Red Line has introduced this middle-weight oil for manual and SMG transmissions that slots in between an ATF D4 and MTL. In the Red Line product range it's closest to the OE BMW LT-2 and LT-3 that is becoming harder to source.
This fluid is also used in the xDrive all-wheel drive transfer case on many modern BMW models.
MT-LV bridges the gap between ATF D4 and traditional MTL for vehicles in hot climates or that see significant track time. We have found that in certain hot temperatures, the ATF D4 can be too thin. On the flip side, in cold temperatures the thicker MTL was too heavy. The MT-LV is the happy medium, tested in multiple BimmerWorld street and track cars in varying temperatures and conditions.
Many BMW manual transmissions from late 1990s-early 2010s called for MTF-LT-1, LT-2, or LT-3 in the gearbox. This includes all manual and SMG transmissions used in E46 M3, E9X M3, E60 M5, E63 M6, and most 135i/335i models. However, BMW has been discontinuing these original oils and substituting newer formulations that work fine for moderate driving but do not hold up well under performance or track use. If your transmission has a MTF or MTL sticker the Red Line MT-LV is our fluid recommendation over the latest Genuine and OEM products, such as FFL-4.
If your transmission has an ATF label, the Red Line ATF D4 is still our fluid recommendation. If the car is heavily tracked and shifting becomes more notchy during a session then the MT-LV is the alternative that will still work on the street (traditional MTL can be too heavy).
Most BMW transmissions take 1.3-1.9 liters (1.4-2.0 quarts). We recommend changing your manual transmission oil every 30,000-40,000 miles. Transfer cases typically require a little less than one liter.
Recommended as a direct replacement for these specific models:
1 Series
E82 (2008-2013) > 128i
E82 (2008-2013) > 135i
E82 (2008-2013) > 135is
E82 (2011-2012) > 1M Coupe
3 Series
E36 (1995-1999) > M3 (for track use)
3 Series
E46 (2001-2006) > 330i 6MT (for track use)
E46 (2001-2006) > M3 6MT
E46 (2001-2006) > M3 SMG
3 Series
E90 / E91 (2006) > 325i
E90 / E91 (2006) > 325xi
E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 (2007-2013) > 328i
E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 (2007-2013) > 328xi
E90 (2006) > 330i
E90 (2006) > 330xi
E90 / E92 / E93 (2007-2013) > 335i
E90 / E92 / E93 (2011-2013) > 335is
E90 / E92 / E93 (2007-2013) > 335xi
E90 / E92 / E93 (2008-2013) > M3 6MT
5 Series
E60 (2008-2010) > 535i
E60 (2008-2010) > 535xi
E60 (2006-2010) > E60 M5 6MT
E60 (2006-2010) > E60 M5 SMG
6 Series
E63 / E64 (2006-2010) > M6 6MT
E63 / E64 (2006-2010) > M6 SMG
And any other 1995+ BMW with an MTF/MTL label on the transmission.
