On the Transsyberia (GTS Motor) it's a Torx T50. 8mm in-hex is close, but I'd bet you'll eventually strip the socket if you use it.

 

Just as an FYI...Redline is not a Porsche approved oil.

 

Und so?

 

...so I suspect you have done some reading about Redline in addition to anecdotal observations. When I researched Redline a year ago, they were unable to provide me with materials data for their non-race engine oils aside from an enormous range for ZDDP (0.6 to 1.2%).

Porsche approved oils (while influenced by marketing) all share something in common. They are all synthetic (for watercooled engines excluding the Cayenne V6), and they all have a ZDDP level of 1000 ppm or greater, if I remember correctly.

Because oil formulation continues to change in favor of decreasing levels of Zn and P (and a greater switch to alternative ash-less dispersants) previously approved oils have either fallen off the list, or were reformulated with a different label. The list is republished from Porsche every 2-3 years. The list I supplied is from 2008.

Depending on how which formulation was used, there were a few white papers discussing Mobil 1's optimal Zn and P levels can range...I can not quote you the exact number, but I know that it was at least 1000 ppm...lower detergency oils requiring less Zn and P. Many Porsche shops have acknowledged that newer SM and CJ-4 motor oil standards are not sufficient for protecting any Porsche engine, hence they continue to recommend Porsche approved oils.

Unfortunately, Redline does not publish their detergent composition of their non race motor oils (or they didn't last I checked...if you have more info, please share.) However, as you said, different brands for different buyers.

For the record, I use a non approved motor oil in my 997TT.

 

I've used Redline in my MB's for years, with the exception of my CDI Diesel. They do not have an oil that meets the low phos, sulfur and ash specs to protect the diesel particle filter. FWIW, that lower additive spec does not protect gasoline engines as well either.

While Redline does not publish hard formulation numbers, I trust their comments like these:

For the 0W40 Motor Oil: "Recommended for water-cooled Porsche and Mercedes-Benz 229.5/229.51 applications." and "Fully-synthetic ester formula for passenger cars, light trucks, performance vehicles and marine applications."

For the 5W40 Motor Oil: "As specified for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Porsche and VW applications" and "Fully-synthetic ester formula for passenger cars, light trucks, performance vehicles and marine applications." This is the one I use.

Not hard specs, but my history of excellent success with Redline and the fact that they use the Porsche name in their literature tells me that there is nothing to be concerned about by using their motor oils - and probably their other gear oils, too. The one place I probably would use Porsche fluid is the ATF, as the newer transmissions can be VERY picky about what they have in them.

FWIW, even though Porsche also says that 5W50 is an acceptable weight above -25°C, Redline makes no mention of Porsche in their literature for their 5W50 motor oil.

FWIW, I would never follow Porsche's recommended service interval of 20,000 miles on any oil.

 

While we're on the subject, I picked this thread up on the 996TT forum...Dutch, you may want to close your eyes

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1281659

 

um Gottes willen!

 

lol

 

That's roughly 6,000-12,000 ppm.

 

That doesn't make sense to me as that would be 3 times more than what they put in their race engine oils. I wish Redline would publish their actual formulation as do most manufacturers. It would make it easier for consumers.

Regardless...I am sure Redline is more than sufficient as a choice for engine oil. The reason I brought up the issue of approved oils was to mention that there are formulation issues that do make one oil "better" than others, and each car owner has to choose what fits best for their needs.

Cheers
- bob

 

Just to keep stirring the pot:

 

I think you've proven my point. Redline reports 1200ppm ZDDP, not the 6,000-12,000 ppm as calculated by the % they listed. This would fall in line with the oils that are approved by Porsche. I mentioned "approved oils" in my previous post because this information was simply unavailable...and a large number of owners who do DIY oil changes purchase oils without knowing the specifics of what they are putting in.

I think we're all more informed now about Red Line, thanks to your research. Thanks!

 

poor bimmer.

thx for info on redline oil.

 

Original aluminum plugs are 8mm. A good solution for the easily stripped original plugs is to replace them with magnetic plugs from LN Engineering. These plugs are hard anadized, have magnet insert and use 10mm hex--$20 each.

 

On my 2010 Transsyberia (GTS V8 Engine), the plug is very close to 8mm in-hex; but it is exactly a Torx T50.