Anyone using AMSOIL "Severe Gear 75W-90" ?

BSnyder · 07-11-2007, 05:17 AM

SEVERE GEAR® Synthetic Extreme Pressure (EP) Lubricant 75W-90 (SVG)

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/svg.aspx

I'm going to put it in the trans and rear unless someone knows of another product that has had better test results.

JonyRR · 07-11-2007, 11:28 AM

I like amsoil products. I've used both redline and amsoil without issue and with great satisfaction.
I DO know that many 2-stroke folks swear by the amsoil synthetic 2-stroke oil above all others, even when the 'other' product is a sponsor.

acidburn · 07-11-2007, 08:05 PM

Been working fine in all my bikes for some time now.
Well till recently, oh wait still working fine.
Of course its one of the best, its an Amsoil product.

BSnyder · 07-12-2007, 10:34 AM

According to the owner's manual I'll require a total of 1.1 quarts.
Will every last drop of the old oil come out when I drain it?
If not, will I get away with only needing 1 quart?

R111S · R111S's Garage

Have you read the latest on Rear Drive Oil in BMW-ON? (July2007, Page 20)...not recommended...Suggests using a Moly Additive though.

Here's a quote: "Until the latest generation of final drives where 75w140 synthetic gear oil is the specification, I have not found one single document that says that 75w140 or 85w140 is acceptable in ball bearing equipped final drives. I think that the use of this 'out of spec' is a significant contributing factor to bearing failure". - Paul Glaves

I use Spectro 80w90 GL-5 Hypoid myself. I've got 42K Miles on my R1100S using this dino oil and had 81K Miles on my R100GS/PD before selling it...never a final drive problem so far.

Here's what the BMW R1100S Repair Manual has to say about it:

BSnyder · 07-12-2007, 01:38 PM

No I haven't read it, what is BMW-ON?

What's not recommended? The 75W-90 I asked about?
The repair manual specs SAE 90 and the oil I am asking about is 75W-90.

Quote:

Originally posted by R111S
Have you read the latest on Rear Drive Oil in BMW-ON? (July2007, Page 20)...not recommended...Suggests using a Moly Additive though.

Here's a quote: "Until the latest generation of final drives where 75w140 synthetic gear oil is the specification, I have not found one single document that says that 75w140 or 85w140 is acceptable in ball bearing equipped final drives. I think that the use of this 'out of spec' is a significant contributing factor to bearing failure". - Paul Glaves

I use Spectro 80w90 GL-5 Hypoid myself. I've got 42K Miles on my R1100S using this dino oil and had 81K Miles on my R100GS/PD before selling it...never a final drive problem so far.

SergioK · 07-12-2007, 01:39 PM

Interesting, I was just at the dealer yesterday inquiring about my FD since they never told me to flush it after the 600 mile break in (post rebuild). The SA told me it was my call but said it didn't need it because they didn't put in new gears. I flushed it anyway and the BMW red synethic 75w-140 is what came out.

R111S · R111S's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by BSnyder
No I haven't read it, what is BMW-ON?

What's not recommended? The 75W-90 I asked about?
The repair manual specs SAE 90 and the oil I am asking about is 75W-90.

Hi BSnyder, I take you're somewhat new to BMWs so I'll direct you toward the BMWMOA Website (the publishers of BMW-ON - "ON" stands for "Owners News"):
http://www.bmwmoa.org//index.html

You can download a .pdf file that has the cover shot of BMW-ON and the TOC here: http://www.bmwmoa.org/ownersnews/ownersnews.htm

I've been a Member of BMWMOA and the AMA for ~20 years now. I would recommend every rider become a member of the AMA and that BMW Riders belong to BMWMOA or BMWRA(http://www.bmwra.org/).

Well obviously it's your call on what oil you choose but it was a bit of information meant for you to consider since the Manual recommends something other than what you're asking about. It seems that several are using the product you reference so all may be just as well...UMMV.

BSnyder · 07-12-2007, 04:08 PM

I'm just confused why you're saying I shouldn't use 75w-90 when you said you're using 80w-90.

R111S · R111S's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by BSnyder
I'm just confused why you're saying I shouldn't use 75w-90 when you said you're using 80w-90.

Oh you can quote me on "not recommended" but my intent was to point you to what Paul Glaves said. He does reference the "75" part of "75w90" doesn't he? OTOH, I'm no authority on this by any stretch of the imagination. Enough said...BTW Spectro was until recently the supplier of BMW branded Motorcycle Oils.

BSnyder · 07-12-2007, 07:04 PM

From what I understand (please correct me if I'm wrong), the first # represents the viscosity when the oil is cold and the second represents the viscosity when the oil is at regular operating temp. I have limited knowledge of oil and chemistry but it seems to me the viscosity of the oil at operating temp is more important than the viscosity at starting temps. Hypothetically, if the specs call for a straight 90 weight, I would think a 80W-90 would be more desirable than a 90w-100. With that thinking I'd agree with Mr. Glaves if what he is saying is that you shouldn't use a 75w140 or 85w140 when the specs call for straight 90 weight.

The manual specs a straight 90 weight. You run a 80w-90 dino oil. The writer of the BMW-ON article states 75w140 or 85w140 oil "is a significant contributing factor to bearing failure." (I don't have access to the full article so I'm just restating what you referred to.)
I asked about using a 75w-90 synthetic and it seemed that you were telling me that is not recommended. So, thats why I was confused.

AntonLargiader · 07-13-2007, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by SergioK
...I flushed it anyway and the BMW red synthetic 75w-140 is what came out.

The 75W90 is also red.

AntonLargiader · 07-13-2007, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BSnyder
I'm just confused why you're saying I shouldn't use 75w-90 when you said you're using 80w-90.

I don't think he said that (he answered a different question than you asked) but it does raise a good point. BMW of Canada apparently* came forward with a recommendation against using synthetic in final drives, and the 75W oils are typically synthetics whereas the 80W oils tend to be mineral-based. So if someone was trying to steer you away from synthetics (which wasn't Paul's intention, at least not in that article) you'd get a recommendation for 80W90 over 75W90.

* I haven't seen this from them, but have heard it 'on the internet'...

BSnyder · 07-13-2007, 05:11 AM

Thanks Anton. I was only thinking of the viscosity and it never occured to me that I should also be concerned with whether the oil is conventional or synthetic. It seems a lot of this site's member have had good long term results with synthetic lubes in the final drive so I think I'll give it a shot.

I'll look into joining the BMWMOA and receiving their publication.

According to the owner's manual I'll require a total of 1.1 quarts.
Will every last drop of the old oil come out when I drain it?
If not, will I get away with only needing 1 quart?

BSnyder · 07-17-2007, 04:59 PM

For better or for worse I put the Amsoil Severe Gear 75W-90 in the transmission tonight. Damn that drain plug is tight!! I used the Sears socket cap but will not be going that route again. My initial impression is MUCH nicer shifting. It certainly doesn't "snick" into the next gear but its much less of a clunk than before.
I live in the house my wife grew up in and her father left most of his tools in the basement when they moved. After I finished the fluid change I decided to look through his workbench drawers and the first hex wrench I found was a big ass 14mm. I'm bringing that sucker to work tomorrow and cutting it down.

I'm sure the socket caps will come in handy for something someday it'll never touch my trans again.

geothepencil · 07-17-2007, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by R111S
.BTW Spectro was until recently the supplier of BMW branded Motorcycle Oils.

Who is the new supplier ?

geo

AntonLargiader · 07-18-2007, 03:43 AM

The fairly-new bottles of BMW 75W90 and 75W140 that I have here both say Spectro.

bikpaintr · 07-18-2007, 05:52 AM

Keep in mind that it is only Paul's personal opinion that the 75w/140 lube is causing rear drives to fail & that he has offered no data to back that up. I've used it for years in Airhead & Oilhead trannys & rear drives with no failures or leaks and I will continue to do so.