not strictly a 900 series question, M56/M90 geabox oil

[Cypher007]

ive been going round and round with FRF and google trying to ascertain which oil to use in my M56 box, which apparently is a FWD version of the M90.

ive now ascertained the new oil volvo is recommending to replace 1161645, 31280771, is actually thicker by quite a degree not thinner as I thought.

I noticed oil 1161745, which is apparently for the XC90 chain gear seems almost identical to 1161645.

so after some googlefoo I found it seems the 900 series M90 box is the same as the M56 and uses 1161745.

so why is volvo pushing the thicker oil? I have a 94 volvo 850 T5R and worry the new oil wont protect the brass and other soft metals in the box. it might be ok on newer boxes, it says 1996> for the new oil.

I think I will try and get 1161745. does anyone know if its still available? as on skandix it says discontinued.

[griston64]

It's been discontinued. 31280771 is the replacement

[Cypher007]

yes but that seems like treacle. as one member baggy798 says its nearly double the thickness.

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showthread.php?t=258740

this thread says 1161745 has been replaced by 31259380:

https://www.volvoforums.org.uk/showt...=169599&page=2

I don't mind using the new oil if Volvo are going to guarantee my 25 year old box isn't going to go bang.

[360beast]

I'm sure Mark has used it in his m90 with no problems

[griston64]

Yes I have. The other thing is a twenty odd year old gearbox could go kaput whether you use that oil or not. I'm not sure on the reliability in general of the M56 but I don't seem to remember seeing many reports of them failing.

[360beast]

As far as I'm aware the M56 was created for the 850 and Volvo deemed it a far superior box to the M47 in the 940's so decided to make the M90 for them which is based of the M56.

[baggy798]

Reposting from that other thread:

1161645
Technical data
Quality: API GL-4, Volvo Std 1273,08 which describes MTF 97308
Viscosity: SAE 75W
Colour: Brown
Density: 885 kg/m³
Base: Synthetic
Lowest flow point -48°C (-54°F)
Viscosity at +40°C: 67.8 mm²/s
Viscosity at +100°C: 10.5 mm²/s

1161745
Technical data
Quality: API GL-4, MTF 97309, WSS-M2C200-C3
Viscosity: SAE 75W-80
Colour: Amber
Density: 841 kg/m³
Base: Fully synthetic
Lowest flow point -60°C (-76°F)
Viscosity at +40°C: 59.8 mm²/s
Viscosity at +100°C: 10.1 mm²/s

(Then it was 31259380 for a short time)

31280771
This oil is fully synthetic transmission oil for manual gearboxes with excellent shifting and synchronising properties at all temperatures, especially at low temperatures. Being a low friction oil, the temperature in the transmission is reduced. Viscosity is low, which means reduced fuel consumption which in turn means less environmental impact.
The oil is recommended for all model years of type M65 (5-speed with 6-cyl. engine), M66, MTX75 and MMT6 and of the type M56, M58 and M59 from and including model year 1996.
Technical data
Quality: API GL-4, Ford specification, WSS-M2C200-D2
Viscosity: SAE 75W
Color: Brown
Density: 852 kg/m³
Base: Synthetic base oil
Lowest flow point -54°C (-65°F)
Viscosity at +40°C: 32 mm²/s
Viscosity at +100°C: 6.4 mm²/s

When researching a 1161745 replacement, I found a post about Ravenol MTF-2 that specifically listed 1161745:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...ol_MTF-2_75W80

Hi all,

This a VOA of the Ravenol MTF-2 75W80 found on a russian forum, thanks to them.

This Ravenol oil claims to fit on 90% of the manual transmissions, but keeps secret its characteristics:

BMW 2300 1434 404 MTF LT-1
BMW 2300 7533 513 MTF LT-2
BMW 83 22 0 309 031
FIAT 9.55550-MZ2 F178.B06 14621616
FORD WSS-M2C200-D2
FORD WSS-M2C200-C3
FORD 1547953
FORD 1382914
General Motors (GM) 1940711
Honda 08261-99964
Honda Genuine MTF Fluid 08798-9031
Honda MTF-7289
Hyundai 02200-00130 TOD
Land Rover STC 9157
Land Rover TYK500030
Land Rover STC 9158
MB 235.10
MB 235.72
MB A 001 989 26 03
Mitsubishi MZ312644
Mitsubishi 3005401
MTF Gear Oil 304
MTF Gear Oil MB 317
MTF BOT338
MTF 97309
MTF MTF-94 Fluid for Land Rover, MG and Mini Cooper
Nissan 999MP-MTF20P
Nissan KE91699932R
Peugeot 9730A2
Subaru K0321-F0090
TOYOTA 08885-00705
VOLVO 1161681
VOLVO 1161745
VW / AUDI G 052 911 A2
VW / AUDI G 055 538 A2 for ZF 6S450 Amarok 0C6

Then I found this post that list various MTFs and their viscosities:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...Dedicated_MTF_

Here is an updated list of dedicated GL-4 and a few GL-5 MTLs.

NOTE: This list is only a suggested list of MTFs. It is not an endorsement of any one fluid, nor is it implied that any one fluid will cure problems in MTs that have design problems or those that have excessive wear.

A. These MTL fluids are closest to a Kinematic Viscosity of 6.x cSt@100C (About the same viscosity as a DexronVI) and SAE 70 or so are:

1. Castrol Syntrans FE 75W,
   
2. BMW (Pentosin) MTF-LT-3,
   
3. Honda MTII or MTF 2.
   
4. Ford FML-XT-11-QDC
   
5. Volvo Manual Transmission Fluid (6.4 cSt) [Recommended for: type M65 5-speed with 6-cyl. engine, M66, MTX75 and MMT6 and of the type M56, M58 and M59 from and including model year 1996. Meets Ford specification WSSM2C200-D2]

B. The next higher viscosity MTL would be the 7.0 to 7.5 cSt@100C versions [SAE 70W75] (About the same viscosity as the original DexronIII/Merc)

1. Royal Purple's Synchromax
   
2. Ravenol MTF-2
   
3. Honda MTF
   
4. VW part number G052512A2
   
5. GM Manual Transmission and Transfer Case Fluid
   
6. BMW (Pentosin MTF 2) MTF-LT-1, 2 ,3
   
7. Tutelo (Petronus, Italy, Product Code 1402)
   
8. Pentosin Pro Gear 70W75 (Australia)
   
9. Pentosin FFL-4
   
10. Redline Power Steering Fluid

C. The next higher viscosity MTL would be Castrol Syntrans V FE 75W-80 8.0cSt

D. Redline DCTF Dual Clutch Transmission Fluid (8.1 cSt)

E. The next higher viscosity MTL would be BG Synchroshift II (8.2 cSt)

F. The next higher viscosity is Mopar Type MS-9417 MTL 9.0cSt

F. Valvoline MTF Part Number 811095 9.2 cSt

G. The next higher viscosity MTL would be Pennzoil Synchromesh 9.3 cSt

H. The next group of MTLs are in the 10.x cSt (SAE 75W80) range:

1. Redline MTL 75W80
   
2. Amsoil MTF (9.7 cSt)
   
3. GM Synchromesh
   
4. Volvo MTF 645
   
5. Fuchs TITAN SINTOFLUID SAE 75W-80 synthetic MTF (Carries a GL-5 rating as well)
   
6. Lodexol (Morris Lubricants) MTF
   
7. Motylgear 75W-80

I. The next higher viscosity MTL would be a 12.0cSt@100C and SAE 75W85:

1. Redline MT-85 12.0 cSt

J. The next higher viscosity MTLs in the 14-15 cSt (SAE 75W90) range would be:

1. Amsoil MTG
   
2. Redline MT-90
   
3. Castrol Syntrans Multivehicle 75W-90
   
4. Castrol Syntrans Transaxle 75w-90
   
5. Ford XT-75W90-QGT (Carries a GL-5 rating as well)
   
6. Ford MOTORCRAFT Full Synthetic Manual Transmission Fluid XT-M5-QS
   
7. Subaru Extra-S Gear & Transmission Fluid carries a GL-5 Rating because it is used in common sump driveline systems.
   
8. ACDelco 10-4059 GL-4 75W-90 Manual Transmission Fluid
   
9. ACDelco 89021806 For use in MA5 manual transmission for GMT 345, GMT 355 Trucks and GMX 020 Cobalt Pursuit and G5 Passenger only. Caution: Rated at GL-3 (ExxonMobil fluid).

Sooo, I don't know what to tell you.

Ravenol MTF-2 lists 1161745, 97309, and WSS-M2C200-C3.
https://www.ravenol.de/en/pdf/raveno...sae-75w-80.pdf

Fuchs Sintofluid lists 97308, which is also the number found in the 940 owner's manual:
https://www.generaloils.net/PI_TITAN...D-75W-80_e.pdf

[Cypher007]

This does at least imply the older oil was a thicker oil.

The new Volvo oil says from model year 1996. What about 1994 and earlier M56 boxes?

Think I’ll try and find some Fuchs.

[Cypher007]

After going on opie oils site and putting my reg in it comes up with this:

https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-60205-m...smission%20Oil

Which is almost identical to the original oil.

[AndyV7o]

Originally Posted by Cypher007

After going on opie oils site and putting my reg in it comes up with this:

https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-60205-m...smission%20Oil

Which is almost identical to the original oil.

Motul make very good gear oil, motul, fuchs, gulf in my experience are excellent.
Tbh I currently favour Gulf syngear fe 75w80 in my V70 and wifes Octavia after using this Motul in my last car, but, no direct comparison in same vehicle, so its pretty subjective tbh.