How Much Oil a 2013 BMW 2.0-Liter Engine Takes

A 2013 BMW with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (most commonly the N20 engine) typically takes about 5.0 to 5.5 liters of engine oil, or roughly 5.3 to 5.8 US quarts, depending on the exact model and production details. The precise capacity can vary slightly, so it is essential to confirm using the owner’s manual or VIN-specific data.

Understanding the 2013 BMW 2.0-Liter Engine

BMW’s 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine used around 2013 is most often the N20, found in several models such as the 3 Series (F30), 5 Series (F10), X1, X3 and others. While the displacement is the same, oil capacity can differ slightly between models due to oil pan design, drivetrain configuration, and production changes.

Typical Oil Capacities by Engine Code

The following list outlines the typical oil capacity for the main 2.0-liter petrol engine BMW used in 2013, helping owners understand what to expect when performing an oil change or checking service work.

• N20 2.0L turbo (most 2013 2.0 BMW petrol models): Approximately 5.0–5.5 liters (about 5.3–5.8 US quarts) including filter.
• N26 2.0L turbo (SULEV variant, mainly North America): Similar capacity to N20, typically in the 5.0–5.5 liter range.
• N47/N47D20 2.0L diesel (if the “2.0 BMW” in question is a diesel in some markets): Usually around 5.0–5.3 liters, depending on model and drivetrain.

These values represent typical fill quantities during a standard oil service with filter replacement; slight variations may occur due to production tolerances or minor model differences.

Why Exact Model Identification Matters

“2013 BMW 2.0” is not a single model designation but a shorthand that can refer to various cars and even different fuel types. The precise oil capacity depends on the exact car: a 2013 320i, 328i, 520i, X1 xDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, and regional diesel versions may all be described casually as “2.0” but are not identical.

Common 2013 BMW Models with 2.0-Liter Engines

The following list shows some of the most common 2013 BMWs using 2.0-liter engines and their typical engine codes, which in turn drive the oil capacity figure.

• 2013 BMW 320i / 328i (F30/F31): N20 petrol turbo (or N26 in some US states)
• 2013 BMW 520i / 528i (F10/F11): N20 petrol turbo
• 2013 BMW X1 xDrive28i / sDrive28i (E84): N20 petrol turbo
• 2013 BMW X3 xDrive28i (F25): N20 petrol turbo
• 2013 BMW 2.0D models (various series, Europe and other markets): N47 diesel family

Knowing the exact model and engine code (N20, N26, N47, etc.) allows you to verify the capacity against official BMW documentation with maximum accuracy.

How to Confirm the Exact Oil Capacity for Your Car

Because production changes and regional differences can slightly alter oil capacity, it is wise to confirm the specific value for your individual BMW rather than relying solely on generic estimates.

Reliable Ways to Check Oil Capacity

The following methods can help you verify the precise oil capacity for your 2013 BMW 2.0-liter engine, using official or VIN-specific information.

1. Owner’s Manual: Check the “Engine oil” or “Capacities” section; BMW typically lists the approximate fill quantity with filter.
2. Online VIN Decoder / BMW Service Data: Enter your VIN on BMW’s official site or reputable parts databases to identify the exact engine and capacities.
3. Dealer or Independent BMW Specialist: A service advisor can look up the factory data for your VIN and confirm the oil capacity.
4. Service Sticker / Past Records: Previous invoices or service book entries may show how much oil was used during past oil changes.

Using one or more of these methods will give you a precise number tailored to your vehicle, which is especially useful if you service the car yourself.

Recommended Oil Type and Specifications

Beyond volume, using the correct oil specification is crucial for the longevity of a 2013 BMW’s 2.0-liter engine, especially the turbocharged N20, which is sensitive to lubrication quality and change intervals.

Oil Specification and Viscosity

The following points outline BMW’s general requirements for these engines and common choices used by workshops and enthusiasts.

• BMW Longlife approvals: For petrol N20/N26, BMW typically specifies LL-01 or LL-01 FE in many markets; some regions also use LL-04.
• Viscosity grades: Common recommended viscosities are 5W-30 or 0W-30 meeting BMW LL-01 or LL-01 FE; in hotter climates, 5W-40 with the appropriate approval may also be used.
• Diesel variants (N47): Often require BMW LL-04 oils, typically 5W-30; check the manual because emissions systems (DPF) are sensitive to oil specification.
• Fully synthetic only: These engines are designed for high-performance synthetic oil; conventional oils are not appropriate.

Matching both the viscosity and the official BMW approval code ensures the engine receives the protection it was engineered for, particularly under turbo and high-temperature conditions.

Practical Tips for Changing Oil in a 2013 BMW 2.0

An accurate capacity figure is only part of a successful oil change; the way you fill and check the oil is equally important, especially on BMWs that rely on an electronic level sensor instead of a traditional dipstick.

Steps and Best Practices

The following general guidelines can help owners or technicians perform an oil change safely and achieve the proper final level, even if the nominal capacity is known.

1. Start with a slightly smaller amount: If the capacity is listed as about 5.5 liters, begin by adding around 5.0 liters to avoid overfilling.
2. Run the engine briefly: After filling, start the engine for a minute to circulate oil and fill the filter and galleries, then shut it off and allow it to sit a few minutes.
3. Use the iDrive / cluster oil level check: Many 2013 BMWs do not have a dipstick; use the on-board system to measure the oil level once the engine is at operating temperature and on level ground.
4. Top up gradually: Add oil in small increments (100–200 ml at a time) until the display shows the level within the correct range, never beyond the maximum mark.
5. Reset the service indicator: After an oil change, reset the CBS (Condition Based Service) indicator via the instrument cluster or diagnostic tool so the next interval is tracked correctly.

Following these steps helps ensure you reach the correct final fill level without risking overfill, which can cause foaming, catalytic converter issues or oil leaks.

Why Getting the Right Oil Volume Matters

Modern BMW engines, particularly small turbocharged units like the 2.0-liter N20, operate with relatively tight tolerances and high specific output. This makes correct oil volume and quality more critical than in many older, less-stressed engines.

Risks of Overfilling or Underfilling

The considerations below show why owners should aim for accuracy instead of “close enough” when adding oil.

• Underfilling: Low oil level can starve the turbocharger and camshafts, accelerate wear, and in extreme cases lead to engine failure.
• Overfilling: Too much oil can cause aeration (foaming), increased crankcase pressure, oil leaks, and contamination of the intake or catalytic converter.
• Turbocharger health: The turbo on N20/N26 engines relies heavily on consistent oil supply and pressure; incorrect level can hasten turbo wear.
• Warranty and longevity: For vehicles still under extended or third-party warranties, incorrect oil level or type may impact coverage.

Maintaining the oil level within the manufacturer’s specified range is one of the simplest ways to protect a relatively complex and expensive engine.

Summary

For a 2013 BMW equipped with a 2.0-liter engine—most commonly the turbocharged N20 or its N26 variant—the typical oil capacity with filter is roughly 5.0 to 5.5 liters (about 5.3 to 5.8 US quarts). However, this can vary slightly depending on the exact model, drivetrain and market, and diesel variants (N47) use a similar but not identical amount.

To be certain for your specific car, check the owner’s manual, use a VIN-based lookup or ask a BMW dealer or specialist. Always use a fully synthetic oil that meets the relevant BMW Longlife approval (such as LL-01 or LL-04, depending on engine and region), start by filling slightly under the published capacity, and then fine-tune using the vehicle’s electronic oil level system. Accurate oil volume and correct specification are key to preserving the health and performance of BMW’s 2013 2.0-liter engines.

How much oil does a 2013 BMW x1 2.0 Turbo take?

5.8 quarts
5.8 quarts (with filter).

How much oil does a BMW 2.0 take?

5.6 quarts
Engine Oil
Capacity: 5.6 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.

How much oil does a 2.0 4 cylinder engine take?

Approximately 5.1 quarts
2.0L turbocharged engine: Approximately 5.1 quarts of oil.

How much oil does a 2013 BMW 328i 2.0 Turbo take?

The oil capacity for a 2013 BMW 328i with the 2.0L turbo engine is 5.3 quarts or approximately 5 liters. It is important to always check the oil level with the dipstick or electronic sensor after the refill and adjust as needed to ensure the correct level. 

• Capacity: 5.3 quarts (or about 5 liters) 
• For best results: Add most of the required amount, then check the level and top off to the correct mark. 
• Important: Always confirm the capacity and recommended oil type with your owner’s manual or a reliable parts and service guide for your specific vehicle model year.