Gearbox Oil Twincam RT

[Our Gee]

As of my last service I now only use my dealer for what I would describe as "Selective Task Servicing". In other words I carry out the more simple tasks such as Engine Oil / Filter changes, Final Drive Oil changes, Brake Servicing and Fluid changes and Gearbox Oil changes myself. I also carry out a number of other maintenance tasks which BMW do not cover in their official schedule.
My question is concerning the recommended Gear Box Oil. BMW do not specify the gearbox oil in the Rider's Manual. The Haynes Manual specifies Castrol SAF-XO which is no longer available but I understand has been succeeded by Castrol Longlife Syntrax. Both of these oils are 75W-90 and conform to API GL5.
At my last Gearbox Oil change I used Shell Advance Transmission Oil SAE 80W-90 GL5 which gives a good gear change (for a Boxer) and is half the price of the Castrol stuff.
It would be interesting to hear what any other "home servicing" chaps experience in this department.
Thanks.

[David.]

I use the Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w-90 (Formerly SAF-XO 75w-90) in the gearbox & final drive, 1 litre is sufficient for both.

"It is BMW's recommended oil for final drive bevel boxes on R1200 models (not Cruiser).  It's also suitable for use in gearboxes which are separate from the engine as in the boxers models."

MotorWorks have it at £14.40 plus P&P, https://www.motorworks.co.uk/vlive/Shop ... 5_30_DA_70,
I usually purchase it from OPIE Oils, http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-737-castrol ... 5w-90.aspx using their "Price Beater" guarantee.



From experience & looking at the cost, the BMW dealers use a conventional manual gearbox oil, probably 80w-90.

[mbro]

I've also used Redline synthetic 75W90 with good results.  It was also less than the Castrol (if you know where to shop).  Same stuff in the final drive - 180ml, if memory serves, and the remainder goes in the transmission. 

[chrismckay]

I was going to ask about the transmission and final drive on the 2012 R1200RT.....what spec should I be using?...is it the same as above?

[David.]

Yes

[Our Gee]

Before BMW recommended using the relatively expensive Castrol Syntrax in the Boxer Gear Box, the correct oil to be used was any good quality SAE 80W-90 Gear Oil to API GL-5. If anyone is interested in saving a few bob "Smith and Allen" at Valley Street, Darlington have Shell Advance Transmission Oil SAE 80W-90, API GL-5 available at £2 a litre (plus VAT).

[LAF]

This works just fine.:
https://www.amazon.com/Liqui-Moly-75W-90-Fully-Synthetic/dp/B0055HS24O

I have a quart of the Castrol also as I change it every oil change.  Just for inspection of the fluid and a quart fills it all but 4 times so I am ok with that cost.

[David.]

The Liqui Moly & Castrol Syntrax do look very similar, including the price.

Both available from Amazon in the UK,

Liqui Moly, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Liqui-Moly-Ful ... SAE+75W-90

Castrol, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Castrol-Syntra ... ife+75w-90

[David.]

I've also used Redline synthetic 75W90 with good results. It was also less than the Castrol (if you know where to shop).

Redline, https://www.amazon.co.uk/Line-75W90-Gea ... e+gear+oil

Where is it less than the Castrol stuff.

[Cornish_Camhead]

Hi all, i'd second Smith and Allen. Their product is top specification and IMHO its the same stuff without the branding markup. UK also = support your own. 

[David.]

Gearbox oil changed today, using Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w-90.

[simbo]

Gearbox oil changed today, using Castrol Syntrax Longlife 75w-90.

Will you be using what's left in the bottle in the final drive? well, 180ml of it anyway, Be a shame to see it sat on the shelf for the next 12 months 

[David.]

Will you be using what's left in the bottle in the final drive?

FD unit not due for another 12 months or 6,000 miles.

[adewhitmarsh]

When do you guys change the FACE oil ?? I do mine when I change rear tyre 8000 miles.

[Our Gee]

FACE oil ?