What Is the Oil Filter Number for the BMW N55 Engine?

The most commonly used oil filter for BMW N55 engines is the cartridge-style filter that crosses to BMW part number 11 42 8 647 183, with widely used aftermarket equivalents including Mann HU 816 X, Mahle OX 387D, and Bosch 72215WS. The exact filter can vary slightly by model year and chassis, so owners should always confirm compatibility by VIN or model details before purchase.

Understanding the BMW N55 and Its Oil Filter

The BMW N55 is a turbocharged inline‑six gasoline engine used across a wide range of BMW models from roughly 2010 through the late 2010s. Because it is a high-output, direct-injection turbo engine, using the correct oil filter is particularly important for proper lubrication, turbocharger longevity, and to avoid oil pressure problems. While different brands market their own filter numbers, they all typically refer back to a small group of BMW part numbers that fit the N55 engine family.

Main BMW Oil Filter Part Numbers for N55

The N55 uses a cartridge-type oil filter that fits into a reusable housing mounted on the engine. BMW has updated part numbers over time, but they are functionally interchangeable within the N55 family in most applications. Below are the core BMW part numbers you’ll encounter for the N55 oil filter.

• 11 42 8 647 183 – One of the most commonly referenced current BMW part numbers for the N55 oil filter cartridge (superseding earlier numbers in many catalogs).
• 11 42 7 566 327 – An earlier BMW number frequently listed for N55 applications in older parts databases and service documents.
• 11 42 7 583 220 – Another legacy/superseded number that may still appear in older documentation or on original packaging.

In practice, when you buy an OEM BMW oil filter for an N55 from a dealer or reputable OEM supplier, you will generally receive whatever the latest superseding part number is for your VIN, even if older numbers appear in previous service records or online listings.

Common Aftermarket Cross-Reference Filter Numbers

Owners frequently use high-quality aftermarket filters that match BMW’s specifications. The underlying design is a paper (or synthetic blend) cartridge with an integrated sealing ring and crush washer included in most kits. The following filter codes are widely used equivalents for the N55 engine oil filter.

• Mann HU 816 X – One of the most popular choices; Mann is an OEM supplier to BMW and this filter is often identical or extremely close to what you’d receive in a BMW‑branded box.
• Mahle OX 387D – Another OE-quality option; Mahle also supplies components to BMW, and this filter is commonly used in N55 service.
• Bosch 72215WS – Bosch’s premium “Workshop” series filter for N55 applications, widely available through parts retailers.
• Hengst E11H D79 – A German-made filter often found as an OEM or OE-equivalent component in European markets.
• WIX 57298 / NAPA Gold 7298 – Popular in North America, these filters are cross-referenced for N55 oil filter applications.

These part numbers generally interchange with the BMW OEM cartridge for N55 engines, but specific sub-models or production dates can occasionally cause catalog differences, so verifying fitment remains important.

Model Coverage: Which BMWs Use the N55 Oil Filter?

The N55 engine was installed in a broad range of BMW models, especially in the mid‑2010s. While the core filter design is the same across most N55 variants, it is useful to know typical models that share this filter.

• 3 Series (F30/F31/F34) – 335i, 335i xDrive, and some 340i pre‑LCI markets using N55 in earlier model years.
• 3 Series (E90/E91/E92/E93, late production) – 335i and 335is models in the transition years from N54 to N55.
• 4 Series (F32/F33/F36) – 435i and 435i xDrive in markets and years equipped with the N55.
• 5 Series (F10/F11) – 535i and 535i xDrive using the N55 engine.
• X3 (F25) – xDrive35i models with the N55.
• X4 (F26) – xDrive35i variants with the N55.
• X5 (F15) and X6 (F16/E71 late) – xDrive35i and related trims powered by the N55.
• 1 Series / 2 Series (E82/E88, F22/F23) – 135i, M135i, 235i, M235i, depending on market.

While the majority of N55-powered cars will use the same filter cartridge format, there can be edge cases in transitional years or special editions. Checking the car’s VIN in a BMW parts catalog or with a dealer is the most reliable way to confirm the exact filter specification.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil Filter for Your N55

Because BMW sometimes supersedes part numbers and regional catalogs differ, relying solely on a single printed number can be risky. A few simple checks will help ensure you buy the correct filter for your specific vehicle.

Steps to Verify Compatibility

These basic steps can help you double-check that the oil filter number you choose truly matches your N55-equipped BMW.

1. Use your VIN in an official BMW parts catalog – Enter your VIN at a BMW dealer, authorized parts site, or reputable online BMW catalog (such as realoem-style databases) to pull the latest superseding part number.
2. Cross-reference OEM to aftermarket – Once you have the BMW number (e.g., 11 42 8 647 183), confirm that the aftermarket brand’s listing explicitly states compatibility with that part or with your exact model and year.
3. Check production date and chassis code – Verify that your car’s build date and chassis (e.g., F30 335i built 2014‑05) fall within the filter’s listed application range.
4. Inspect the old filter and housing – During the first change, compare the replacement filter to the unit removed from the housing to ensure diameter, height, and sealing surfaces match.
5. Confirm included seals and crush washer – Ensure the filter kit includes the large O‑ring for the housing cap and the copper or aluminum crush washer for the drain plug, as specified by BMW.

Taking these verification steps reduces the chance of installing an incorrect filter, which can lead to leaks, poor oil pressure, or even engine damage if the filter fails to seal or flow correctly.

Why the Right Filter Matters for the N55

The N55’s turbocharged design and relatively high operating temperatures make lubrication especially critical. The oil filter must maintain adequate flow while effectively trapping contaminants from direct injection combustion byproducts and turbocharger operation.

High-quality filters from OEM or OE-equivalent brands typically offer:

• Proper filtration efficiency – Designed to meet or exceed BMW’s micronic filtration standards for fine particles.
• Correct bypass valve characteristics – Ensuring that, in cold starts or high-load conditions, oil can still circulate without starving the engine.
• Durable construction – Capable of withstanding the N55’s oil pressures and service intervals without collapse or media tearing.
• Accurate fit and sealing – The correct dimensions and O‑ring sizing prevent leaks at the filter housing and maintain stable oil pressure.

Using bargain, non-certified filters may save a small amount in the short term but can compromise engine longevity, particularly in a turbocharged unit like the N55 that depends heavily on clean, well-filtered oil.

Recommended Service Practices

Beyond simply choosing the right part number, BMW N55 owners should pay attention to service intervals and procedures to protect the engine and turbocharger system over the long term.

Service Interval and Oil Specifications

BMW’s original service schedules often allowed long oil change intervals, but many enthusiasts and independent technicians recommend shorter intervals for longevity.

• Oil change interval – Many independent BMW specialists suggest changing oil and filter every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km), rather than stretching to 10,000–15,000 miles.
• Oil specification – Use a high-quality synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL‑01) or the exact spec listed in the owner’s manual, in the viscosity range appropriate for your climate (commonly 5W‑30 or 0W‑40 LL‑01-approved oils).
• Always replace the O‑ring and crush washer – New filters normally include these; reusing old sealing components increases the risk of leaks.
• Proper torque – Tighten the filter housing cap and drain plug to BMW’s specified torque values to avoid overtightening or under-tightening.

Combining the correct filter number with proper oil spec, reasonable change intervals, and correct installation technique gives the N55 a better chance at high mileage with fewer lubrication-related issues.

Summary

For the BMW N55 engine, the oil filter is typically the BMW cartridge corresponding to part number 11 42 8 647 183, with popular aftermarket equivalents such as Mann HU 816 X, Mahle OX 387D, Bosch 72215WS, and similar OE-quality options. While most N55-equipped BMWs share this filter type, the safest approach is to confirm the exact part by VIN or detailed model information through a BMW parts catalog or dealer. Matching the correct filter with BMW-approved oil and sensible service intervals is essential to maintaining the N55’s performance and longevity.