What Kind of Oil a 2013 BMW X3 Takes

A 2013 BMW X3 typically requires full-synthetic, BMW Longlife-approved engine oil with a viscosity of 5W-30 or 0W-30, meeting BMW LL-01 (or in some cases LL-04) specifications. Choosing an oil that meets these exact standards is more important than the brand itself.

Understanding the 2013 BMW X3 Engine Options

The 2013 BMW X3 sold in North America primarily came in two trims: the xDrive28i and xDrive35i. Each uses different engines but largely the same oil specification requirements. Knowing which engine you have helps you confirm the exact viscosity and approvals to look for on the oil container.

Main Engine Types

Below is an overview of the main engines used in the 2013 BMW X3 and how they relate to oil selection.

• X3 xDrive28i (N20 engine): 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 gasoline engine, widely used across BMW’s lineup in that era.
• X3 xDrive35i (N55 engine): 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 gasoline engine, known for smooth power delivery.

Although the engines differ in displacement and configuration, BMW aligned their lubrication requirements so that most owners can use the same BMW-approved full-synthetic oil grade and specification across both variants.

Official BMW Oil Specifications for the 2013 X3

The most critical requirement when choosing oil for a 2013 BMW X3 is that it meets BMW’s own “Longlife” standards. These are engineering-based approvals designed to protect turbocharged engines under long drain intervals and demanding driving conditions.

BMW Longlife Approvals

The following list outlines the common BMW Longlife standards relevant to a 2013 X3 and how they apply.

• BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01): The primary specification for most 2013 X3 gasoline engines in North America; designed for extended drain intervals and high-performance engines.
• BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04): Low-SAPS (low ash) spec originally intended for diesel and some European-market gasoline engines with advanced emissions systems; sometimes used outside North America where fuel sulfur content is lower.
• BMW Longlife-01 FE: A fuel-economy variant of LL-01; less common but acceptable if explicitly listed by BMW for your engine and region.

In practice, most 2013 BMW X3 gasoline models in the U.S. and Canada are best served by a BMW LL-01-approved oil, with LL-04 mainly relevant for certain European-market vehicles and specific fuel/emissions conditions.

Recommended Oil Viscosity Grades

Viscosity—the “thickness” of oil at different temperatures—is expressed by numbers such as 0W-30 or 5W-30. BMW specifies a range of viscosities depending on climate, but several grades are widely recommended and easy to find.

Common Viscosity Choices

The list below outlines the most typical viscosity grades that meet BMW requirements for a 2013 X3.

• 5W-30 (full synthetic, BMW LL-01): The most commonly recommended grade for the 2013 X3 in moderate climates; widely available from many premium brands.
• 0W-30 (full synthetic, BMW LL-01 or LL-01 FE): Well-suited for colder climates, offering better cold-start performance while still protecting at operating temperature.
• 5W-40 (full synthetic, BMW LL-01): Sometimes used in hotter climates or for spirited driving; offers slightly higher high-temp viscosity while remaining within BMW spec.

Regardless of whether you choose 0W-30, 5W-30, or 5W-40, the key is that the oil is full synthetic and explicitly approved to BMW Longlife standards, not just “recommended for” or “meets requirements” without formal approval.

How Much Oil Does a 2013 BMW X3 Need?

Alongside picking the correct oil type, knowing the quantity is essential to avoid underfilling or overfilling. BMW’s modern turbocharged engines typically have relatively large oil capacities for improved cooling and durability.

Approximate Oil Capacities

The following list provides typical oil capacity ranges for the main 2013 X3 engines, including the filter. Always verify against your owner’s manual or service data for exact figures.

• X3 xDrive28i (N20 2.0L turbo): Approximately 5.0–5.3 liters (about 5.3–5.6 quarts) with filter.
• X3 xDrive35i (N55 3.0L turbo): Approximately 6.5–6.9 liters (about 6.9–7.3 quarts) with filter.

Given minor variations by production date and region, it is wise to start slightly under these capacities, then top up gradually while monitoring the iDrive/electronic dipstick or following BMW’s measurement procedure.

Approved Brands and Product Examples

BMW does not require that you use “BMW-branded” oil, but any oil must carry the correct BMW Longlife approval. Many well-known oil manufacturers produce formulas specifically marketed as BMW LL-01 or LL-04 approved.

Common Oils That Often Meet BMW LL-01 or LL-04

The examples below are typical products that either explicitly carry BMW Longlife approval or historically have had versions that do. Always double-check the label or manufacturer’s website, as formulations and approvals can change.

• BMW TwinPower Turbo 5W-30: The factory-branded oil used by many BMW dealers, meeting LL-01.
• Castrol EDGE / Castrol EDGE Professional 5W-30 LL: Select versions carry BMW LL-01 approval.
• Mobil 1 0W-40 or 5W-30 ESP (specific variants): Some formulations are BMW LL-01 or LL-04 approved; verify each bottle.
• Liqui Moly Top Tec or Special Tec series (e.g., 5W-30, 5W-40): Several are labeled for BMW LL-01 or LL-04.
• Shell Helix Ultra / Pennzoil Platinum Euro lines: Certain “Euro” full-synthetic variants carry BMW Longlife approvals.

Because approvals evolve, the safest step is to check the bottle for “BMW LL-01” or “BMW LL-04” wording or consult the oil maker’s online specification sheet before purchase.

Oil Change Intervals: What BMW Says vs. What’s Sensible

BMW’s service systems often indicate relatively long intervals between oil changes, but many independent specialists recommend shorter intervals to prolong engine life, especially for turbocharged engines like those in the 2013 X3.

Factory vs. Real-World Intervals

The list below breaks down BMW’s official guidance and what many technicians now advise.

• BMW’s on-board service indicator: Often around 10,000–15,000 miles (16,000–24,000 km) or up to about 12–24 months, depending on driving style and conditions.
• Independent specialist recommendation: Roughly every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km) or once a year, whichever comes first, particularly if you drive short trips, sit in traffic, or use the turbo power frequently.
• Severe use (frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, or hard driving): Leaning toward the lower end of the independent range—around 5,000 miles (8,000 km)—is often advised.

Using high-quality, BMW-approved oil at more conservative change intervals can significantly reduce the risk of sludge, turbo wear, and timing component issues that can emerge in aging turbocharged engines.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Vehicle

While the general guidance applies to most 2013 BMW X3 models, confirming the exact recommendation for your VIN or local market avoids mistakes due to regional differences in emissions rules or fuel quality.

Steps to Double-Check Your Oil Specification

The following steps help you confirm the right oil type and spec for your particular X3.

1. Check the owner’s manual: Look in the “Engine oil” or “Technical data” section for required oil specs (e.g., BMW Longlife-01) and viscosity ranges.
2. Consult the under-hood sticker or oil cap: Some vehicles list viscosity or approval hints (such as “Use BMW Longlife oil only”).
3. Use BMW’s official service site or dealer: Provide your VIN to a BMW dealer or authorized service center and ask for the recommended oil spec.
4. Use reputable online oil lookup tools: Many major oil brands offer “oil finder” tools where you enter your vehicle details; confirm that the suggested product lists BMW LL-01 or LL-04 explicitly.

Taking these extra verification steps ensures that regional differences in specs or any updates from BMW are captured before you commit to a particular oil.

Why BMW Longlife-Approved Oil Matters

Turbocharged BMW engines operate under high temperature and pressure, making them more demanding on oil quality than many non-turbo or older engines. BMW’s Longlife standards are designed to address these challenges.

Key Reasons to Use the Correct Specification

The points below explain why meeting the BMW Longlife standard is more critical than simply matching the viscosity numbers.

• High-temperature stability: LL-01 and LL-04 oils resist breakdown at turbocharger and cylinder head temperatures, maintaining proper lubrication.
• Detergent and dispersant additives: These help keep internal passages, variable valve timing components, and turbo oil lines clean, reducing sludge and varnish.
• Compatibility with emissions systems: Low-ash LL-04 oils are designed to protect particulate filters and catalytic converters in specific markets and configurations.
• Extended drain resilience: Even if you choose shorter intervals, oils that are engineered for longer life tend to offer a margin of safety against oxidation and viscosity loss.

Using a generic synthetic that does not carry BMW’s approval may not provide the same level of protection, even if it feels similar on paper and uses the same viscosity rating.

Summary

The 2013 BMW X3—whether equipped with the 2.0L N20 or 3.0L N55 turbocharged gasoline engine—should be serviced with full-synthetic engine oil that meets BMW’s Longlife standards, primarily BMW LL-01 for most North American models. Common choices include 5W-30 or 0W-30 (and in some conditions 5W-40), as long as the oil is explicitly BMW LL-01 (or, where appropriate, LL-04) approved. Typical capacities range from roughly 5–5.3 liters for the xDrive28i to about 6.5–6.9 liters for the xDrive35i, always confirmed against the owner’s manual or dealer data. Selecting a high-quality, BMW-approved oil and changing it at sensible intervals—often 5,000–7,500 miles rather than the maximum indicated by the car—offers the best protection for the engine and turbo over the long term.

What is BMW recommended engine oil?

BMW recommends a high-quality synthetic oil that meets specific BMW Longlife (LL) standards, such as LL-01, LL-04, or LL-17 FE+, with common recommendations including 5W-30 or 0W-20. The exact type and weight depend on the specific model and year, so you should always check the owner’s manual or consult a certified BMW technician. Reputable brands like Mobil 1 and Castrol also produce oils that meet these specifications.
 
Key recommendations

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step, as the specific requirements vary by model and engine. 
• BMW-specific oils: BMW offers its own line of oils, such as the BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils, which are specifically designed for BMW engines. 
• Common viscosities:
  • 5W-30: A very common recommendation for many modern BMW gasoline engines, including turbocharged ones. 
  • 0W-20: Often recommended for the newest models, especially in certain regions. 
  • 0W-40: Another versatile synthetic oil that works well for many BMW engines. 
  • 10W-60: Used in some older ///M high-performance models, so check your manual carefully. 
• Approved brands: While BMW’s own brand is a safe bet, many other brands make oils that meet BMW specifications. Some are: 
  • Mobil 1 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30)
  • Castrol Edge (e.g., Castrol Edge 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+)) 
  • Valvoline
  • Shell / Pennzoil 
• Use synthetic oil: BMW recommends synthetic oil for its superior performance and longevity. 

Important note

• Diesel engines: Diesel BMWs will have specific requirements, often using a diesel-specific oil like Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30. 
• High-performance engines: Older ///M cars may require a heavier weight like 10W-60, which is different from standard models. 
• Regional differences: Oil specifications can vary by region due to differences in fuel and climate. The oils used in the US, for example, have specific requirements related to high sulfur content in fuel. 

What oil does BMW recommend for an X3?

For the 2020 BMW X3 xDrive 30i AWD equipped with the L4-2.0L Turbo engine, the recommended oil viscosity is 0W-20. The engine oil refill capacity, including a filter change, is 5.5 quarts.

What kind of oil does a 2013 BMW 3 Series take?

5w30 Oil
BMW 3 Series F30 F31 2013-2020 Full Service Kit 5w30 Oil **OEM QUALITY FILTERS**

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.