Manual Transmission Cold Shift Effort
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 78 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW X6, 2010 BMW X5, 2010 BMW X3, and 2010 BMW M6. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
The following information does not apply to transmissions filled with lifetime fluid.
Transmission cold shift effort is reduced by replacing the original oil (SAE 80 or Mobil SHC 630) with a reputable brand single-grade HD engine mineral oil of API-SE standards (SAE 20, SAE 30, or SAE 40). Thinner oils will run the risk of increased gear noise.
A further reduction in shift effort can be obtained by using ATF, but gear noise will be more noticeable compared to single-grade engine mineral oils.
For summer operation it is recommended that ATF or engine oil be drained and replaced by the original lubricant, either SAE 80 or Mobil SHC 630 (as specified) transmission fluid.
CAUTION:
Never fill a manual transmission with synthetic engine oils or multigrade mineral-based engine oils, since they have friction-reducing components that could impair the function of the synchronizers.