Another Oil Question!

PeteZ3

PeteZ3

Zorg Legend
Supporter
Joined
Jun 18, 2015
Points
75
Model of Z
1998 Manual 2.8
Okay, so thanks for the help here, I successfully chained the engine oil on the zed and the engine is running like a dream :D

But now I have another issue which I deffo need your help for....

Whilst had the her up in the ramps, I decided to have a look around underneath, I noticed that there was a pretty decent oil leak coming from the transmission oil drain nut.... (that probably not the correct terminology), but it was basically the big nut on the bottom of the gear box, it was 17mm... it wasnt a massive leak, it does not leave any drips on the drive, and I had left it there for a week last week whilst I was referbing the soft top, so i know it isnt major serious (hopefully)...

Also I have no clue when the oil was last changed for the gearbox, as there is very little history in the paperwork.

And this is the IMPORTANT bit, which i am a little nervous about... when changing gear (mostly into 2nd) there is a little clunk, also does a smaller clunk when changing to 4th, and its quite difficult to move the stick over when going into 5th, but there is no trouble pushing it up into 5th (if you get me)... so do you think its just because the oil is old and needs a good flush out and new oil in?

Im basically asking for some good zed advice, as ive never even owned a car before, never mind a 17 year old zed with nearly 120,000 on the clock...

the car has also been standing on a drive for just over a year before I purchased it, so i dont know if that has anything to do with the clunky nature of the tranny....

My car doesnt have a hand book so i dont know what oil it needs or how to even re fill it?!?! i have seen the thread on here about a auto box oil change but dont know how much of this applys to my car.

thanks for taking the time to reads and PLEASEEE HELP MEEEEE :arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh::arghh:

Pete
 
Hi Pete, a manual gearbox oil is much simpler to change than an Auto box. You will have a drain plug, which you've already found and a "level" plug, which by its name tells you it defines the level of oil in the gear box. Before draining give the car a good run to warm the oil then drain it out. Replace the drain plug with a new sealing washer. Fill the gearbox through the level/filler plug until it starts to run out of the filler hole. Replace filler/level plug.
You will find a LOT of conflicting advice on here re the type(s) of oil to use. My advice is use what your handbook tells you to use.;)

Tony
 
t-tony said:
Hi Pete, a manual gearbox oil is much simpler to change than an Auto box. You will have a drain plug, which you've already found and a "level" plug, which by its name tells you it defines the level of oil in the gear box. Before draining give the car a good run to warm the oil then drain it out. Replace the drain plug with a new sealing washer. Fill the gearbox through the level/filler plug until it starts to run out of the filler hole. Replace filler/level plug.
You will find a LOT of conflicting advice on here re the type(s) of oil to use. My advice is use what your handbook tells you to use.;)

Tony
Click to expand...
thanks, but i dont have a hand book! :(
 
Well mate, go to your local car parts place and ask what there suppliers recommend. I could tell you after the 10th Oct unless your doing it before then. Or you could Google " 199* 2.8 BMW Z3 gear oil"

Tony.
 
t-tony said:
Well mate, go to your local car parts place and ask what there suppliers recommend. I could tell you after the 10th Oct unless your doing it before then. Or you could Google " 199* 2.8 BMW Z3 gear oil"

Tony.
Click to expand...
probably be doing it before then, but cheers, ill do some googleing!!
 
Just a thought, but if you are going to work on your own car, you should get a workshop manual of some sort to fill in the gaps of what you know and what you don't know or think you know.
I am a bit old school myself and believe that you can never have too much reference material if you do this sort of thing with your cars.
I also applaud your effort to do your own work.... Bravo!
 
Rudyrov said:
Just a thought, but if you are going to work on your own car, you should get a workshop manual of some sort to fill in the gaps of what you know and what you don't know or think you know.
I am a bit old school myself and believe that you can never have too much reference material if you do this sort of thing with your cars.
I also applaud your effort to do your own work.... Bravo!
Click to expand...
thanks, havn't done anything on it where i dont know what im doing and wont be doing anything on it unless i really know what im doing. I dont want to be doing any damage on my zed now do I!

haha, Im only doing all the work myself because I have no money haha! Im half way between university and a full time job, so need every penny i can get! :happy:
 
I agree @Rudyrov but to ask some else for advice is the next best thing I reckon.;) It's a very wet day down in Orlando today.:(

Tony.
 
Just go onto Opie web site,they will tell you the required oil,and give you a good price to supply it.
 
Its a nice sunny day here in Seattle, one of few remaining before the winter really starts to come in.
As for doing your maintenance yourself because of money, I hope you find the piece of mind that comes with a job well done!
I started that way many, many years ago, only to learn that I really enjoyed it and now work on my car as often as I can.
Its just fun for me! :)
Rudy
 
I agree with @Rudyrov and your next purchase should be a service manual supplemented by advise from here. I have mine and periodically read it from cover to cover just to imprint the info there in my wandering old mind!! They are worth their weight in gold for a money strapped student. Good for you for attempting the work yourself and remember the wealth of knowledge available here!! JIM
 
Here is the link to the 1999 Z3 handbook in resource section https://zroadster.org/resources/1999-bmw-z3-owners-manual.18// you will find information about engine oil in it ( and lots of other things) but nothing about gearbox or differential oil. Opinions vary on which oil to use, however, I changed my gearbox oil and used Castrol Syntrans B75W. The gearbox capacity is 1.3ltr so you will need to buy 2 x 1 ltr. Opie oils can supply it or look on e-bay. You would be well advised to buy a new drain plug with a new crush washer (for my 1999 2.8 it was part no. 27111226798). Check on realOEM to confirm the part number is the same for your car.
Good luck and work safe (don't rely on the jack!!).
 
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