issues GL ratings. The fluid must be compatible with the various metals used in transmissions and differentials. So while a higher GL rating means better fluid shear resistance, it may be harmful to certain types of metal (brass synchro rings for example). Pay close attention to the bottle label to verify the GL rating. BMWs usually use a GL-4 in transmissions and GL-5 for differentials but there are exceptions (see above).
Hypoid	A type of gear set where one gear is at a right angle to the other. These are the types of gears used in BMW differentials - an input shaft (pinion) contacts a crown wheel, which is connected to each axle shaft. The pinion and crown are at right angles to one another. The term is most often used in "hypoid gear oil".
MTL vs. MTF	Manual Transmission Lube and Manual Transmission Fluid. Both are for manual transmissions but due to the chemical differences there is a need to differentiate which cars they apply to. "Lube" is for vintage models and "Fluid" is for newer cars (late-1990s and newer).
Viscosity	The rating for the internal friction of fluid dependent on temperature. The SAE assigns the grade based on two temperature standards: cold (the “W” in 75W90) and high 100°C (212°F). These are grades based on a system devised by the SAE and not a measurable value (see cSt below). It means the oil performance aligns with a particular grade in the SAE system. The higher the number, the thicker the oil and the longer it will take to reach operating temperature. However, it does not mean that a MT-80 is twice as thick as a 10W40. It's only an assigned rating. For actual measurable values, viscosity is expressed in centiStoke units (1 cSt = 1 mm2/s) and measured at two different temperatures: 40°C and 100°C (212°F). A higher cSt is a thicker oil, giving more protection but less efficiency. However, a low viscosity does not automatically mean less protection (the chemical makeup of the oil determines that). CentiStoke values are not as commonly referenced for gear oil as they are for engine oils.

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BMW Transmission & Differential Oil