GreenG

Changed the oil in the ZF on my new C4 yesterday. After looking in the owners manual and finding a reccomendation for GM Part number 12345349, I went to the autoparts store. There I found Pennzoil Syncrmesh fluid which stated it was a direct replacement for the GM fluid. I was skeptical so I whipped out the laptop and did some research. Turns out Pennzoil makes Syncromesh for GM.

http://www.stealth316.com/2-pennzoil-synchromesh.htm

So I felt OK about everything and went ahead and used it. Then I just recently read that the part number is actually 1052931 (different that the one in my manual?)

http://www.zfdoc.com/techinfo.htm

What gives?

crazyturbo

ZF S6-40 General Specifications:
Gear ratios - 1st-2.68, 2nd-1.80, 3rd-1.29, 4th-1.0, 5th-0.75, 6th-0.50, Reverse-2.50
Description - 6 Speed 95 mm Fully Synchronized
Weight (w/shifter) 145 lbs
Lube Capacity ~ 2.2 Quarts (engine type oil P/N 1052931 or BMW P/N
07510009420)
Reverse Lock Out Mechanism - ('89-'94) On-shift handle pull-up to release, ('95-'96) Crash-thru (force required ~15 lb.)

GreenG

OK, why does My manual say P/N 12345349?

Confused new owner here...

Atok

That's the part number for the hydraulic clutch fluid.

The GM part number above is correct for the transmission oil. Here is a link from the ZF web site:

http://www.zf-group.com/am/pc/pt/ampcpt03.phtml

BTW, the oil you used in your transmission is not approved for use. Personally, I would replace it with the BMW Castrol oil.

GreenG

According to the service manual the HF is P/N 12345347 and the transmission oil is P/N 12345349.

I've scanned the manual page and uploaded it. Just waiting for it to be posted so everyone can see it.

OK, Here's the link...

http://static.flickr.com/25/46408010_3236a337fc_o.jpg

bogus

part numbers change all the time...

It sounds like the Pennzoil is a nice option. If shifting gets stupid, I would replace ASAP. I use the Castrol/BMW 10-60.

GreenG

I think I will too. I looked at the material data sheets for the GM 1052931 and the Pennzoil. They are both 5-30, yellow metal safe, and have wear additives.I'm guessing that the the Pennzoil won't hurt anything for a few hundred miles until I get a chance to go the the Castrol/BMW 10-60.

Since the level was down an inch when I changed it this should be better than it was....

GreenG

And to add fuel to the fire:

http://listserv.corvettemuseum.com/c...=P&S=&P=144655

Now -that- is interesting.

AORoads

Maybe it all is just as the museum piece says, namely, who knows who's making what fluid, and what deal ZF has with Castrol. Maybe. Then again, should we care?

If this were a $2 part that was going to be affected, I guess it wouldn't matter. I have no idea what it costs if the ZF goes out on you, but it isn't going to be less than a hundred. And it could be a thousand or more.

So, the real question is, Is it worth it to fool around? Even if 10W60 goes to 5W30 in 15K miles?

To me, there are two resources to check: one is ZF in American and the other is ZFdoc.com. I don't see either one recommending anything other than the two trans oils listed. But it is your trans.

GreenG

I agree. Was not trying to say anything else. Just thought it was interesting.

bogus

I have always had some issue with Hib's comments... and those above don't change my opinion one wit.

Bill @ ZFDoc has tested the Castrol and has given it a good mark... and $22.00 a quart? What crack is he on? I have bought it from 2 separate BMW dealers for about $8.00 each time.

Bill also recommends changing ANY oil in these boxes every 12k miles.

71VETTEWI

I don't have a BMW Dealer around here so where do I buy the correct fluid???

bogus

check the web... there are a few BMW parts sellers who have the stuff.

CentralCoaster

Castrol TWS Motorsport. 10w60, 1 liter.

bmw p/n: 07 51 0 009 420

It was in the parts department, on the shelf. Didn't even have to go over the counter. $8 and change per liter. Buy 2 to fill, 2 for extras.

Atok

Yeah, that is interesting. I would like to see some data to back up what he's saying. Some real data on the Redline MTL oil would be interesting. ZFDoc tested the Castrol stuff and from what he says it's good stuff.

Atok

Yeah, you're right. I just seen the "12345..." and assumed it was the clutch fluid. It looks like the 12345349 number was updated.

Red Tornado

i changed mine with the BMW (castrol) stuff......keep in mind that zfdoc recommends changing this stuff more often than the GM fluid.....the BMW stuff should be changed every year or 15,000 miles.

CMYC4GO

About $2500

71VETTEWI

http://www.zr1netregistry.com/forum/...read.php?t=191
Check out this link for the ZR1 Technical Postings from their forum. Oil testing says Castrol fine but needs changing every 10-12K.
Interesting

1991Z07

Park Place BMW
2720 Highway 52 N - Rochester, MN 55901-7636
507-282-9468 (Phone) 507-282-5424 (Fax)

63 miles from you...a good excuse to drive the beast