R1100 Synthetic Oils Engine & Final Drive

[twowheelsonly]

Hi,

 

I am busy servicing my new R1100RT and am ready to change the engine oil, filter and flush the rear end..

 

I use Mobil 1 on all my vehicles and since the BMW is a dry clutch I would like to know what Mobil 1 you use. also the amount of miles you ride before changing the oil would be appreciated, I normally change the oil filter at 3000 miles and then change oil and filter in the next 3000 miles, never had a problem with any engine in 20 years..

 

Has anyone used synthetic oil in the rear drive. if so what did you use..

 

Thanks again!

Stewart

[Woodie]

Engine oil: I've used several brands, including full synthetics, 15-50, 20-50. As long as it meets the specs, the exact weight spec hasn't mattered all that much.

 

Oil/filter every 6K for me. (that's the BMW specified interval for my bike)

 

I haven't changed my final drive fluid for close on to 40K miles. Yes, I know, it's overdue. Will be done this winter, once I get the filler off, and a new one in place.

 

[Jerry Duke]

Hello Stewart. I use Mobile 15w50 in the 5 quart jug from Wal-Mart. Usually about $23. I change my oil and filter every 5,000 miles. Easier to keep up with. I use Mahle (OEM for BMW) oil filters. I usually order 6 at a time, $10.50 each, from http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=11421460845

I use Valvoline 75w90, full synthetic in both the transmission and final drive. Change it once a year, along with all the other filters, and fluids. Don't forget the fuel filter INSIDE the gas tank. I moved mine to the outside so I can change it once a year without the hassle of taking the tank off and getting the fuel pump/filter out and back in.

[Roninfla1]

Somebody stated to me once not to use synthetic in the final drive. I do use Mobil 1 in the engine and trans, dino in the rear drive unit. This question could garner 1000's of responses.

Sorry no definitive answer from me. Somebody a lot smarter than me might educate you on this matter. Good luck..

[philbytx]

For the past 15 years, I used Mobil1 in the powertrains of my BMW cage and both bikes.

 

In the bikes I run:

Mobil1 15w50 Silver Top/Red Label ("old" formula) available at WallyWorld for $22 and change.

Mobil1 75w140 in the gearbox.

Mobil1 75w90 in the FD.

 

There was a noticeable improvement in shifting when I went from 75w90 to 75w140 in the gearbox of my 2003RT. BMW itself also specifies 75w140 can be run in the gearbox.

 

Common wisdom is to run maximum 90 weight oil in the FD.

[twowheelsonly]

great appreciate the input, I will get down to wally world today and buy some oils to service my new girl friend.. I appreciate all the input..

 

Happy Turkey Day to everyone , be safe!!!

 

Stewart

[Jerry Duke]

Regarding 140 weight in either the transmission or FD, I believe Paul Glaves has stated for the record, is too heavy. We should be running 90w in both transmission and FD.

I know when I tried 140 when BMW was recommending it, I was always running into false neutrals and noticed sluggish shifting. Everything went back to good as soon as I put 90w back in them.

I also remember having to replace the large O ring in the FD during my 140 days. I don't know if that was the cause or not, but I haven't had to replace one since I went with the 90w.

[Trullion]

+1 on what Phibytx has said. In my view 75/140 is best for unmodified M93 and M94 gearboxes (i.e. those with open bearings). In the later ones (M97) the bearings are sealed and so I don't feel it is necessary to use fully synthetic oil in these boxes, as long as the oil meets GL-5 spec. As Getrag themselves recommended SAE 90 for all round use I use this in my 2000 850GS, though 80/90 is probably ok. The use of 140 grade in the drive unit is likely to cause leaks.