BMW 1 series, E82 (USA)

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW 1 series, E82 (USA) manual transmission fluid capacity ranges from 1,2 to 1,6 liters. The data covers 4 configurations.

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

TypeSpecifications
M Coupé (2011-2013)
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,2 liter
  • Code: ZF GS6-45BZ/DZ 6/1
  • 128i, N51 (2008-2013)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: Getrag GS6-17BG/DG 6/1
  • 128i, N52 (2007-2013)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: Getrag GS6-17BG/DG 6/1
  • 135i, 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

  • The BMW 1 Series E82 (USA) manual transmission fluid specifications cover four distinct configurations across the 2007-2013 model years, each carrying its own capacity values.
  • For the 128i with the N51 engine (2008-2013) and the 128i with the N52 engine (2007-2013), the manual transmission labeled for MTF-LT3 fluid holds 1.6 liters at initial fill, while the service fill capacity is 1.5 liters.
  • The 0.1-liter difference between initial fill and service fill on the 128i configurations reflects a common pattern in transmission servicing, where a small residual volume of fluid remains in the unit even after a drain, meaning a full refill to factory-new capacity is not achievable during routine service.
  • The 135i with the N54 engine (2007-2010) shares the same MTF-LT3 label requirement and the same 1.6-liter and 1.5-liter split, though the larger capacity figure is labeled as a dry fill rather than an initial fill, indicating a completely empty transmission assembly with no residual fluid present.
  • The M Coupé (2011-2013) manual transmission carries a notably lower capacity of 1.2 liters, which is 0.4 liters less than the service fill figure listed for the 128i and 135i configurations.
  • No MTF-LT3 label notation appears in the M Coupé row, distinguishing the fluid specification context of that transmission from the three other configurations in the E82 lineup.
  • All four configurations are listed under normal use conditions, meaning the capacities and fluid type references apply to standard operating environments rather than severe-duty or first-change-only scenarios.

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