Gear Oil for 335i 6 Speed Manual Trans?

NoTempoLimitN54 · 11-14-2012, 06:42 PM

I've done a lot of searching, both here and on google, and I'm still confused. Even BMW's own internal documents are confusing. What is the correct gear oil for the 335i manual transmission?

It must be either MTL-LT2 or MTL-LT3 but I can't determine between the two. I can't see the damned decal on my transmission because of the big plastic plate that's in the way.

BMW does state MTL-LT3 for 2006+ N52 powered cars. What about N54 powered cars?

My build date is 01/09. Does anyone know for certain?

Also, MTL-LT3 is only available from BMW in 5L jugs for about $150.- Does anyone know what the correct OEM is? I've seen Pentosin and Fuchs mentioned. I though I saw a list of equivalent oils from various mostly European manufacturers, but I can't find it now.

I do know that Castrol SAF-XO is the correct differential oil. Seems to be very hard to get in the U.S. ECS sells it but they are out until January.

I'm at 48.5k, still under factory warranty for the next 1.5k, then CPO for the next 2 years.

Should I just say f••k it, and just use RedLine like I did in my E39? Or play it safe and stick with the OE or OEM oils?

Thanks!

Tzu · 11-15-2012, 11:31 AM

Hate to tell you, but there is no rhyme of reason between transmissions that use LT3 or LT2. No build date, series, engine type, nothing. You have to physically look at the sticker on the transmission to know for sure.

My buddy at the dealer told me this, and then took me into the shop to show me two 335s where one used LT2 and one used LT3, in the as-delivered configuration.

NoTempoLimitN54 · 11-15-2012, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tzu

Hate to tell you, but there is no rhyme of reason between transmissions that use LT3 or LT2. No build date, series, engine type, nothing. You have to physically look at the sticker on the transmission to know for sure.

That's what I was worried about... It would explain why I can't find a definite recommendation anywhere.

AFAIK, MTF-LT3 is the lighter of the two oils. Does anyone know who the original equipment manufacturer is for the oil? Castrol? Pentosin? Fuchs?

I think RedLine has a good product, but I'm not putting ATF in my manual transmission, no matter how good the ATF is.

I bought my car with 43k and I'm now at 48.7k, and I can feel a difference in the transmission already. Subtle but it's there. Just shameful BMW continues with this "lifetime fill" B.S. We love 'em and we hate 'em...

AlanAZ · 11-15-2012, 09:06 PM

From what I've read, LT3 = Castrol, LT2 = Pentosin.

You can buy the LT2 from Pentosin (MTF2), but LT3 is only avail. from BMW.

jonnylin1 · 11-16-2012, 04:37 PM

does flushing need to be done for this? I've been wanting to get some new transmission fluid and im at 52k miles now.

Basically i am trying to find out if this is an easily DIY maintenance or a shop deal...

Brian_TII · 11-16-2012, 09:47 PM

No flush needed on a manual. Pretty easy job, just drain and refill. Make sure you take the fill plug off before the drain plug. :-)

11-14-2012, 06:42 PM	#1
NoTempoLimitN54 Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 290 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 335i (E92) [0.00]	Gear Oil for 335i 6 Speed Manual Trans? I've done a *lot* of searching, both here and on google, and I'm still confused. Even BMW's own internal documents are confusing. What is the correct gear oil for the 335i manual transmission? It must be either MTL-LT2 or MTL-LT3 but I can't determine between the two. I can't see the damned decal on my transmission because of the big plastic plate that's in the way. BMW does state MTL-LT3 for 2006+ N52 powered cars. What about N54 powered cars? My build date is 01/09. Does anyone know for certain? Also, MTL-LT3 is only available from BMW in 5L jugs for about $150.- Does anyone know what the correct OEM is? I've seen Pentosin and Fuchs mentioned. I though I saw a list of equivalent oils from various mostly European manufacturers, but I can't find it now. I do know that Castrol SAF-XO is the correct differential oil. Seems to be very hard to get in the U.S. ECS sells it but they are out until January. I'm at 48.5k, still under factory warranty for the next 1.5k, then CPO for the next 2 years. Should I just say f••k it, and just use RedLine like I did in my E39? Or play it safe and stick with the OE or OEM oils? Thanks! __________________ For Sale: 2009 335i 6MT (E92/N54), Sport / M-Technic / no iDrive / Black Sapphire / Black Dakota Leather, ZCW, 6FL, PDC, 19" VMR VB3, Pilot Super Sport, M3 control arms + tension links (fr) S. California
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11-15-2012, 11:31 AM	#2
Tzu Lieutenant Colonel 29 Rep 1,551 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	Hate to tell you, but there is no rhyme of reason between transmissions that use LT3 or LT2. No build date, series, engine type, nothing. You have to physically look at the sticker on the transmission to know for sure. My buddy at the dealer told me this, and then took me into the shop to show me two 335s where one used LT2 and one used LT3, in the as-delivered configuration.
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11-15-2012, 09:06 PM	#4
AlanAZ Captain 40 Rep 818 Posts Drives: E90 325i sport manual Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (4)	From what I've read, LT3 = Castrol, LT2 = Pentosin. You can buy the LT2 from Pentosin (MTF2), but LT3 is only avail. from BMW. Last edited by AlanAZ; 11-15-2012 at 09:11 PM..
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11-16-2012, 04:37 PM	#5
jonnylin1 Lieutenant Colonel 164 Rep 1,734 Posts Drives: 2008 AW e92 335i \| 2012 m3 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: PNW \| Vegas iTrader: (1)	does flushing need to be done for this? I've been wanting to get some new transmission fluid and im at 52k miles now. Basically i am trying to find out if this is an easily DIY maintenance or a shop deal... __________________ IG:Jlin_e92 / Curiously.m3 Never low enough.
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11-16-2012, 09:47 PM	#6
Brian_TII Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 229 Posts Drives: 06 e90 330i 6spd Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0)	No flush needed on a manual. Pretty easy job, just drain and refill. Make sure you take the fill plug off before the drain plug. :-)
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