LT3 gearbox oil in an LT2 335i

OLD_BMW · 02-04-2024, 03:02 PM

Hello all,

I’ve ordered some LT3 and had a shop replace my transmission fluid with LT3 on my 2006 335i seeing that that’s what most 335i’s use.

Then I got under the car and saw an LT2 sticker on the gearbox housing.

Should I be worried? The gearbox part numbers are exaclty the same as the ones using LT3 in the later models. See no reason why this couldn’t use LT3.

The shifter feels absolutely great with the new oil, but I am worried as I’ve read that LT3 is less viscous when hot. But then later 335i 6MT all use LT3.

Anybody running LT3 in their LT2 stickered 335i? Maybe I can get away with not spending another 70 quid on oil 😅

OLD_BMW · Today, 11:19 AM

Just for history,

Don’t do it. If the sticker says LT2 use LT2.
I’ve put in LT3 drove for a week, and the box in general felt a bit noisier. So I played it safe and swithced back to LT2.

LT2 has a thicker viscosity when hot (if i’m not mistaken) so if you have a 100k miles box, I don’t suggest putting a thinner LT3 alternative in a box where wear has already opened up some of the gaps etc.

Now with LT2 the box is a dream, is silent and shifts like a dream.

02-04-2024, 03:02 PM	#1
OLD_BMW New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 335i e92 se 2006 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	LT3 gearbox oil in an LT2 335i Hello all, I’ve ordered some LT3 and had a shop replace my transmission fluid with LT3 on my 2006 335i seeing that that’s what most 335i’s use. Then I got under the car and saw an LT2 sticker on the gearbox housing. Should I be worried? The gearbox part numbers are exaclty the same as the ones using LT3 in the later models. See no reason why this couldn’t use LT3. The shifter feels absolutely great with the new oil, but I am worried as I’ve read that LT3 is less viscous when hot. But then later 335i 6MT all use LT3. Anybody running LT3 in their LT2 stickered 335i? Maybe I can get away with not spending another 70 quid on oil 😅
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Today, 11:19 AM	#2
OLD_BMW New Member 2 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 335i e92 se 2006 Join Date: Feb 2024 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Just for history, Don’t do it. If the sticker says LT2 use LT2. I’ve put in LT3 drove for a week, and the box in general felt a bit noisier. So I played it safe and swithced back to LT2. LT2 has a thicker viscosity when hot (if i’m not mistaken) so if you have a 100k miles box, I don’t suggest putting a thinner LT3 alternative in a box where wear has already opened up some of the gaps etc. Now with LT2 the box is a dream, is silent and shifts like a dream.
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