How Much Oil a 2013 BMW X3 2.0d Takes

The 2013 BMW X3 2.0d (commonly the xDrive20d with the 2.0‑liter diesel engine) typically requires about 5.0 to 5.5 liters of engine oil when doing an oil change, depending on exact engine variant and whether the oil filter is replaced. In practice, most owners and service centers use around 5.0 liters and then top up carefully as needed.

Understanding the 2013 BMW X3 2.0d Engine

The 2013 BMW X3 2.0d is usually equipped with a 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder turbo‑diesel from BMW’s N47 family (badged as xDrive20d in many markets). Oil capacity figures can vary slightly by market and specific configuration, but they stay within a narrow band around five liters. Knowing the correct capacity is important to avoid underfilling or overfilling, either of which can cause long‑term engine issues.

Official Oil Capacity Figures

BMW publishes oil capacity specifications by engine code rather than just model name. For the 2013 X3 2.0d (xDrive20d, N47 diesel), typical service data shows the following approximate values:

The list below outlines the usual oil fill quantities for this model in different situations.

• With oil and filter change: approximately 5.0–5.2 liters
• Dry engine (full rebuild / totally empty): up to about 5.5 liters
• Practical workshop fill: add about 5.0 liters, then check level and adjust in small increments (0.1–0.2 L)

These values highlight that you should treat 5.0 liters as the working target, with the remaining margin used for fine adjustment based on the car’s electronic oil‑level reading.

How to Confirm the Exact Capacity for Your Car

While 5.0–5.2 liters is accurate for most 2013 X3 2.0d models, confirming against your specific vehicle data is always wise. Trim differences, market‑specific setups, or engine code variations can introduce minor changes.

The following list explains the best ways to verify the correct oil capacity for your exact car.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look in the “Engine oil” or “Technical data” section. Many manuals give a precise capacity in liters (often including “with filter change” notes).
2. Use your VIN: Enter your Vehicle Identification Number in BMW’s official parts catalog (or a reputable online BMW VIN decoder) to confirm the exact engine code and look up capacity.
3. Ask a BMW dealer or specialist: Service advisors can pull up the factory data by VIN and confirm oil quantity and specification.
4. Check the service history: Previous service records from BMW workshops often note the volume of oil used.

By checking at least one of these sources, you can be confident that the 5‑liter baseline is correct for your exact engine and configuration.

Recommended Oil Specification

For the 2013 X3 2.0d, using the correct type of oil matters just as much as using the correct amount. BMW specifies oils that meet its own standards, especially for diesel engines equipped with diesel particulate filters (DPF).

The list below summarizes the main oil specs and characteristics recommended for this model year and engine type.

• BMW Longlife standard: Typically BMW Longlife‑04 (LL‑04) for European diesel engines with DPF.
• Viscosity grade: Common choices include 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 fully synthetic, as long as they are LL‑04 approved.
• Low‑SAPs formulation: Oils labeled as low‑ash / low‑SAPs help protect the DPF from clogging.
• Reputable brands: Castrol, Shell, Mobil, Liqui Moly and other major brands offer BMW‑approved LL‑04 oils.

Ensuring the oil meets LL‑04 (or the current BMW spec specified in your manual) is more important than the brand name, as this guarantees compatibility with the engine and emissions system.

Practical Filling Procedure and Tips

Filling the exact amount of oil is best approached as a controlled process rather than pouring in the full theoretical capacity at once. This reduces the risk of overfill and allows the engine’s measurement system to give accurate readings.

Step‑by‑Step Filling Approach

The next list outlines a practical way to refill engine oil on the 2013 BMW X3 2.0d.

1. Drain old oil fully: Warm the engine, then drain the oil and replace the filter. Let it drip until it is effectively stopped.
2. Initial fill: Pour in about 4.7–4.8 liters of fresh oil.
3. Run the engine: Start the car, let it idle for a few minutes, then switch it off and wait several minutes so the oil can settle.
4. Check the oil level: Use the car’s electronic oil level display (the 2013 X3 usually does not have a traditional dipstick). Follow the on‑screen instructions.
5. Top up slowly: Add oil in 0.1–0.2 liter steps until the level shows as being in the recommended range, usually ending close to 5.0–5.2 liters total.

This measured approach ensures the engine is properly lubricated without risk of overfilling, which can cause foaming, leaks, or catalytic/DPF issues.

Why Overfilling or Underfilling Matters

Modern turbo‑diesel engines like the N47 are sensitive to oil level. Too little oil can starve critical components such as the turbocharger, while too much oil can increase crankcase pressure and push oil into the intake or exhaust system.

The list below describes the key risks of incorrect oil level.

• Underfilling: Increased wear on bearings and turbocharger, higher engine temperatures, potential for low‑oil‑pressure warnings.
• Overfilling: Risk of oil aeration, leaks through seals, increased oil consumption, and possible damage to the DPF or catalytic converter if oil is burned in the exhaust.
• Sensor inaccuracies: Very high or very low levels can affect how accurately the electronic level system reports oil status.

Keeping the level within the indicated safe range is therefore essential for reliability and for avoiding costly repairs over time.

Service Intervals and Maintenance Considerations

Oil quantity is only one part of good maintenance; how often you change that oil is equally important, especially with an aging vehicle like a 2013 diesel SUV that may have higher mileage by now.

The following list highlights recommended service practices for the 2013 X3 2.0d’s engine oil.

• Interval in practice: Many owners and independent specialists prefer changes every 10,000–15,000 km (about 6,000–9,000 miles), even if the car’s service computer allows longer intervals.
• Driving style impact: Short trips, frequent cold starts, and heavy city driving justify more frequent oil changes.
• Check level between services: It is wise to check the electronic oil level periodically, especially before long trips.
• Watch for consumption: Older diesel engines can start using more oil; if you are topping up frequently, ask a mechanic to investigate.

Adhering to these practices helps keep the 2.0‑liter diesel engine running efficiently and reduces the risk of major mechanical issues as the vehicle ages.

Summary

The 2013 BMW X3 2.0d typically takes around 5.0–5.2 liters of engine oil with a standard oil and filter change, with approximately 5.5 liters as the absolute upper limit for a completely dry engine. Using a BMW‑approved LL‑04, fully synthetic 5W‑30 or 0W‑30 oil and filling in stages—starting just under 5 liters and topping up based on the electronic level reading—is the safest method. Confirming the exact figure via the owner’s manual or a VIN‑based lookup ensures accuracy for your specific car, while regular changes and careful level checks will keep the diesel engine in good health.

How much oil does a BMW X3 2.0 take?

The BMW X3 2.0L oil capacity is typically between 5.1 and 6.1 quarts (approximately 5.0 to 5.8 liters), depending on the model year, with the exact amount varying between models with and without all-wheel drive. For example, newer models often require 5.6 to 6.1 quarts with a filter change, while older models may need around 5.0 to 5.5 quarts. It is best to consult your owner’s manual for the precise specification and to always check the oil level after refilling.
 
This video demonstrates how to change the oil on a BMW X3, including adding oil: 56s737mechanicYouTube · Jul 19, 2025
Oil capacity by model year (approximate)

• 2013: 5.1 quarts (with filter)
• 2018-2023: 5.6 quarts (with filter)
• 2019: 5.5 liters (with filter)
• 2020: 5.0 liters (with filter)
• 2024: 6.1 quarts (with filter)
• Older 2.0L engines: 5.0 liters (without all-wheel drive) or 5.5 liters (with all-wheel drive) 

Important considerations

• Consult your owner’s manual: Always check your specific owner’s manual for the most accurate information.
• Check the level after refilling: After adding the oil, run the engine and check the oil level before you finish your service. 
• Include the oil filter: The capacities listed typically include changing the oil filter. 
• Note on liters vs. quarts: Some sources use liters and others use quarts. 1 liter≈1.057 quarts1 liter is approximately equal to 1.057 quarts1 liter≈1.057 quarts. 

What kind of oil does a 2013 BMW X3 N20 take?

Recommended Oils – 2012-2016 4-cyl Turbo Engines (N20, N26) The N20 engine originally used the company-standard 5W30 engine oil. But as fuel economy standards were raised BMW switched the spec to 0W20. No mechanical or internal changes were made but this helped fuel economy and lower emissions.

How much oil does a 2013 BMW X3 2.0 diesel take?

Engine Oil BMW X3 (F25) 2.0 xDrive 20 d (184 Hp) 2010 – 2014. The quantity needed to change the oil in your engine is 5,2 litres.

What kind of oil does a 2013 BMW X3 take?

STP Full Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30 5 Quart.