What Oil Filter Does a 2012 BMW 328i Take?

The 2012 BMW 328i (F30 generation, N20 2.0L turbo engine) typically uses a cartridge-style oil filter with BMW part number 11 42 7 566 327, and many aftermarket equivalents such as MANN-FILTER HU 816 X, Mahle OX 388D, and Bosch 72210WS. Owners should always confirm fitment by VIN or build date to avoid mixing up parts with other 3 Series engines.

Understanding the 2012 BMW 328i and Its Engine

The 2012 BMW 328i can refer to different configurations depending on market and production timing, but in the U.S. and most major markets the sedan introduced for model year 2012 is the F30 generation equipped with the N20B20 2.0L turbocharged four‑cylinder engine. This engine uses a top-mounted cartridge oil filter that sits in a reusable housing, unlike older spin‑on canister styles.

Correctly identifying the engine is critical, as BMW has offered different 328i variants over time. Earlier 328i models (such as the 2007–2011 E90 with the N52 or N51 six‑cylinder engines) use a different oil filter. For a genuine 2012 F30 328i sedan with the N20 engine, the filter specification is much more uniform, and most major filter brands publish a dedicated part that cross-references directly to the BMW OEM number.

OEM Oil Filter for a 2012 BMW 328i

BMW’s original equipment filter is engineered to match the N20 engine’s lubrication system, including the bypass valve behavior and filtration efficiency. This OEM part is widely available at dealerships and many independent European specialty shops.

The key OEM identification for the 2012 BMW 328i oil filter is:

• BMW genuine oil filter part number: 11 42 7 566 327 (often written as 11427566327)
• Filter type: Cartridge (insert) filter for top-mounted plastic housing
• Includes: Filter element, large housing O‑ring, and usually one or more small crush or sealing washers for the drain plug (depending on kit)
• Compatible engine: N20 2.0L turbocharged inline‑4 used in 2012 328i sedan (F30)

These details confirm that the OEM filter is specifically designed for the N20 engine platform used in the 2012 328i, helping ensure proper oil flow and sealing during both normal operation and cold starts.

Aftermarket Oil Filter Equivalents

Many owners choose high‑quality aftermarket filters that meet or exceed OEM specifications. Several major manufacturers produce direct replacements for the BMW 11 42 7 566 327 filter, which can be more affordable while still offering strong performance and compatibility.

The following aftermarket part numbers commonly cross-reference to the 2012 BMW 328i N20 oil filter:

• MANN-FILTER: HU 816 X
• Mahle / Knecht: OX 388D
• Bosch: 72210WS (Workshop line; check regional catalog)
• WIX: 57047 (and related ProTec/NAPA variants; verify by catalog)
• Hengst: E97H D208 or equivalent N20 listing in current catalog
• FRAM: CH10075 (ensure you’re selecting the N20 application, not older 6‑cyl)

While these cross-references are widely used in the industry, the safest practice is to double‑check against the latest catalog or website of the filter maker, using your exact year, model, and engine, or your VIN, as some part numbers and lines can differ by region or production updates.

How to Confirm You Have the Right Filter

Because BMW reused the 328i badge across multiple generations and engines, confusion is common. A quick check of your car’s details and physical layout can protect you from buying the wrong part, especially if you order online or at a general auto‑parts chain.

Key Identification Steps

Before finalizing a filter purchase, follow a few identification steps to validate compatibility and avoid mix-ups with earlier 328i models or different engines.

1. Verify the generation and body style: A 2012 328i sedan in most markets is the F30 generation. If you have a coupe or convertible that is a 2012 on the registration but built on the older E92/E93 platform, you may actually have the N52 engine, which does not use the same filter.
2. Confirm the engine code: Check under the hood or in documentation for “N20” (2.0L turbo four‑cylinder). Older 3.0L straight‑six engines are labeled “N52” or “N51” and require a different filter (e.g., MANN HU 816 x is for N20; MANN HU 816/2 x is commonly associated with the N52—note the subtle difference in code and confirm in catalogs).
3. Look at the filter housing: The N20 filter housing is a black plastic cap on top of the engine near the front, accessed from above. It uses a long, cylindrical cartridge insert, not a metal spin‑on canister.
4. Use the VIN in an online catalog: Entering your full VIN on BMW parts sites, dealership portals, or reputable parts retailers will usually show the correct oil filter part number for your exact production date and configuration.
5. Match dimensions and included seals: When you have the new filter in hand, compare length, diameter, and the included O‑ring to the old unit before installation to make sure no packaging error occurred.

Taking these verification steps reduces the risk of leakage, improper fitment, or oil-pressure issues caused by an incorrect filter, and also prevents frustration during a DIY oil change.

Oil Filter Change Tips for the 2012 328i

Beyond simply choosing the correct part number, proper installation of the oil filter and associated seals is essential to protect the N20 engine and avoid leaks or damage, especially given BMW’s extended service intervals and turbocharged operation.

Best Practices During Replacement

During an oil change on a 2012 328i N20 engine, there are a few practical steps that help ensure the new filter performs as intended and the housing seals correctly:

• Replace all seals: Always install the new large O‑ring on the filter cap and any included small washers or seals. Never reuse old O‑rings, as they can harden and fail.
• Lubricate O‑rings: Lightly coat new O‑rings with fresh engine oil before installing to prevent binding, twisting, or tearing during tightening.
• Use proper torque: Tighten the plastic filter cap to the manufacturer’s specified torque (commonly around 25 Nm for many BMW housings, but check your exact spec). Over‑tightening can crack the housing or distort the O‑ring.
• Check for leaks after startup: After replacing the filter and oil, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Inspect the housing and drain plug area closely for any signs of seepage.
• Use the correct oil grade: Pair the correct filter with a BMW LL‑01 or LL‑14FE approved synthetic oil in the recommended viscosity (such as 0W‑20 or 5W‑30/0W‑30 depending on your market and BMW’s updated guidance), and reset the service indicator via the iDrive/cluster menu.

Following these steps with the proper filter and oil helps maintain lubrication quality, supports turbocharger longevity, and keeps the engine within BMW’s design parameters for oil flow and pressure.

Why Filter Quality Matters for the N20 Engine

The N20 engine in the 2012 BMW 328i is a relatively high‑output turbocharged unit, and its long‑term reliability depends heavily on clean, well‑flowing oil. A substandard or incorrect oil filter can accelerate wear or contribute to issues such as timing component wear and turbocharger problems.

High-quality OEM or name-brand filters typically offer:

• Consistent filtration efficiency: Designed to capture fine particles without overly restricting flow at cold start or high RPM.
• Robust media and end caps: Stable under heat cycles and high oil pressure, reducing the risk of internal filter collapse or bypass valve malfunction.
• Accurate fitment and sealing: Properly sized O‑rings and housing interface to prevent external leaks or internal bypass of unfiltered oil.
• Compatibility with extended intervals: Engineered with BMW’s relatively long service intervals in mind, even if many owners change oil more frequently.

Choosing a well‑regarded brand or the genuine BMW filter is a relatively small investment compared with the cost of engine repairs, especially on a turbocharged platform like the N20.

Summary

For a 2012 BMW 328i sedan equipped with the N20 2.0L turbocharged engine (F30 generation), the correct oil filter is a cartridge-style insert with BMW OEM part number 11 42 7 566 327. Common aftermarket equivalents include MANN HU 816 X, Mahle OX 388D, and similar filters from Bosch, WIX, Hengst, and FRAM. Because BMW used the 328i badge across different generations and engines, owners should always confirm fitment by engine code (N20), VIN, and parts catalog. Using a high‑quality, correctly installed filter with the proper BMW‑approved oil is key to protecting the N20 engine and ensuring long‑term reliability.

What type of oil does a 2012 BMW 328i take?

Notes: Full synthetic. 5W-30.

What kind of oil filter does a 2012 BMW 328i take?

FRAM Cartridge Engine Oil Filter CH10075.