What Kind of Oil a 2012 BMW 335i Takes

A 2012 BMW 335i typically requires a high-quality full synthetic engine oil that meets BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications in a viscosity of 5W-30 or 0W-40 for most climates, with an approximate fill capacity of about 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters). This article explains the exact specifications, recommended brands, how to verify what your specific car needs, and practical tips for oil changes and maintenance.

Understanding the 2012 BMW 335i Engine and Its Oil Needs

The 2012 BMW 335i is powered (in North America and most global markets) by the N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine. This is a direct-injected, turbocharged engine that runs hot and under high load, making oil quality crucial for turbocharger longevity, timing components, and overall reliability. BMW issued factory guidelines that define both the viscosity and performance standards the oil must meet to protect this engine over extended service intervals.

The Correct Oil Specification for a 2012 BMW 335i

For the 2012 BMW 335i, the single most important requirement is that the oil meets BMW’s own Longlife standard, not just generic “European” or “synthetic” labels. This ensures the oil has the right additive package, high-temperature stability, and compatibility with the engine’s design and service intervals.

BMW Longlife Specification (LL-01)

The core requirement for a 2012 BMW 335i in most markets is that the oil must meet the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification. This applies to both sedan and coupe models of that year with the N55 engine.

Key points about the required oil specification include:

• BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approval is the primary requirement for the 2012 335i in gasoline form.
• Oils meeting LL-01 are generally full synthetic, high-temperature and high-shear (HTHS) resistant, suitable for turbocharged engines.
• Some newer oils may also carry BMW LL-01 FE or LL-14+ approvals, but LL-01 remains the safest baseline requirement for this model year.
• Using oil that meets only generic European ACEA specs (like ACEA A3/B4) is second-best; BMW-approval should be prioritized when possible.

In practice, checking the back label of the oil container for “BMW Longlife-01” or a BMW approval list is the fastest way to ensure compatibility with your 2012 335i.

Recommended Oil Viscosity Grades

Viscosity describes how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures. BMW provides a range of approved viscosities depending on climate, but some grades are more common and widely recommended for the N55 engine.

The most commonly recommended viscosities for a 2012 BMW 335i are:

• 5W-30 full synthetic, LL-01 approved – the most typical choice for moderate climates and dealer services.
• 0W-40 full synthetic, LL-01 approved – popular in colder climates or for drivers seeking extra high-temperature protection.
• 5W-40 full synthetic, LL-01 approved – often chosen by enthusiasts in hotter regions or for spirited driving.

All of these grades, as long as they carry BMW LL-01 approval, are suitable for the 2012 335i. Local climate, driving style, and availability usually determine which one is best for your specific situation.

Oil Capacity and Change Interval

Knowing how much oil the engine takes, and how often it should be changed, is just as important as selecting the correct type. BMW’s service schedule is designed for long intervals, but many owners adopt a more conservative approach for engine longevity.

Oil Capacity

The 2012 BMW 335i with the N55 engine takes approximately the following amount of oil when doing a change with filter replacement:

Typical oil capacity values are:

• Approximately 6.9 US quarts of oil (about 6.5 liters) including the filter.
• It is generally safest to start by adding around 6.5 quarts (6.1 liters), then check the electronic oil level readout and top up as needed.
• The final amount can vary slightly depending on how thoroughly the old oil drained and whether the filter housing is fully emptied.

Always verify the final level using the car’s electronic oil measurement system rather than relying solely on a fixed number of quarts.

Recommended Oil Change Interval

BMW’s factory maintenance schedule for a 2012 335i, especially in markets like the U.S., typically called for oil changes around every 10,000–15,000 miles or roughly once a year, based on a condition-based service (CBS) system. However, many independent specialists and enthusiasts recommend shorter intervals.

Common oil change practices for this model include:

• Every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or once a year – a widely recommended balance between cost and engine protection.
• Every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) for heavy city driving, frequent short trips, or hard driving (e.g., track use or frequent boost).
• Following the CBS system only if the car is under warranty or lease and driven mostly under gentle conditions.

Shorter intervals can help reduce deposits, protect the turbocharger, and extend the life of timing chain components, which are known concerns on some BMW turbo engines as they age.

Specific Oil Brands Commonly Used in a 2012 BMW 335i

While BMW-branded oil is readily available at dealers, the same or equivalent formulations are sold under major oil brands, often at lower cost. What matters most is that the oil is full synthetic and carries BMW LL-01 approval.

Common Oils That Meet BMW LL-01

Below are examples of widely available full synthetic oils that commonly meet BMW LL-01 and are frequently used by owners of 2012 BMW 335i models. Always verify the label, as formulations can change.

Representative LL-01-approved oils include:

• BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30 (dealer/branded oil, LL-01) – often the factory or dealer fill in many regions.
• Mobil 1 0W-40

• Castrol EDGE 0W-40 or 5W-30 (look for BMW LL-01 approval on the back label) – used historically by BMW and still commonly recommended.
• Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 or similar LL-01-approved variants – popular among German car specialists.
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 or 0W-40 (LL-01 where indicated) – another strong option in North America.

Because approvals can change over time, the definitive step is to read the back of the bottle or consult the manufacturer’s website and confirm that BMW LL-01 is explicitly listed for the specific product and viscosity you are buying.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 2012 335i

Although the N55 engine and its oil requirements are consistent across most 2012 335i models, it is always smart to double-check for your particular vehicle, especially if you are outside North America or have a special variant.

Where to Verify the Correct Oil Specification

You can cross-check several sources to ensure you are using the correct oil. This is useful if your car has an unusual build, has been imported, or if you are unsure about regional differences in recommended viscosity.

Reliable ways to confirm oil requirements include:

• Owner’s manual: Look under the “Engine Oil” section for BMW-approved Longlife specifications and viscosity chart.
• Under-hood label or oil cap: Some vehicles list basic info or at least indicate “BMW Longlife” oil only.
• BMW dealership or authorized service center: They can confirm by VIN which engine and specs apply to your car.
• BMW’s official website or digital owner’s manual: Many markets offer downloadable manuals by model and year.
• Reputable BMW specialist shops: Independent BMW-focused garages typically know the N55 engine’s needs well.

Checking at least two of these sources is a good idea if you suspect your car is a gray import, has been modified, or has an unusual service history.

Practical Tips for Changing Oil on a 2012 BMW 335i

Owners who perform their own oil changes or who want to better understand what their shop is doing should be aware of a few model-specific practices. The 2012 335i uses an electronic oil level sensor rather than a traditional dipstick, and the oil filter is a cartridge-style unit located on top of the engine.

DIY and Service Considerations

A bit of planning helps ensure the oil change is done correctly and the engine is properly protected. Knowing the steps and the right parts makes it easier to talk to a mechanic or perform the service at home.

Key practical considerations for oil changes on this model include:

• Use a quality filter: Choose an OEM or OEM-equivalent filter (e.g., Mahle, Mann, BMW-branded) specifically for the N55 engine.
• Replace crush washer and O-rings: Always replace the drain plug washer and the oil filter housing O-rings provided with the new filter.
• Warm the engine first: Lightly warming the engine helps old oil drain more completely without being dangerously hot.
• Measure oil level electronically: After filling, run the engine briefly, then use the iDrive or instrument cluster menu to check the oil level.
• Reset the service reminder: Use the steering column stalk or iDrive service menu to reset the oil service interval after the change.
• Check for leaks: Examine the drain plug area and the oil filter housing after the first drive to ensure no seepage.

Adhering to these steps, along with using the correct LL-01 oil, will help your N55-powered 335i stay reliable, especially as it accumulates higher mileage.

Why the Right Oil Matters for the N55 Engine

The N55 is generally regarded as a strong and capable engine, but like other turbocharged BMW six-cylinders, it relies heavily on clean, stable oil for both lubrication and cooling. The turbocharger, variable valve timing, and high-pressure fuel system are all sensitive to oil quality.

Common Issues That Proper Oil Helps Prevent

Keeping up with oil quality and intervals is one of the most effective ways to extend the life of key components and avoid expensive repairs down the line. Using incorrect or low-grade oil can accelerate wear and lead to premature failures.

Areas where correct oil choice and timely changes can make a difference include:

• Turbocharger longevity: High-quality LL-01 synthetic resists coking and burning in the hot turbo center section.
• Timing chain and guides: Stable oil reduces wear and helps prevent chain stretch and guide deterioration over time.
• Valve and injector cleanliness: Proper detergents and additives help mitigate deposits that can affect performance and smoothness.
• Oil consumption and leaks: Correct viscosity and specification can reduce consumption and protect seals and gaskets.
• Overall engine temperature management: Modern synthetic oils contribute to more consistent lubrication under high load and high temperature.

While no oil can eliminate all possible issues, staying within BMW’s LL-01 framework and avoiding extended, neglected oil change intervals significantly improves the odds of trouble-free ownership.

Summary

A 2012 BMW 335i with the N55 turbocharged inline-six engine should use a full synthetic engine oil that explicitly meets the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification, most commonly in 5W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-40 viscosity, with an oil capacity of roughly 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters) including the filter. Confirming LL-01 on the oil label, changing oil around every 5,000–7,500 miles instead of stretching to the maximum factory intervals, and using a quality filter and correct service procedures will help protect the engine, turbocharger, and timing components over the long term.

What oil is best for a BMW 335i?

Mobil 1 – Advanced 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, Extends Engine Life, 1 Quart (Part No. 24812)

Can I use any 5W-30 oil in my BMW?

If you look in the manual, it’ll tell you exactly what to use. 0w30, 5w30, 0w40, and 5w40 are perfectly okay. 0w30 and 5w30 are the exact same viscosity at operating temperature.

What kind of oil does a 2012 BMW 3 Series take?

FOR BMW 3 SERIES 318D F30/F80 2012-2018. 6 LITRES CASTROL EDGE 5W30 LONGLIFE MOTOR OIL.

What kind of oil does a 2012 BMW 335i use?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-30.

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