HowToMechanic

How to change the oil on your BMW

Vintage Shell motor oil can labeled one quart and triple-action

Changing the oil on your BMW is one of the most important maintenance services you can perform to keep your engine running smoothly, efficiently, and reliably. Whether you drive a BMW 3 Series, 5 Series, X5, M3, or any other model, regular oil changes help protect critical engine components from wear, overheating, and sludge buildup. Modern BMW engines are precision-built and often turbocharged, making high-quality oil and proper maintenance essential for long-term performance.

Doing your own BMW oil change also comes with several benefits beyond saving money. DIY maintenance allows you to use the exact oil and filter brands you trust, inspect your vehicle for leaks or worn components, and gain a better understanding of how your BMW operates. Many owners find that performing routine maintenance themselves helps catch small problems before they become expensive repairs. It can also save time compared to scheduling shop appointments and gives you confidence knowing the job was completed correctly.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the basic oil change process used across most BMW models, including the tools and parts needed, how to safely drain and refill the engine oil, and how to reset the service reminder when the job is complete. While exact procedures and oil capacities may vary depending on the year, engine, and model, the overall process is very similar across the BMW lineup.

Before starting, always verify the correct oil specification, filter type, and oil capacity for your specific BMW model. Using the proper BMW-approved oil is critical to maintaining engine performance and reliability. This guide is designed for DIY mechanics of all skill levels and will help you complete the job safely, correctly, and with professional-quality results from your own garage.

Before beginning your oil change, it’s important to identify the exact engine installed in your BMW. Oil capacity, filter type, oil specification, and service procedures can vary significantly between models and engine options, even within the same production year.

BMW M54 – Models include

  • 2000–2006 E46 320i, 320Ci
  • 2000–2003 E39 520i
  • 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 2.2i
  • 2003–2005 E85 Z4 2.2i
  • 2003–2005 E60/E61 520i
  • 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 2.5i
  • 2000–2006 E46 325i, 325xi, 325Ci
  • 2000–2004 E46/5 325ti
  • 2000–2004 E39 525i
  • 2003–2005 E60/E61 525i, 525xi
  • 2003–2006 E83 X3 2.5i
  • 2002–2005 E85 Z4 2.5i
  • 2000–2006 E46 330i, 330xi, 330Ci
  • 2000–2004 E39 530i
  • 2000–2002 E36/7 Z3 3.0i
  • 2003–2005 E60 530i
  • 2002–2005 E85 Z4 3.0i
  • 2003–2006 E83 X3 3.0i
  • 2000–2006 E53 X5 3.0i
  • 2002–2005 E65/E66 730i, 730Li
  • 2000–2002 Wiesmann MF 30

Parts / Tools Needed

M54 Oil Filter“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
Oil Catch Can“>
Oil Filter Socket Set“>
5W30
3/8 Socket Set“>

Instructions

M54 Oil ChangeDownload

BMW N51 N52 – Models include

N52B25

130 kW (174 bhp) Applications:[17][18]

  • 2006 E90 323i — Canada, Australia and Japan
  • 2004-2007 E60/E61 523i
  • 2006-2008 E85 Z4 2.5i

150 kW (201 bhp) Applications:

  • 2007-2011 E90 323i — Canada, Australia and Japan
  • 2010-2011 F10 523i
  • 2009-2011 E89 Z4 sDrive23i

160 kW (215 bhp) Applications:

  • 2005-2010 E83 X3 2.5si, xDrive25i
  • 2005-2010 E60/E61 525i, 525xi — except U.S. and Canada
  • 2004-2013 E90/E91/E92/E93 325i, 325xi — except U.S. and Canada
  • 2005-2008 E85 Z4 2.5si

N52B30

The 3.0 L (183 cu in) models of the N52 have a bore of 85 mm (3.35 in), a stroke of 88 mm (3.46 in) and a compression ratio of 10.7:1. Variations in power output are often due to different intake manifolds and variations of engine management software.[19]

160 kW (215 bhp) Applications:[20]

  • 2006-2007 E90/E92/E93 325i, 325xi — U.S. and Canada only
  • 2006-2007 E60/E61 525i, 525xi — U.S. and Canada only
  • 2006-2008 E85 Z4 3.0i — U.S. and Canada only
  • 2008-2011 E82/E88 125i
  • 2008-2010 E60/E61 528i, 528xi — U.S. and Canada only
  • 2009-2010 E84 X1 xDrive25i

170 kW (228 bhp) Applications:

  • 2007-2013 E90/E91/E92/E93 328i, 328xi — U.S. and Canada only
  • 2008-2013 E82/E88 128i — U.S. and Canada only

180 kW (241 bhp) Applications:[21][22]

  • 2010-2011 F10 528i

190 kW (255 bhp) Applications:[23]

  • 2004-2007 E63/E64 630i
  • 2005-2007 E90/E92/E93 330i, 330xi
  • 2005-2008 E65/E66 730i
  • 2005-2009 E60/E61 530i, 530xi
  • 2009-2015 F01 730i
  • 2008-2011 E89 Z4 sDrive30i
  • 2009-2011 E84 X1 xDrive28i
  • 2009-2012 E87 130i
  • 2010-2011 F25 X3 28i

195 kW (261 bhp) Applications:

  • 2005-2008 E85/E86 Z4 3.0si
  • 2006-2009 E87 130i

200 kW (268 bhp) Applications:[24]

  • 2006–2010 E83 X3 3.0si
  • 2006-2010 E70 X5 3.0si, xDrive30i
  • 2007-2010 E63/E64 630i

Parts / Tools Needed

5W30 -6.9QT
3/8 Socket Set“>
Oil Catch Can“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
BMW N51 N52 N54 N55 Oil Filter“>
BMW Oil Cap Wrench “>

Instructions

N51 N52 Oil ChangeDownload

BMW N54 – Models include

225 kW version

The initial version of the N54 is officially rated at 225 kW (302 bhp) and 400 N·m.[16] However, these figures are considered to be under-rated,[17] and independent testing has resulted in estimates of 232 kW (311 bhp) and 422 N⋅m (311 lb⋅ft).[18]

Applications:[19][20]

240 kW version

A variant of the N54B30 with higher peak power and torque is used in the 2008-2012 740i[21] and E92 335is.

Applications:[22][23][24]

  • 2008–2012 F01 740i
  • 2011–2013 E92/E93 335is

250 kW version

The most powerful version of the N54 is found in the E82 1 Series M Coupe and the E89 Z4 sDrive 35is.

Applications:[25][26]

Alpina

Biturbo engine by Alpina based on the N54B30, with upgrades including the engine control unit, oil cooler and pistons.

265 kW version

This is Alpina’s initial version of the N54, producing 265 kW (355 bhp).[27]

Applications:

294 kW version

Applications:

300 kW version

Applications:

Parts / Tools Needed

BMW N51 N52 N54 N55 Oil Filter“>

BMW Oil Cap Wrench “>

Car ramp 5.5in“>

Oil Catch Can“>

5W30

3/8 Socket Set“>

Instructions

BMW N54 Oil ChangeDownload

BMW N55 – Models include

N55B30M0

Applications:

N55B30

Applications:

N55B30O0

Applications:

N55HP

Applications:

  • 2013–2015 F30 ActiveHybrid 3
  • 2011–2016 F10 ActiveHybrid 5

N55B30T0

Applications:

  • 2016–2018 F87 M2 — 272 kW (365 bhp)
  • 2015–2018 F26 X4 M40i — 265 kW (355 bhp)

Parts / Tools Needed

3/8 Socket Set“>
5W30 – 6.9QT
Oil Catch Can“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
BMW Oil Cap Wrench “>
BMW N51 N52 N54 N55 Oil Filter“>

Instructions

N55 Oil ChangeDownload

BMW N62 – Models include

N62B36

The N62B36 is a 3,600 cc (219.7 cu in) version. Bore is 84 mm (3.3 in) and stroke is 81.2 mm (3.2 in). It produces 200 kW (270 hp) at 6,200 rpm and 360 N⋅m (270 lb⋅ft) at 4,250 rpm.[4][10]

Applications:

N62B40

The N62B40 is a TU variant which replaced the 3.6L 4,000 cc (244.1 cu in) version. Bore is 87 mm (3.4 in) and stroke is 84.1 mm (3.3 in). It produces 225 kW (302 hp) at 6,300 rpm and 390 N⋅m (290 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm.[4][7]

Applications:

N62B44

The N62B44 is a 4,398 cc (268.4 cu in) version. Bore is 92 mm (3.6 in) and stroke is 82.7 mm (3.3 in). It produces 245 kW (329 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 450 N⋅m (330 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm (except for in the X5 model).

Applications:

N62B48

The N62B48 has a displacement of 4,799 cc (292.9 cu in), a bore of 93 mm (3.7 in) and a stroke of 88.3 mm (3.5 in).

Applications- 261 kW version:

Applications- 265 kW version:

Applications- 270 kW version:

N62B48B on BMW 750i (E65/E66)

Alpina H1

Alpina H1-engine in BMW E60

The H1 is a version of the N62B44 made by Alpina. The H1 is based on an N62B44 block with a forged crankshaft from Alpina, high strength Mahle pistons and the addition of an ASA centrifugal supercharger.[13] The H1 has a redline of 6,200 rpm.

Applications- 368 kW

Applications- 390 kW

Parts / Tools needed

N62 Oil Filter “>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
Oil Catch Can“>
Oil Filter Socket Set“>
5W30
3/8 Socket Set“>

Instructions

N62 Oil ChangeDownload

BMW N63 – Models include

N63B40A

This smaller variant was sold in the Chinese market. Due to a shorter stroke length of 80 mm (3.15 in), the capacity is reduced to 3,982 cc (243.0 cu in).[17]

Applications:

N63B44O0

The initial version of the N63 produces 300 kW (402 hp; 408 PS) and 600 N⋅m (443 lb⋅ft).

Applications:

N63B44O1 (N63TÜ)

The first technical update resulted in an increase of 31 kW (42 hp; 42 PS) and 50 N⋅m (37 lb⋅ft).

Applications:

N63B44O2 (N63TÜ2)

The second technical update resulted in peak torque being produced over a 200 rpm wider band.

Applications:

N63B44M3 (N63TÜ3)

Applications:

N63B44T3 (N63TÜ3)

Applications:

Parts / Tools Needed

Oil Filter Socket Set“>
5W30 8.9QTS
3/8 Socket Set“>
Oil Catch Can“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
N63 Oil Filter“>

Instructions

BMW N63 Oil changeDownload

BMW B46/B48 – Models include

115 kW version

  • 2020–present G20 318i
  • 2022–present G42 218i

125 kW version

  • 2019–present G20 320i (Turkish and Tunisian market)
  • 2020–present G22 420i (Turkish market)
  • 2021–present G26 420i (Turkish market)
  • 2017–present G30 520i (Turkish and Tunisian market)
  • 2018–present G01 X3 sdrive20i (Turkish market)

131 kW version

  • 2021–present F54 MINI Cooper S Clubman (B48A20M)
  • 2020–2024 F40 BMW 120i

135 kW version

When combined with the electric motor, the 330e and 530e overall output is 185 kW (248 hp) and 420 N⋅m (310 lb⋅ft).[6][7]

  • 2016–2019 F20 120i
  • 2016–2019 F22/F23 220i
  • 2015–2019 F30/F31/F34 320i
  • 2016–2019 F30 330e
  • 2016–2019 F32/F33/F36 420i
  • 2017–present G30/G31 520i
  • 2018–present G30/G31 530e
  • 2018–present G01 X3 xDrive20i
  • 2018–present G02 X4 xDrive20i
  • 2019–present G20 320i
  • 2019–present G20 330e
  • 2020–present G22 420i
  • 2021–present G42 220i

141 kW version

  • 2017–2020 F60 MINI Cooper S Countryman
  • 2014–2017 F45 BMW 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer 220
  • 2024–present G45 X3 20/30e xDrive

145 kW version

In the MINI Cooper S, a temporary overboost increases peak torque by 20 N⋅m (15 lb⋅ft) to 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft).[8]

  • 2014–present F56 MINI Cooper S[9] (B48A20A)
  • 2020–present F44 220i Gran Coupe
  • 2016–present F48 X1 20i
  • 2017–present F39 X2 sDrive20i
  • 2018–2026 G29 Z4 sDrive20i
  • 2019–2026 J29/DB82 Toyota Supra (Japanese SZ models)

150 kW version

  • 2024-present F70 123

165 kW version

  • 2016–2019 F20 125i
  • 2021–present U06 223i

170 kW version

  • 2014–present F56 MINI JCW Hardtop and JCW Cabrio (320 Nm)[10]
  • 2017–present F56 MINI JCW Clubman and JCW Countryman ALL4 (350 Nm)
  • 2015–present F45 Active Tourer 225i
  • 2016–present F48 X1 25i/28i
  • 2017–present F39 X2 25i/28i
  • 2019–current F44 228i Gran Coupé xDrive

180 kW version

  • 2022–present G42 230i
  • 2022–present G20/G21 330i
  • 2022–present G22 430i
  • 2023–present U11 X1 28i xDrive

185 kW version

  • 2015–2019 F30/F31/F34 330i
  • 2016–present F22/F23 230i[11]
  • 2016–present F32/F33/F36 430i
  • 2018–present G01 X3 xDrive30i
  • 2018–present G02 X4 xDrive30i
  • 2020–present G01 X3 xDrive30e (PHEV Version)
  • 2016–present G30/G31 530i

190 kW version

  • 2016–present G11 730i/730Li
  • 2017–2019 G11 740e xDrive/740Le xDrive[12] (combined with an 82 kW electric motor for a total output of 240 kW)
  • 2017–2021 G32 630i
  • 2019–2022 G20/G21 330i
  • 2019–2026 G29 Z4 sDrive30i
  • 2019–2026 J29/DB22 Toyota Supra
  • 2020–present Morgan Plus Four
  • 2020–present G22/G23/G26 430i

195 kW version

225 kW version

Introduced in May 2019 this engine features a reinforced crankshaft with larger main bearings and new pistons with a lower 9.5:1 compression ratio, this allows the engine to take more boost pressure from a larger turbocharger, which blows compressed air through a reworked intake tract.[13][14]

  • 2019–2024 F40 M135i xDrive
  • 2019–2024 F44 M235i xDrive Gran Coupé
  • 2019–2023 F39 X2 M35i xDrive
  • 2019–present F54 Clubman JCW
  • 2019–present F60 Countryman JCW
  • 2020–present F56 MINI John Cooper Works GP

233 kW version

In the EU BMW has had to drop the power output to 300 hp due to new emissions standards.[citation needed] In the US it actually gets an upgrade to 312 hp.[15]

  • 2025-present F70 M135 xDrive
  • 2025-present F74 M235 xDrive Gran Coupé
  • 2024–present U11 X1 M35i xDrive
  • 2024–present U10 X2 M35i xDrive
  • 2024-present U25 Countryman John Cooper Works All4

Parts / Tools Needed

3/8 Socket Set“>
Oil Filter Socket Set“>
Oil Catch Can“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
0W20“>
B46 Oil Filter“>
or B48 Oil Filter“>

Instructions

FWD

BMW B46 Oil change 1Download
BMW B46 Oil change 2Download
BMW B46 Oil change 3Download
BMW B46 Oil change 4Download
BMW B46 Oil change 5Download
BMW B46 Oil change 6Download
BMW B46 Oil change 7Download
BMW B46 Oil change 8Download

RWD

BMW RWD B46 oil service 1Download
BMW RWD B46 oil service 2Download
BMW RWD B46 oil service 3Download
BMW RWD B46 oil service 4Download
BMW RWD B46 oil service 5Download
BMW RWD B46 oil service 6Download
BMW RWD B46 oil service 7Download

BMW B58 – Models include

B58B30M0: 213 kW (290 PS; 286 hp)

Applications:

B58B30M0: 240 kW (326 PS; 322 hp)

Applications:

B58B30M0: 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp)

Applications:

B58B30M0: 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp)

This version was used for 3-/4-Series with the “M Performance Power and Sound Kit”.

Applications:

B58B30M1: 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp)

Applications:

  • 2018–2023 G05 X5 xDrive40i/sDrive40i[28]
  • 2021-2023 G05 X5 xDrive45e (Detuned to 289hp, combined with electric motor to reach 389hp)
  • 2018–2023 G07 X7 xDrive40i
  • 2019–2026 G29 Z4 M40i (in countries subject to EU emissions standards)[29]
  • 2019–2026 Toyota GR Supra
  • 2019–2026 G14/G15/G16 840i
  • 2020–2023 G30/G31 540i
  • 2020–2023 G32 640i
  • 2020–2023 G06 X6 xDrive40i
  • 2020–2022 G11/G12 740i

B58B30C: 250 kW (340 PS; 335 hp)

Applications:

B58B30O1: 285 kW (387 PS; 382 hp)

Applications:

  • 2019–2026 G29 Z4 M40i (in countries not subject to EU emissions standards)
  • 2019–2024 G20/G21 M340i
  • 2020–2024 G01 X3 M40i
  • 2019–2024 G02 X4 M40i
  • 2021–present G22/G23/G26 M440i
  • 2021–present Toyota Supra[31] (in countries not subject to EU emissions standards)
  • 2021–present G42 M240i
  • 2021–present Boldmen CR4

B58B30O1: 324 kW (441 PS; 434 hp)

Applications:

B58B30M2: 285 kW (381 PS; 375 hp)

Applications:

  • 2022–present G07 X7 xDrive40i
  • 2023–present G70 740i
  • 2024–present G05 X5 xDrive40i
  • 2024–present G06 X6 xDrive40i
  • 2024–present G60 540i xDrive
  • 2025–present G20/G21 M340i
  • 2025–present G45 X3 M50 (in countries subject to EU emissions standards)
  • 2024-present G05 X5 50e

B58B30M2: 293 kW (398 PS; 393 hp)

Applications:

  • 2025–present G45 X3 M50 (in countries not subject to EU emissions standards)

Parts / Tools Needed

3/8 Socket Set“>
0W20“> 7QTS
Oil Filter Socket Set“>
Oil Catch Can“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
B58 oil Filter“>

Instructions

BMW B58 Oil change 1Download
BMW B58 Oil change 2Download
BMW B58 Oil change 3Download
BMW B58 Oil change 4Download
BMW B58 Oil change 5Download
BMW B58 Oil change 6Download
BMW B58 Oil change 7Download
BMW B58 Oil change 8Download

BMW N20 N26- Models include

N20B16

Applications:

125 kW version

  • 2013–2016 F10 520i (Turkey and Tunisia only)[6]

N20B20

Applications:[7]

115 kW version

  • 2013–2016 E89 Z4 sDrive18i
  • 2013–2017 F25 X3 sDrive18i

135 kW version

  • 2011–2015 E84 X1 xDrive/sDrive20i
  • 2011–2017 F25 X3 xDrive20i
  • 2012–2015 F30 320i
  • 2013–2016 F34 320i GT
  • 2014–2016 F32 420i
  • 2011–2016 F10 520i
  • 2013-2016 F10 520Li
  • 2011–2016 E89 Z4 sDrive20i
  • 2014–2016 F22 220i
  • 2015–2017 Brilliance Huasong 7 MPV[8]

160 kW version

180 kW version

  • 2011–2016 E89 Z4 sDrive28i[9]
  • 2011–2015 E84 X1 xDrive/sDrive28i[10]
  • 2012–2017 F25 X3 xDrive28i
  • 2011–2016 F30 328i
  • 2014–2016 F32 428i
  • 2012–2016 F10 528i
  • 2013–2016 F34 328i GT
  • 2014–2016 F22 228i
  • 2014–2017 F26 X4 xDrive28i
  • 2016–2018 F15 X5 xDrive40e

Applications

  • 2012-2016 F30 328i / 328iX (USA only)[4][not specific enough to verify]
  • 2012-2016 F22 228i / 228iX (USA only)
  • 2014-2016 BMW 4 Series F32/F35/F36 428i SULEV (USA only)
  • BMW in Canada, used N26 as replacement for N20 for only one year in 2016 as ’28i models then replaced by B48 motor in ’30i BMW models

Parts / Tools needed

3/8 Socket Set“>
5W30
Oil Catch Can“>
Car ramp 5.5in“>
BMW Oil Cap Wrench “>
N20/N26 Oil Filter“>

Instructions

N20 N26 Oil ServiceDownload