Gearbox oil brand

[village eejit]

It's time to change the gearbox oil in my 2001 Boxster S 6 speed manual. 1st and 2nd are stiff to engage when cold.

What's the best oil to use? Looking at other forums, the consensus seems to be stick with the proper Porsche oil.

Opinions?

[Chris H1]

Just found this on Pelicans website as I need to change mine at the next service....

"In many cases, generic transmission gear oil that meets or exceeds SAE 75W90 will suffice perfectly fine. Also very effective are the Porsche factory lubricants (typically manufactured by Shell Oil), or Mobil Delvac Synthetic Gear Oil 75W-90. Although technically different from the original Porsche gear lube specifications, I've run Swepco 201 in my Boxster transmission with very good results. In addition, if you have a Limited Slip Differential (LSD), be sure that you get transmission fluid that is appropriate: using a fluid that is too slippery can reduce the torque bias effects of the differential and make it less effective at distributing torque."

Its worth checking & lubing either end of the cables too as I noticed a marked improvement in gear change when I cleaned & lubed where the cables connect at the rear.

HTH

[village eejit]

Thanks Chris.

After doing a bit more research, I will be putting the genuine Porsche oil in. The cables will also be lubricated after your advice.

[Chris H1]

Any idea of cost from main stealer? I haven't checked how much is required either yet.

[village eejit]

Just spoken to OPC Silverstone. They won't sell me the oil as they buy it in 20 litre drums. They will charge 1 hours labour at £99 + VAT. The grand total works out at £161.74...

The last time I went to OPC Silverstone, the service rep I saw had been working for Porsche for 10 years. Laughed when I asked for a tipec discount and said he had never heard of them...

On the plus side, I was told that they use Mobilube 1 SHC 75W90 and my car need 2.8 litres, so I'll get the oil myself and my local garage can change it for £35.

[tr7v8]

Steve 986 labour rate should be £60ish + VAT for a start. It is known as the classic rate. And that is laid down from Reading, nowt to do with TIPEC.

[Sean Smallman]

Ask for Steve - Service Manager or Robin Dealer Principle he will sort the rates and discount out for you.

[village eejit]

Thanks for the info guys. I'll ask for the discounted rate if I go back in the future.

Seems like they have the policy of 'don't ask, don't get on this one'. They know exactly what car it is, then quote the full price labour rate for the gearbox oil change.

I had an airbag light reset on my previous visit and got charged £50 for 1/2 hour labour. Having asked for a discount, no mention was made by the sales rep of the classic scheme and he said he had never heard of tipec.

Gearbox oil now ordered from ebay (3 litres for £40.99 delivered) and my local friendly garage (MJO Vehicle Services) will change it for £35.