BMW X3, E83 (USA)

Manual transmission fluid capacity & service interval

BMW X3, E83 (USA) manual transmission fluid has a capacity range of 1,5 to 1,6 liters. The data covers 6 configurations.

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

TypeSpecifications
  • X3 3.0i (2006-2010)
  • With MTF-LT2 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ 6/1
  • X3 3.0i (2006-2010)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ 6/1
  • X3 3.0si (2006-2010)
  • With MTF-LT2 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ 6/1
  • X3 3.0si (2006-2010)
  • With MTF-LT3 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ 6/1
  • X3 2.5i (2004-2006)
  • With MTF-LT2 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ 6/1
  • X3 3.0i (2004-2006)
  • With MTF-LT2 label
  • Use: Normal
  • Capacity 1,6 liter (Initial fill)
  • Capacity 1,5 liter (Service fill)
  • Code: ZF GS6-37BZ/DZ 6/1

Additional Notes

  • Across all listed configurations of the BMW X3 E83 (USA), the manual transmission initial fill capacity is 1.6 liters, while the service fill capacity is 1.5 liters. The 0.1-liter difference between the two reflects the small amount of fluid that remains in the transmission during a drain-and-refill service, as opposed to a fully dry assembly fill.
  • The service fill value of 1.5 liters applies under normal use conditions for every configuration in the specifications, meaning no separate severe-use interval or capacity figure is listed for any of the covered variants.
  • The X3 2.5i covering 2004-2006 shares the same 1.6-liter initial and 1.5-liter service fill figures as the 3.0i variants from the same period, indicating that engine displacement alone did not produce a difference in manual transmission fluid capacity within the E83 generation.
  • For the X3 3.0i covering 2006-2010, two separate transmission label designations appear in the specifications: MTF-LT2 and MTF-LT3. Both carry identical capacity figures of 1.6 liters initial and 1.5 liters service fill, meaning the fluid type label distinction does not alter the volume requirement.
  • The same dual-label pattern seen on the 3.0i also applies to the X3 3.0si for 2006-2010, where both the MTF-LT2 and MTF-LT3 label variants share the 1.6-liter initial and 1.5-liter service fill capacities.
  • MTF-LT2 and MTF-LT3 are BMW-specified manual transmission fluid grades, with LT3 representing a later formulation. The specifications show both grades were applicable to the same 3.0i and 3.0si transmissions during the 2006-2010 period, depending on which label appears on the individual unit.

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