How Much Oil a BMW X3 2.0 Takes: Exact Capacities by Engine and Model Year

A BMW X3 2.0 typically takes between 5.0 and 6.5 liters of engine oil (about 5.3–6.9 US quarts), depending on the exact engine variant and model year. To be precise, you must know the generation (E83, F25, or G01) and whether the engine is petrol or diesel.

Why Oil Capacity Varies on the BMW X3 2.0

The question “How much oil does a BMW X3 2.0 take?” sounds straightforward, but BMW has used several different 2.0‑liter engines in the X3 since its launch. Changes in engine design, emissions controls, and cooling systems have led to slightly different oil capacities across generations. Knowing your exact model year, engine code, and fuel type is crucial to filling the engine safely and avoiding underfilling or overfilling.

Identify Your BMW X3 2.0: Generation and Engine Type

Before looking up the oil quantity, it is important to identify which X3 you own. BMW has produced three major generations of the X3 so far, each with multiple 2.0‑liter engines, both petrol and diesel.

• E83 (1st generation, ~2004–2010): Early X3s, mostly 2.0d in many markets.
• F25 (2nd generation, ~2010–2017): Widely sold with 2.0‑liter turbo petrol (xDrive20i) and multiple 2.0‑liter diesels (18d/20d).
• G01 (3rd generation, ~2017–present): Current shape X3, including B48 petrol and B47 diesel 2.0‑liter units.

Understanding which generation and engine family your X3 belongs to allows you to match it to the correct oil capacity range and recommended oil specification, avoiding mistakes that could affect reliability.

Typical Oil Capacities for BMW X3 2.0 Engines

The following figures are based on BMW service data and widely used workshop references. Exact values can vary slightly by market, emission standard, and whether the oil filter is changed, but these numbers are accurate working ranges for most owners.

First Generation E83 X3 2.0 (Mostly 2.0d)

The original X3 2.0 in many regions was the X3 2.0d with 2.0‑liter four‑cylinder diesel engines such as the M47 and later N47. These engines generally use a moderate oil quantity compared with later turbo engines.

• Engine: M47 2.0d (early E83 2.0d)
• Typical capacity with filter: ~5.5–6.0 liters (about 5.8–6.3 US quarts)
• Engine: N47 2.0d (later E83 LCI, where fitted)
• Typical capacity with filter: ~5.0–5.3 liters (about 5.3–5.6 US quarts)

These first‑generation diesels generally require a bit less oil than newer engines but still demand high‑quality synthetic oil that meets BMW’s Longlife specification for diesels.

Second Generation F25 X3 2.0 (Petrol and Diesel)

The F25 X3 introduced widespread use of turbocharged 2.0‑liter petrol engines as well as newer diesel units. Oil capacities across these engines cluster in a narrow range but are not identical.

• Petrol – X3 xDrive20i (N20 2.0 turbo):
  

  • Typical capacity with filter: ~5.0–5.2 liters (about 5.3–5.5 US quarts)

• Diesel – X3 sDrive18d / xDrive18d (N47 2.0d low‑output):
  

  • Typical capacity with filter: ~5.0–5.3 liters (about 5.3–5.6 US quarts)

• Diesel – X3 xDrive20d (N47 2.0d mid‑output):
  

  • Typical capacity with filter: ~5.2–5.5 liters (about 5.5–5.8 US quarts)

The F25 generation concentrates most 2.0‑liter engines around the 5.0–5.5‑liter range; however, the exact value depends on the engine code and sump design, which is why checking the manual or BMW data remains essential.

Third Generation G01 X3 2.0 (Current Models)

The current G01 X3 lineup uses BMW’s modular B‑series engines, including the B48 petrol and B47 diesel units. These more modern engines often require slightly more oil, reflecting design changes and emissions systems.

• Petrol – X3 sDrive20i / xDrive20i (B48 2.0 turbo):
  

  • Typical capacity with filter: ~5.5–6.0 liters (about 5.8–6.3 US quarts)

• Diesel – X3 xDrive20d (B47 2.0d):
  

  • Typical capacity with filter: ~5.0–5.5 liters (about 5.3–5.8 US quarts)

• Mild‑hybrid variants (where offered with 48V systems):
  

  • Capacity usually similar to non‑hybrid B48/B47: still roughly 5.0–6.0 liters with filter

Across G01 models, the practical takeaway is that most 2.0‑liter engines will be safely filled somewhere between 5.0 and 6.0 liters, but owners should always add oil gradually and verify the correct level electronically or on the dipstick.

How to Find the Exact Oil Capacity for Your X3 2.0

While typical ranges work as guidance, the most reliable way to know the exact capacity for your BMW X3 2.0 is to consult model‑specific information. Modern BMWs also have electronic level sensors that simplify final checks.

• Owner’s manual: The lubrication section normally lists exact oil capacity “with filter change” for your engine code.
• BMW VIN lookup: Enter your VIN (vehicle identification number) on BMW’s official site or a trusted parts database to retrieve the engine code and technical data.
• Under‑hood or service stickers: Some cars display recommended oil specs and capacity ranges in the engine bay or on a service label.
• BMW dealer or specialist: A dealer or independent BMW workshop can provide the precise quantity used at scheduled services.

Using these sources avoids guesswork, ensuring that the amount of oil you put in precisely matches the engineering specification for your specific X3.

Recommended Oil Specifications for BMW X3 2.0

Knowing how much oil the engine takes is only half the story; using the correct oil type and specification is equally critical. BMW ties its servicing schedule and warranty expectations to certified “BMW Longlife” oils.

• Most petrol X3 2.0 (N20, B48): BMW Longlife‑01 or Longlife‑04 fully synthetic oils, typically in 0W‑30, 5W‑30, or 0W‑40 grades, depending on climate.
• Most diesel X3 2.0 (M47, N47, B47): BMW Longlife‑04 fully synthetic low‑SAPs oil, usually 5W‑30 or 0W‑30, suitable for diesel particulate filters (DPF).
• Viscosity choice: Follow the chart in your manual, which adjusts for climate; colder climates often use 0W‑30, warmer climates may use 5W‑30 or 5W‑40.

Matching both the quantity and the BMW‑approved specification of the oil helps maintain engine performance, emission-system health, and long‑term durability.

Practical Tips When Changing Oil on a BMW X3 2.0

Performing an oil change on a BMW X3 2.0 involves more than simply pouring in a fixed quantity. A few practical steps can help ensure the correct level and clean operation.

• Always change the filter with the oil: Capacities cited are generally “with filter,” and skipping the filter change is not recommended.
• Add slightly less than the spec first: For example, if the spec is 5.5 liters, start with about 5.0 liters, then check the level and top up gradually.
• Warm up and recheck: After filling, start the engine, let it run briefly, switch off, wait a few minutes, then check the level again and adjust.
• Use the electronic oil check (newer models): Many G01 and later F25 models use an on‑screen oil level display instead of a traditional dipstick; follow the iDrive instructions.
• Avoid overfilling: Too much oil can damage seals, affect catalytic converters and DPFs, and may trigger warning lights.

By approaching the oil change methodically and making the final level check the deciding factor, owners can safely account for minor differences in sump design or residual old oil.

Summary

A BMW X3 2.0 typically takes between 5.0 and 6.5 liters of engine oil, with most common engines falling in the 5.0–6.0‑liter range when the filter is changed. First‑generation E83 2.0d models generally sit around 5.0–6.0 liters, the F25 2.0‑liter petrol and diesel units cluster around 5.0–5.5 liters, and the current G01 B48/B47 engines usually require roughly 5.0–6.0 liters. Because capacities differ slightly by model year, engine code, and region, the safest approach is to consult the owner’s manual or a BMW VIN‑based database, then fill gradually and rely on the dipstick or electronic level indicator for the final check.

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 2017 BMW X3 hold?

Engine Oil
After refill check oil level. Capacity: 5.3 quarts (with filter).

How much oil does a BMW X3 2.0 Turbo take?

6.1 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.

How much oil does a 2013 BMW X3 2.0 D 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.