How Much Oil Does a BMW 7 Series Take?

A modern BMW 7 Series typically takes between 6.5 and 9.5 liters (about 6.9–10.0 quarts) of engine oil, depending on the specific model year and engine type. However, exact capacity varies significantly across generations, engines (petrol vs. diesel, six‑cylinder vs. eight‑cylinder), and markets, so owners should always confirm with the owner’s manual, the under‑hood label, or an official BMW source.

Why Oil Capacity Varies Across the 7 Series Range

The BMW 7 Series spans multiple generations, engine configurations and regional variants, which means there is no single universal oil capacity. Larger engines and performance variants usually require more oil for cooling and lubrication, while newer, more efficient engines may have slightly different sump designs and capacities. Understanding these differences helps owners maintain their cars correctly and avoid under‑ or over‑filling.

Typical Oil Capacities by Generation and Engine Type

BMW publishes exact oil capacities in the owner’s manual and technical documentation, but typical ranges can be summarized by generation and engine type. The following sections outline approximate capacities for the most common BMW 7 Series models sold in recent generations, with figures rounded to the nearest 0.1 liter. These values are for guidance only and may differ by model year, regional specification, or whether the oil filter is changed.

G70 / i7 (2023–present, current generation)

The latest 7 Series generation (G70) includes both combustion and fully electric variants. The i7 models are fully electric and therefore do not have traditional engine oil, while the petrol and diesel G70 models follow BMW’s latest modular engine architecture with relatively consistent oil capacities.

The list below summarizes typical oil capacities for current G70 combustion variants (with filter change), based on BMW technical data available up to late 2024:

• 735i / 740i (3.0L inline‑6 petrol, B58/B58TU): approximately 6.5–6.8 L (about 6.9–7.2 qt)
• 760i xDrive (4.4L V8 petrol, S68): approximately 8.0–8.5 L (about 8.5–9.0 qt)
• 740d (3.0L inline‑6 diesel, B57): approximately 7.0–7.5 L (about 7.4–8.0 qt)
• Plug‑in hybrids (e.g., 750e, M760e): similar to their base combustion engine:
  

  • 4‑cyl/6‑cyl hybrid powertrains generally around 6.0–7.0 L
  • V8 hybrid configurations around 8.0–8.5 L

These values illustrate that even within one generation, capacities vary by engine type, which is why model‑specific information from BMW remains the most reliable source.

G11/G12 (2015–2022)

The G11 (standard wheelbase) and G12 (long wheelbase) 7 Series models cover a wide range of engines, from four‑cylinder plug‑in hybrids to V12 flagships. While capacities differ, they generally fall within a broadly predictable range based on cylinder count and displacement.

The following list highlights typical oil capacities (with filter) for popular G11/G12 variants:

• 730i / 740e / 745e (4‑cyl or 6‑cyl petrol and hybrid variants): approximately 5.5–6.5 L (about 5.8–6.9 qt)
• 740i / 740Li (3.0L inline‑6 petrol, B58): approximately 6.5–6.8 L (about 6.9–7.2 qt)
• 750i / 750Li (4.4L V8 petrol, N63/N63TU): approximately 8.0–8.5 L (about 8.5–9.0 qt)
• M760Li (6.6L V12 petrol, N74): approximately 8.5–9.5 L (about 9.0–10.0 qt)
• 730d / 740d (3.0L inline‑6 diesel, B57): approximately 7.0–7.5 L (about 7.4–8.0 qt)
• 750d xDrive (quad‑turbo 3.0L diesel, B57S): approximately 7.5–8.0 L (about 8.0–8.5 qt)

This generation shows a clear pattern: six‑cylinder models are in the mid‑6 to mid‑7 liter range, while V8 and V12 variants climb into the 8‑plus liter territory.

F01/F02 (2008–2015)

The F01/F02 generation introduced turbocharging across much of the 7 Series range. Engine oil capacities remained broadly similar to the G11/G12 but with some differences due to earlier engine families and sump designs.

The following list presents typical capacities for major F01/F02 variants with an oil filter change:

• 730i / 740i (3.0L inline‑6 petrol, N52/N54/N55): approximately 6.5–7.0 L (about 6.9–7.4 qt)
• 750i / 750Li (4.4L V8 petrol, N63): approximately 8.0–8.5 L (about 8.5–9.0 qt)
• 760Li (6.0L V12 petrol, N73/N74 early variants): approximately 8.5–9.5 L (about 9.0–10.0 qt)
• 730d / 740d (3.0L inline‑6 diesel, M57/N57): approximately 7.0–7.5 L (about 7.4–8.0 qt)

While exact numbers can shift slightly by production year and market, these figures demonstrate that the F01/F02 7 Series aligns closely with later generations in its oil requirements.

E65/E66 and Earlier Generations

Older 7 Series models (E65/E66 from early 2000s and the E38/E32 before them) are still on the road and are frequently serviced outside the dealer network. Their oil capacities are in a similar range but must be checked carefully because many use earlier engine families with different sump designs and oil pan dimensions.

The list below outlines typical capacities for common older engines with a filter change:

• E65/E66 730i / 735i / 740i (various inline‑6 and V8 petrol engines): approximately 6.5–7.5 L
• E65/E66 745i / 750i (4.4L and 4.8L V8 petrol): approximately 7.5–8.0 L
• E65/E66 760i / 760Li (6.0L V12 petrol): approximately 8.5–9.5 L
• E65/E66 730d / 740d (3.0L and 4.0L diesel): approximately 6.5–7.5 L
• E38 six‑cylinder petrol (e.g., 728i, 730i): typically around 6.0–6.5 L
• E38 V8 petrol (735i, 740i, 740iL): typically around 7.0–7.5 L
• E38 750i/750iL (5.4L V12): typically around 8.0–9.0 L

For these older vehicles, capacity variations between early and late production engines can be more noticeable, making the original owner’s manual or service documentation particularly important.

How to Find the Exact Oil Capacity for Your 7 Series

Because there are dozens of 7 Series variants, the only truly precise way to know your car’s capacity is to refer to documentation tied to its VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). BMW provides several mechanisms for obtaining model‑specific data, each with different levels of convenience and reliability.

The following list explains the main methods owners can use to confirm the exact oil capacity of a specific BMW 7 Series:

1. Owner’s manual: The most accessible resource. Under sections like “Engine oil” or “Specifications,” BMW usually lists oil capacity “with filter.”
2. Factory service information (BMW ISTA/TSB): Dealer tools and official workshop manuals provide exact fill volumes and often note if capacities changed by production date.
3. Under‑hood labels and service stickers: Some cars have labels near the radiator support or inside the engine bay stating the engine type and occasionally the oil spec; while these may not always show capacity, they help identify the exact engine, which you can then look up.
4. VIN‑based online lookup: Authorized BMW dealer websites or BMW’s official online portals in some regions let you input your VIN to access technical data, including oil specifications.
5. Professional workshop or dealer: A BMW dealer or independent specialist can read the VIN, identify the precise engine code and provide the manufacturer‑specified capacity.

Using these sources ensures you are working with accurate, model‑specific information rather than relying on generic or approximate figures.

Why Oil Capacity Matters

Getting the oil capacity right is not just a technical detail; it directly affects engine longevity, performance and warranty compliance. The 7 Series, with its complex, high‑output engines and turbocharging, is especially sensitive to lubrication and oil quality.

The following list highlights the main reasons why correct oil capacity is critical for BMW 7 Series owners:

• Engine protection: Sufficient oil volume ensures all internal components receive proper lubrication under high loads, high temperatures and sustained highway speeds.
• Thermal management: More powerful engines, especially turbocharged V8 and V12 units, depend on oil to help remove heat from bearings, turbochargers and valvetrain components.
• Contaminant dilution: A properly sized oil volume helps dilute combustion by‑products, soot (on diesels) and fuel traces, extending oil life when combined with the correct change interval.
• Oil pressure stability: Underfilling can lead to low oil pressure, especially under hard acceleration or cornering, risking serious damage.
• Avoiding over‑fill damage: Overfilling can cause foaming, increased crankshaft drag, catalytic converter contamination and in extreme cases, engine damage.

Understanding these factors underscores why BMW specifies relatively large oil capacities for its flagship sedans and why accurate filling is essential.

How to Refill Oil Safely on a BMW 7 Series

While many 7 Series owners rely on dealers or specialists, some prefer to top up or even change oil themselves. BMW’s modern electronic dipstick systems and strict oil specifications mean extra care is required to avoid errors, particularly with turbocharged engines and long‑life oil change intervals.

The list below outlines a cautious, step‑by‑step approach for refilling engine oil on a 7 Series, whether after a full change or a top‑up:

1. Identify the exact engine type: Confirm the engine code (e.g., B58, N63, B57) from the manual, VIN data or engine bay labels.
2. Check the recommended oil spec: Look for BMW Longlife approvals such as LL‑01, LL‑04 or LL‑17FE+ in the owner’s manual and choose a high‑quality oil that meets that standard.
3. Start below the listed capacity: When doing a full change, pour in slightly less than the published “with filter” capacity (often 0.3–0.5 L less).
4. Warm up and recheck level: Start the engine, let it idle briefly, then shut it off, wait a few minutes and use the electronic level check (via iDrive) or dipstick if equipped.
5. Top up gradually: Add oil in small increments (around 0.2–0.3 L at a time), rechecking until the level is just below or at the “max” marking.
6. Do not exceed the maximum level: If you overshoot, the only safe solution is to drain some oil; driving with an over‑filled sump is risky.
7. Record the quantity and mileage: Note how much was added and at what odometer reading; this supports maintenance planning and potential warranty discussions.

Following a careful, incremental procedure minimizes the risk of overfilling and ensures that even without an exact figure at hand, you end up at the correct level.

Recommended Oil Types and Change Intervals

Oil capacity is only one side of the maintenance equation; using the right oil type and respecting proper change intervals are just as important. BMW specifies oils that meet its Longlife standards and typically recommends extended service intervals, although many enthusiasts and independent shops advocate somewhat shorter intervals for longevity.

The list below summarizes key points about oil specifications and change intervals for modern BMW 7 Series models:

• Oil specifications: Most recent petrol and diesel 7 Series engines require oils that meet BMW Longlife standards such as:
  

  • BMW LL‑01 / LL‑01 FE: Common for many petrol engines in Europe and North America.
  • BMW LL‑04: Widely used for modern diesels and some petrol engines, especially in Europe, compatible with particulate filters.
  • BMW LL‑17FE+: Newer low‑viscosity oils for some current engines to improve fuel efficiency.

• Viscosity grades: Often 0W‑30, 0W‑40, 5W‑30 or 5W‑40, depending on climate and engine; the manual or under‑hood sticker lists approved weight ranges.
• Factory intervals: BMW’s Condition Based Service (CBS) can allow oil changes at 10,000–15,000 miles (16,000–24,000 km) or roughly every 12–24 months.
• Conservative practice: Many specialists recommend 7,500–10,000‑mile (12,000–16,000‑km) intervals, especially for turbocharged V8 and high‑load diesel engines, to reduce long‑term wear and carbon buildup.
• Driving profile factoring: Frequent short trips, towing, hot climates or extended high‑speed driving justify shorter intervals than the CBS maximum.

Selecting an oil that meets BMW’s formal standards and maintaining sensible change intervals helps ensure that the relatively large oil volume in a 7 Series performs its protective role throughout the service cycle.

Common Owner Questions About BMW 7 Series Oil Capacity

Owners often have recurring questions when servicing 7 Series models at home or through independent garages. Clarifying a few of these points helps avoid misunderstandings and potentially costly errors during routine maintenance.

The following list addresses some of the most frequent questions related to oil capacity and servicing:

• “Is the capacity the same with and without an oil filter change?”

  No. Capacities listed in manuals are usually “with filter.” If the filter is not changed (not recommended), the engine will take slightly less oil.

• “Why does my iDrive show full even though I added less than the manual’s capacity?”

  The engine rarely drains 100% of its old oil; residual oil remains in galleries and coolers. This means the actual refill needed is often slightly lower than the theoretical dry capacity.

• “Can I mix different brands of oil if they meet BMW specs?”

  Mixing high‑quality oils that all meet the correct BMW Longlife standard is generally acceptable in small top‑up amounts, but a complete change is best done with a single product.

• “Do plug‑in hybrid 7 Series need less engine oil?”

  Not significantly. Hybrids use the same or very similar combustion engines as non‑hybrid models, so their engine oil capacity is essentially the same.

• “Does an all‑electric i7 need engine oil?”

  No. The BMW i7 is fully electric and does not use conventional engine oil, although the drivetrain has its own fluids (e.g., reduction gear oil, coolant) with separate maintenance requirements.

Answers to these questions highlight the nuances of oil capacity and usage and reinforce why following BMW’s official data and procedures is important for maintaining a 7 Series correctly.

Summary

A BMW 7 Series typically requires between about 6.5 and 9.5 liters (roughly 6.9–10.0 quarts) of engine oil, with capacities increasing from six‑cylinder to V8 and V12 engines. Modern straight‑six petrol and diesel models generally sit in the 6.5–7.5‑liter range, while V8 and V12 variants can exceed 8 liters. Because capacity varies by generation, engine code and even production year, owners should always confirm the precise figure via the owner’s manual, VIN‑based BMW data, or a professional workshop, then fill cautiously while monitoring the oil level electronically or via dipstick. Combined with the correct BMW‑approved oil type and sensible change intervals, accurate filling is central to preserving the performance and longevity of BMW’s flagship sedan.