How Much Oil a BMW 328ix Takes

A BMW 328i xDrive (often written as 328ix) typically takes about 5.0–6.9 quarts (4.7–6.5 liters) of engine oil, depending on the model year and engine variant. Most modern 328i xDrive models from the F30 generation (2012–2016) with the 2.0L turbocharged four‑cylinder engine use roughly 5.0–5.3 quarts (about 4.7–5.0 liters), while older inline‑six models (E90/E92 generation) are closer to 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters). Below is a detailed breakdown by generation and engine type, along with guidance on how to verify the correct capacity for your specific car.

Why the Oil Capacity of a BMW 328ix Varies

The term “328ix” or “328i xDrive” refers to the 3 Series model with all‑wheel drive, but the oil capacity is determined primarily by the engine and generation, not by the xDrive system itself. BMW has used different engines over the years: naturally aspirated inline‑six engines in earlier models and turbocharged four‑cylinder engines in later ones. Each engine design has a different sump size and therefore a different oil fill volume.

Typical Oil Capacities by Generation and Engine

The following sections outline the commonly accepted oil capacities for the most frequent BMW 328i xDrive (328ix) configurations sold in North America and Europe. These figures are approximate but align with BMW technical data and typical service documentation.

E90/E91/E92/E93 328xi (2007–2011, Inline‑Six N52/N51)

For the fifth‑generation 3 Series (chassis codes E90 sedan, E91 wagon, E92 coupe, E93 convertible), the all‑wheel‑drive models were usually badged “328xi” in North America and some markets. These cars use a 3.0‑liter naturally aspirated inline‑six engine.

The list below clarifies typical oil capacities for these inline‑six models.

• Engine: N52 (magnesium‑alloy inline‑six, 3.0L) or N51 (SULEV variant)
• Model years (approx.): 2007–2011 for 328xi in North America
• Typical oil capacity with filter: about 6.9 quarts (≈ 6.5 liters)
• Recommended viscosity (typical): BMW LL‑01 approved oils, commonly 5W‑30 or 0W‑40 fully synthetic (check local climate and BMW documentation)
• Drain & refill reality check: Many technicians report filling around 6.5–6.9 quarts, then verifying with iDrive or dipstick (where equipped)

In practice, owners of E90‑generation 328xi models should expect to use close to 7 quarts of oil but always confirm the level carefully after filling to avoid overfilling, especially if small residual oil remains in the engine.

F30/F31/F32 BMW 328i xDrive (2012–2016, 2.0L Turbo N20/N26)

With the sixth‑generation 3 Series (F30 sedan, F31 wagon, F32 coupe and related variants), BMW moved most 328i models to a 2.0‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder engine, badged 328i or 328i xDrive in markets including North America and Europe.

The list below shows oil‑capacity details for the common F30‑generation 328i xDrive models.

• Engine: N20 (turbo 2.0L four‑cylinder) or N26 (SULEV version of N20)
• Model years (approx.): 2012–2016 for 328i xDrive sedan/wagon in most markets
• Typical oil capacity with filter: about 5.0–5.3 quarts (≈ 4.7–5.0 liters)
• Recommended viscosity (typical): BMW LL‑01 or LL‑14 FE+ approved synthetic oils, often 0W‑20, 0W‑30, or 5W‑30 depending on region and specific approval
• Filling approach: Many technicians start with around 5 quarts, run the engine briefly, then use the electronic oil‑level readout to fine‑tune

For most F30‑generation 328i xDrive cars, planning on roughly 5 quarts of oil is appropriate, with final adjustment guided by the electronic oil‑level measurement rather than the full nominal capacity alone.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil Capacity for Your 328ix

Because BMW oil capacities can vary slightly by production date, market, and engine variant, the most reliable approach is to confirm the specification for your specific vehicle using its documentation or VIN‑based data.

The following list explains the main ways to verify the correct oil capacity.

1. Check the owner’s manual: The “Technical Data” or “Engine Oil” section usually lists capacity “with filter change.” Some manuals break it down by engine code.
2. Use your VIN on BMW’s official sites: BMW’s online owner portals or dealer systems can decode your VIN and provide engine and fluid specifications tailored to your car.
3. Consult BMW TIS or service data: BMW Technical Information System (TIS) and professional repair databases (e.g., ISTA, Alldata, Autodata) list exact capacities by engine and model code.
4. Ask a BMW dealer or specialist: Service advisors or independent BMW shops typically have quick access to factory data and can confirm within minutes.
5. Cross‑check with reputable repair guides: Well‑maintained repair manuals (Bentley Publishers, Haynes in some markets) often list capacities accurately, though factory data should take priority.

Using these verification methods ensures you are working with the precise oil capacity for your VIN, reducing the chance of overfilling or underfilling during an oil change.

Practical Tips for Changing Oil on a BMW 328ix

Knowing the nominal capacity is useful, but how you actually perform the oil change matters just as much. BMW engines, especially turbocharged ones, are sensitive to oil level and quality.

The list below outlines practical, widely recommended steps for DIY or informed owners when changing oil on a BMW 328i xDrive.

• Start a bit below full capacity: Pour in slightly less than the listed capacity (e.g., 4.7–4.8 quarts for an N20, about 6.5 quarts for an N52), then check and top up.
• Use the correct spec oil: Look for BMW Longlife‑approved oil (LL‑01, LL‑04, LL‑14 FE+ as specified for your model and region), not just the correct viscosity.
• Warm the engine first: Warm oil drains more completely, giving a more accurate refill volume.
• Replace the oil filter and crush washer: Always change the filter and the drain‑plug sealing ring to prevent leaks.
• Check the level after running the engine: Run the car for a minute or two, shut it off, let it sit, then check the level via dipstick (older cars) or the iDrive/electronic system (newer ones).
• Avoid overfilling: Overfilling can lead to foaming, catalytic converter damage, or leaks; if you overshoot, you may need to drain a small amount back out.

Following these steps helps ensure that you stay within the safe operating range for oil level and that the specified capacity works correctly for your particular engine and driving conditions.

Key Differences Between Four‑Cylinder and Six‑Cylinder 328ix Models

Owners sometimes confuse oil capacities because the “328” badge has been used on very different engines over time. Understanding the distinction helps avoid applying the wrong spec to your car.

The following list highlights the main capacity‑related differences between the two most common 328ix engine families.

• Engine layout: Older 328xi models used a 3.0L inline‑six; newer 328i xDrive models mostly use a 2.0L turbocharged four‑cylinder.
• Capacity range: Inline‑six engines are around 6.9 quarts / 6.5 liters; turbo four‑cylinders are closer to 5.0–5.3 quarts / 4.7–5.0 liters.
• Oil spec evolution: Six‑cylinders commonly use LL‑01 oils, while newer four‑cylinders may require lower‑viscosity, fuel‑efficient LL‑14 FE+ oils in some markets.
• Measurement method: Some six‑cylinder cars still have physical dipsticks; many four‑cylinder F30‑series rely solely on electronic measurement via iDrive.
• Service intervals: Later turbocharged engines are particularly sensitive to oil quality; many enthusiasts shorten intervals (e.g., 5,000–7,500 miles / 8,000–12,000 km) versus the long factory schedules.

Recognizing which engine family your 328ix belongs to is essential for selecting the correct oil capacity, specification, and maintenance approach.

Summary

A BMW 328ix/328i xDrive typically takes between about 5.0 and 6.9 quarts of oil, depending mainly on whether it is an older inline‑six model or a newer 2.0L turbo four‑cylinder. E90‑generation 328xi models with the N52/N51 six‑cylinder usually require around 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters), while F30‑generation 328i xDrive models with the N20/N26 four‑cylinder use roughly 5.0–5.3 quarts (4.7–5.0 liters). The safest approach is to confirm the exact capacity in your owner’s manual or via your VIN, fill slightly under the listed capacity, and then adjust using the dipstick or electronic oil‑level system to achieve a correct, safe oil level.

How much oil does a BMW 328i XDrive take?

The BMW 328i xDrive oil capacity is 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) for older models with the N51 engine and 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) for newer models with the N20/N26 4-cylinder engine. It is crucial to use the correct capacity for your specific engine to avoid overfilling or underfilling. After adding oil, use the electronic iDrive system to check the oil level. 
This video shows how to change the oil and filter on an older BMW 328i: 54s2CarProsYouTube · Sep 10, 2022

Model Year	Engine	Oil Capacity
Older (e.g., 2007-2011)	N51 (3.0L 6-cylinder)	6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)
Newer (e.g., 2012-2019)	N20/N26 (2.0L 4-cylinder)	5.3 quarts (5.0 liters)

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Important considerations:

• Always check your owner’s manual or consult with a BMW dealer to confirm the exact capacity for your specific vehicle’s engine code and model year.
• The newer 2.0L engines use a 5.3-quart capacity. 
• Older 3.0L engines require 6.9 quarts. 
• BMW’s don’t have a traditional dipstick, so the oil level must be checked electronically through the iDrive system after adding the specified amount and allowing the engine to run for a few minutes. 
• Overfilling can cause damage, so it is recommended to add slightly less than the full capacity and then check the level with the iDrive system and add more as needed to reach the full mark. 

How much oil does a 3.0 L engine hold?

For most vehicles made between 2014 and 2019, the oil capacity is 10.5 quarts, while those made after 2020 have an 8.5-quart EcoDiesel oil capacity. The oil capacity will change slightly if you change the filter as well.

What oil does 328xi take?

The recommended oil for a BMW 328xi is full synthetic 5W-30 for most models, but check your owner’s manual for the most accurate information. Other suitable options include 0W-30 for cold climates, or a 5W-40 if it has the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification, especially for models with the 3.0L inline 6-cylinder engine. 
Oil recommendations

• Standard: Full synthetic 5W-30 is the most common recommendation for many 328xi models. 
• Cold climates: A 0W-30 or 0W-40 viscosity grade can be used for better cold-start protection, especially in very cold weather. 
• High-performance/aggressive driving: For aggressive driving or track use, a 5W-40 full synthetic oil that meets the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification is often recommended. 
• Older models: Some models with the 4-cylinder turbo engine may have originally specified a higher viscosity oil like 5W-30 but later switched to 0W-20 for fuel economy. Consult your manual for the specific model year. 

How to choose the right oil

1. Consult your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for the correct oil type for your specific vehicle and climate. 
2. Look for BMW approval: Many manufacturers have oils that are certified to meet BMW’s specifications, such as LL-01 or LL-04. Using an oil with the correct approval is important for maintaining the warranty and ensuring proper performance. 
3. Check the viscosity grade: The recommended viscosity (e.g., 5W-30) can vary depending on your local climate. It’s best to use a product that is suitable for the temperature range where you live. 

What kind of oil does a 2011 BMW 328xi take?

The correct oil for a 2011 BMW 328xi is a full synthetic oil, typically 5W-30 or 5W-40, with a capacity of approximately 6.5 to 7 quarts. It’s essential to use oil that meets BMW’s specifications, such as BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or a comparable European full synthetic oil, to ensure proper engine performance and longevity.
 
Recommended oil specifications

• Type: Full synthetic motor oil. 
• Weight/Viscosity: 5W-30 or 5W-40, depending on the specific oil and specifications. 
• Capacity: Approximately 6.5 to 7 quarts. 
• Specifications: Should meet the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or a similar European full synthetic standard. 

Why use the correct oil

• Engine protection: Using the correct type and grade of oil is crucial for protecting the engine from wear, overheating, and damage.
• Performance: The right oil ensures the BMW performs as it should, maintaining its legendary performance and stability.
• Compromised performance: Using an incorrect oil type can compromise the vehicle’s performance.