Conflicting FD lube information

[JayW]

I rode to Nashville today to pick up a quart of 75W-90 synthetic gear lube to replace the 75W-140 stuff I put in last year. To my surprise, the parts department told me that BMW recommends 75W-140 for the FD. They were not even aware that BMW made a 75W-90 lubricant, though were able to find it on the computer when I provided the part number. They don't stock it, and don't intend to start.

 

By this time, the service techs were involved in the discussion and told me that they are putting 75W-140 in the Hexhead FDs. One of the techs had just returned from "BMW school", and confidently agreed that this was proper. I pointed out the service bulletin from 2005 where 75W-90 is recommended, but they thought it had been superceded by another one. They were unable to show me such in writing, but by that time were losing interest and went back to work.

 

This encounter occurred at Bloodworth BMW, which I consider a top-notch dealership.

 

The viscosity differences between the 2 might be real-world relevent. I think I still think that 75W-90 is preferred, but am not as confident as I was. If in fact BMW recommends 75W-90 in final drives, they don't seem to be teaching such at service tech school, and are not making much of an emphasis of this to the dealer network.

 

Jay

[johnlt]

I found the same thing at Iron Horse BMW in Tucson. They only carried the 75w-140W gear oil. Their tech said you could use either one but they use the 140w. I really don't think it makes much difference. In cold weather, they are both bottomed out at 75W so that shouldn't be a problem. In high temps (like in Tucson) in the summer, I'd rather have the top viscosity at 140W, just like the tranny. I personally think we're making a big deal out of nothing.

[candyman]

Look at the posting below yours; the responses are fairly self explanatory, and 75/90 seems to be the latest recommendation by BMW.

[marcopolo]

I pointed out the service bulletin from 2005 where 75W-90 is recommended, but they thought it had been superceded by another one. They were unable to show me such in writing, but by that time were losing interest and went back to work.

 

That seems to be a common theme, i.e., nobody can show you this in writing. I would simply say that the manufacturer (BMW Motorrad) recommends -- in both the service CD, and the parts fiche -- SAF-XO. This is a Castrol product, which is a 75W90 synthetic. It is available here in Canada and that's what my tech uses. However, it would seem that this product is not readily available in the US. BMW USA, in its 2005 service bulletin, "highly recommends" a 75W90 super synthetic. Until BMW Motorrad changes its service manual/parts fiche, why would you use something other than 75W90 synthetic? If BMW USA has issued another service bulletin changing the recommended FD fluid from 75W90 to 75W140, why can't someone show you this document? If BMW USA has made such a change, would you not think it would be based on a change made first by the manufacturer, BMW Motorrad?

 

I've had the final drive fluid on my R12RT changed three times between November 2006, and August 2007, once here in Canada, and twice at dealers in the US (Salt Lake City and Brown Motor Works in Pomona CA). Each time the fluid used was 75W90 synthetic.

 

I agree that it has been a confusing topic, with real information, not conjecture, hard to come by. However, having spent a good deal of my life buying expensive, major equipment, we used the lubricants recommended by the manufacturer in writing. That said, whoever owns the bike is free to use whatever he/she wants to.

[Marty Hill]

You guys made me curious so I went out to the garage. When I bought my '07 GS in dec. of '06 the dealer threw in 2 qts of fd lube and assorted other pieces that would be needed.

 

Yes, it is 75/90 syn., so I guess it is available.

[Teddy]

On my 2007 R1200ST I had my initial 1000kms service done at the dealer on Friday (huge cost of AU$403 & I'd like to know what they did?) & the FD oil was changed, SAF-XO was the oil stated on the invoice.

So guess that's what the current recommendation is from BMW Motorrad.

 

Cheers Teddy

[Spartan]

And yet another opinion. I recently took my new 08 GSA into the dealer for the 600 mile service. The lube they recommend and used in the final drive is 75W-140 syn.

[smiller]

Much ado about nothing. Use 75W-90, or maybe 80W-140 if you live in a hot climate. It just isn't going to matter much either way.

[sardineone]

For the 1000km service, one thing the shop does is re-torque the heads and re-adjust the valves. Also change engine oil & filter. They didn't change rear end oil at the time when mine was done but, I have personally done the job since.

 

On another subject, welcome to the ST riders! The main problem you have ahead with your bike will be with the R12 motor. Be ready when it rev's over 6k rpms as it turns into a beast! Enjoy!

[Teddy]

Thx for the welcome, I am loving the bike so far!

 

Yep they mention the head retension! FD oil was definately changed.

 

Yes I came from an R1150RS & a GSXR1000 '06 model so I know lots about the "top end rush"

 

I am just starting to explore past 4,000rpm now, in fact I leave for a ride in less than an hr....

 

Cheers Teddy

[Dave_in_TX]

Just had my FD lube changes by the dealer. According to the invoice, they used Amsoil 80W90.