What Size Oil Filter Wrench Is Needed for a 2013 BMW 328i?
The oil filter cap on a 2013 BMW 328i (F30, 2.0L N20 engine) typically requires a 86mm, 16-flute (16-point) oil filter cap wrench. This size fits the plastic oil filter housing used on most 2013 328i models, allowing safe removal and installation during oil changes.
Contents
Understanding the 2013 BMW 328i Oil Filter Housing
The 2013 BMW 328i sold in most markets uses the F30 chassis and is commonly equipped with the N20 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine uses a cartridge-style oil filter inside a plastic or composite oil filter housing located on top of the engine, rather than a traditional spin-on metal filter. Accessing this filter correctly depends on using the right size cap wrench.
Typical Wrench Size: 86mm, 16-Flute
For the majority of 2013 BMW 328i models with the N20 engine, the correct oil filter cap wrench size is 86mm with 16 flutes (also called 16 points or 16 sides). This is a common BMW/MINI size used across multiple models in this era.
The following list outlines the key specifications of the wrench size typically required for this vehicle’s oil filter housing:
- Diameter: 86mm (measured across the flats of the oil filter cap)
- Flutes: 16 (matching the ridges on the filter housing cap)
- Style: Cap-style oil filter wrench, usually aluminum or steel
- Drive size: Often accepts a 3/8″ or 1/2″ drive ratchet (depending on the tool design)
- Compatibility: Designed for BMW cartridge filter housings (including many N20 and N55 engines)
Together, these characteristics ensure the wrench engages securely with the filter cap, reducing the risk of slipping or damaging the plastic housing during removal and installation.
Why the Correct Size Matters
Using the correct size cap wrench is important not just for convenience, but also to protect the oil filter housing. The cap is typically made of a hard plastic or composite material, and using the wrong tool can easily round off the flutes or crack the housing, leading to oil leaks or requiring a replacement part.
Risks of Using the Wrong Wrench
Improvising with adjustable pliers or an incorrect-size wrench may seem quicker, but it can cause expensive damage. The oil filter housing is part of the engine’s lubrication system and must seal properly to maintain oil pressure and prevent leaks.
The next list highlights the main problems that can arise from using the wrong size oil filter wrench or an unsuitable tool:
- Rounded or damaged flutes on the filter cap, making future removal more difficult
- Cracked plastic housing, leading to oil seepage or sudden leaks
- Over-tightening or uneven force on the cap, which can damage the O-ring or threads
- Inability to torque the cap properly to manufacturer specifications
- Increased risk of contaminating the engine bay with spilled oil during removal
These potential issues underscore why a correctly sized, purpose-made cap wrench is strongly recommended for servicing the oil filter housing.
How to Confirm You Have the Correct Wrench
While 86mm, 16-flute is standard for most 2013 BMW 328i N20 applications, it is good practice to confirm compatibility before starting an oil change, particularly if the vehicle has had engine or housing replacements.
Simple Checks Before You Begin
Basic visual and measurement checks can quickly verify that your cap wrench will fit the filter housing correctly and securely. This helps avoid interruptions mid-service and potential damage to parts.
The list below explains practical steps you can take to confirm you have the right tool for your BMW 328i’s oil filter cap:
- Visually compare the wrench: Place the 86mm, 16-flute cap over the oil filter housing (engine off, cool) to ensure it seats fully and snugly.
- Check part descriptions: When buying online or in-store, look for wording such as “BMW N20/N55 oil filter cap wrench” or “86mm 16-flute BMW oil filter wrench.”
- Cross-check with filter brand: Many oil filter manufacturers list compatible cap wrench sizes on the box or product page.
- Match flutes carefully: Confirm that every ridge on the housing lines up with a flute on the wrench, with no play or rocking.
- Verify drive size: Ensure your ratchet or torque wrench fits the square drive on the cap wrench (commonly 3/8″ or 1/2″).
Completing these checks ahead of time helps ensure a smooth oil change and minimizes the risk of damage to the filter housing or surrounding components.
Other Tools and Tips for Changing the Oil Filter
Having the correct cap wrench is only part of performing a safe, clean oil change on a 2013 BMW 328i. The engine’s cartridge-style filter, top-mounted housing, and underbody panels mean you’ll benefit from a few additional tools and good practices.
Helpful Tools for a Cleaner, Easier Oil Change
Equipping yourself with the right supporting tools can reduce mess, protect components, and ensure you meet BMW’s service specifications when changing the oil and filter.
The following list outlines useful tools and supplies typically recommended when servicing the oil system on a 2013 BMW 328i:
- Torque wrench (for tightening the oil filter cap and drain plug to spec)
- New cartridge oil filter and cap O-ring (BMW-approved or high-quality equivalent)
- New crush washer for the oil drain plug
- Proper weight and specification engine oil (commonly 5W-30 or 0W-30/0W-40 meeting BMW Longlife spec, as per owner’s manual)
- Oil drain pan with sufficient capacity for the engine’s oil volume
- Rags, gloves, and cardboard or mats to protect the work area
- Socket set and appropriate bit for underbody panel fasteners (if present)
Using these tools and consumables alongside the correct 86mm, 16-flute cap wrench supports a professional-quality oil change and helps maintain the reliability of the N20 engine.
Summary
For a 2013 BMW 328i equipped with the common N20 2.0L turbo engine, the oil filter housing is designed to work with an 86mm, 16-flute oil filter cap wrench. This cap-style tool is essential for safely removing and tightening the plastic filter housing without damage. Verifying the size, matching the flutes correctly, and using appropriate supporting tools—such as a torque wrench, new O-rings, and correct-spec oil—will help ensure a clean, reliable oil change and protect both the housing and the engine over the long term.
What oil filter does a 2013 BMW 328i take?
aFe Power Cartridge Engine Oil Filter 44-LF029.
How do I know what size oil filter wrench I need?
You need to determine the correct size by checking your vehicle’s owner’s manual, measuring the old filter’s diameter, or looking up the specs for your specific car model, make, and year online. The two most common types of oil filter wrenches are cap-style, which require knowing both the filter’s diameter and the number of flutes, and universal-style wrenches, such as band or claw types, which adjust to fit a wide range of sizes.
This video demonstrates the best oil filter wrench and its features: 42sLHT PerformanceYouTube · Jul 20, 2024
How to determine the size
This video shows how to modify an oil filter wrench to fit both Honda and Nissan filters: 57sdial2fastYouTube · Jun 30, 2013
- Consult your owner’s manual: The manual will list the specific oil filter part number or specifications your vehicle requires.
- Look up online: Search online for your car’s make, model, and year to find the correct oil filter size.
- Measure the filter: If you have the old filter, use a ruler or caliper to measure its diameter across the top. For a cap-style wrench, you’ll also need to count the number of flutes (the ridges on the top).
Choosing the right type of wrench
You can watch this video to learn about different types of oil filter wrenches: 58sTorque Test ChannelYouTube · Jun 13, 2025
- Cap-style: These look like a large socket with a socket drive. They are the most secure but require a precise fit based on the diameter and number of flutes of your specific oil filter.
- Universal-style: These are a good option if you don’t know the exact size or want one wrench to fit multiple vehicles.
- Band wrench: A metal band that tightens around the filter as you turn it.
- Claw wrench: A tool with jaws that grip the filter as you turn it.
- Consider a set: A set of common sizes or a universal wrench can be a convenient alternative.
What size is the oil drain plug on a 2013 BMW 328i?
The 2013 BMW 328i uses an M12x1.50 thread size oil drain plug, which has a head size of 17mm or a 10mm Allen socket fitting depending on the specific plug. It is crucial to replace the single-use drain plug with a new one and torque it to the correct specification to avoid leaks.
- Thread Size: M12-1.50
- Socket/Head Size: 17mm wrench or a 10mm Allen socket, depending on the plug type
- Important Note: The plug is a single-use item and must be replaced each time the oil is changed to ensure a proper seal.
- Torque: Do not overtighten. Tighten until snug, not exceeding 8 Newton-meters.
- Seal: Always use a new gasket or O-ring with the new plug.
What size is the oil filter wrench on a BMW 328i?
A BMW 328i typically uses an 86mm, 16-flute oil filter wrench for its cartridge-style filter housing cap. You will also need a 3/8-inch square drive to connect to the ratchet, which can then be used to turn the wrench.
Specifics to consider
- Flutes: The wrench should have 16 flutes to match the oil filter housing cap.
- Drive: Ensure the wrench has a 3/8-inch square drive to connect to your ratchet.
- Compatibility: This size is standard for many BMW models with the N52, N54, N55, and other similar engines used in the 328i.
- Caution: Double-check the specific year and engine of your 328i to confirm the oil filter type, as some models may use different tools.
