BMW 1 series Convertible, E88 (USA)

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 1 series Convertible, E88 (USA) manual transmission fluid capacity ranges from 1,3 to 1,6 liters. The data covers 5 configurations.

The configuration chart below lists fill volumes and service intervals for each engine and trim variant.

TypeSpecifications
  • 128i Convertible, N52 (2011-2013)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,3 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: Getrag GS6-17BG/DG 6/1
  • 128i Convertible, N51 (2011-2013)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,3 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: Getrag GS6-17BG/DG 6/1
  • 128i Convertible, N52 (2007-2011)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,3 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: Getrag GS6-17BG/DG 6/1
  • 128i Convertible, N51 (2007-2011)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,4 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,3 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: Getrag GS6-17BG/DG 6/1
  • 135i Convertible, N54 (2007-2010)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Dry fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-53BZ/DZ 6/1

Additional Notes

  • Across the BMW 1 Series Convertible E88 (USA), all manual transmission configurations require a fluid carrying the MTF-LT3 label, which is a low-viscosity synthetic gear oil specification developed for close-ratio manual gearboxes.
  • The 128i Convertible variants fitted with either the N51 or N52 engine share identical capacity figures: 1.4 liters for the initial fill and 1.3 liters for the service fill, regardless of model year within the 2007-2013 span.
  • The 0.1-liter difference between the 128i initial fill of 1.4 liters and the service fill of 1.3 liters reflects the small residual volume of fluid that remains in the transmission after a drain, meaning a service fill never fully restores the total factory-filled volume.
  • The 135i Convertible with the N54 engine carries a notably higher capacity than the 128i variants, with a dry fill of 1.6 liters versus 1.4 liters, indicating a physically larger gearbox assembly consistent with the higher-output turbocharged engine.
  • The N54-equipped 135i Convertible uses the term "dry fill" rather than "initial fill," which refers to a completely empty transmission with no residual fluid, a condition typically encountered after a full overhaul or gearbox replacement rather than a routine service.
  • The 135i Convertible service fill of 1.5 liters also maintains a 0.1-liter gap below the dry fill of 1.6 liters, mirroring the same residual-volume pattern seen in the 128i configurations.
  • All five configurations across the E88 manual transmission specifications are designated for normal use conditions, with no severe-duty or first-change-only interval distinctions present in the data.
  • The N51 and N52 engines in the 128i are both inline-six units, with the N51 being the SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) variant and the N52 the standard version, yet both share the same 1.4-liter initial and 1.3-liter service fill capacities, confirming the emission-related engine differences do not affect gearbox sizing.

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