2006 BMW Z4 3.0i (N52) use LT2 instead of LT3

[bmwN52z4]

A friend has picked up a 2006 Z4 3.0i (N52 engine) with a six-speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the sticker on the transmission calls for MTF-LT3 instead of the LT2 that was used in my own Z4's. I was under the impression that this change happened in 2007.

Can we drain and fill LT2 in its place?

 

[Marcozi]

Only if your friend wants to chance needing a new transmission. The sticker changed bc the requirements changed.

 

[bmwN52z4]

I understand adhering to the new spec, but BMW has been known to change fluids to meet regulatory requirements/efficiency and not technical need.

 

[sfbmw]

Yes. LT-2 and LT-3 are very similar. Both were specced for the same variants of the GS6 transmission in that Z4.

 

[edyvw]

Of course you can.

D

Thread 'BMW MTF confusion: MTF-LT-2 vs. MTF-LT-3 in the E9x M3 6MT'

Dec 24, 2018

When the E9x (2008-2013) M3 first entered production, the fluid spec for the manual transmission (Getrag GS6-53BZ) was MTF-LT-2. This was a 75W-80 fluid.

Then, just a few months into production, BMW changed the spec to MTF-LT-3. At the time, this was a 75W or 75W-80 fluid, slightly thinner than MTF-LT-2. Previous production dates were not back-specced for the new fluid despite having the exact same transmission (same part number).

Some time over the next few years, MTF-LT-3 became a 75W-90 GL-4 -- around twice as thick at 100º C. BMW continues to insist that this is the correct...

• d00df00d
• Replies: 30
• Forum: ATF, Differential, Trans, Brakes, P/S

I use HPL MTF life 75W in my manual (ZF). It is bit thin for my liking for track purposes, but I am not planning to do track this year, so works good.
Had before that Redline D4, excellent on both street and track. As @slo town said, MTF 85 etc. is good too.

 

[bmwN52z4]

Yes. LT-2 and LT-3 are very similar. Both were specced for the same variants of the GS6 transmission in that Z4.

Thank you, I assumed there was no material change to the transmission but figured it was worth checking with the folks on here first.

Of course you can.

D

Thread 'BMW MTF confusion: MTF-LT-2 vs. MTF-LT-3 in the E9x M3 6MT'

Dec 24, 2018

When the E9x (2008-2013) M3 first entered production, the fluid spec for the manual transmission (Getrag GS6-53BZ) was MTF-LT-2. This was a 75W-80 fluid.

Then, just a few months into production, BMW changed the spec to MTF-LT-3. At the time, this was a 75W or 75W-80 fluid, slightly thinner than MTF-LT-2. Previous production dates were not back-specced for the new fluid despite having the exact same transmission (same part number).

Some time over the next few years, MTF-LT-3 became a 75W-90 GL-4 -- around twice as thick at 100º C. BMW continues to insist that this is the correct...

• d00df00d
• Replies: 30
• Forum: ATF, Differential, Trans, Brakes, P/S

I use HPL MTF life 75W in my manual (ZF). It is bit thin for my liking for track purposes, but I am not planning to do track this year, so works good.
Had before that Redline D4, excellent on both street and track. As @slo town said, MTF 85 etc. is good too.

Appreciate the reply and additional information!

I'll have to look in to some other options as I plan to track my own car at some point in the near future. In a previous e85 z4 I used Pentosin (or similar OE) LT-2 and Redline Manual Transmission / Differential Fluid 75w90 in the differential.