What type of oil change does my BMW X3 need? It is recommended to use for BMW X3 cars the appropriate API SN, API SP classification and approvals BMW Longlife, with viscosity 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 or 10W-30.
Engine Oil For BMW X3 Best Choice
Red Line Motor Oil 5W-30
- SAE: 5w-30
- API: SN / CF
- ACEA: A3/B3/B4
- VW 502.00 / 503.01 / 505.01
- BMW LL-01
- Ford WSS-M2C946-A
- GM dexos1 (GM-LL-A-025, GM6094M, GM4718M)
We may earn a commission if you make a purchase of a product through one of our links at no additional cost to you.
BMW X3 Engine Oil Application Guide
What is the best engine oil for BMW X3? We’ve created this guide to help you choose the right engine oil for your BMW X3 car, depending on the car model generation, year of manufacture, and mileage of the BMW X3. Engine oil generally maintains a lubricating film between moving parts and better seals critical components of your engine, protecting engine parts from dirt, harmful deposits, and corrosion. We have created this guide to help you choose the best engine oil for BMW X3.
BMW X3 Oil Recommended by Manufacturer
To select the best engine oil for BMW, you have to choose an oil that meets the appropriate API SN, API SP classification, and approvals BMW Longlife.
Top 5 Engine Oil for BMW X3
RAVENOL SSO 0W-30
USVO (Ultra Strong Viscosity Oil) PAO (Polyalphaolefin) based synthetic low friction automotive engine oil exceeds manufacturers’ expectations of performance over the extended oil change interval in the vehicle engine.
Viscosity:
SAE: 0w-30
Specifications:
API: SN/CF
ACEA: A3/B4
Approvals:
Volvo VCC 95200356, BMW Longlife-98, Mercedes-Benz MB 229.5, Renault RN0700, RN0710, VW 502 00 / 505 00 / 503 01, GM-LL-A-025, GM-LL-B-025, BMW Longlife-01
Motul 8100 X-Clean EFE 5W-30
Synthetic motor oil provides engine wear protection and high-temperature stability.
Viscosity:
SAE: 5w-30
Specifications:
API: SN
ACEA: C2, C3
Approvals:
BMW LongLife-04, GM-Opel Dexos2, MB-Approval 229.52, OPEL/VAUXHALL OV0401547, VW 505 00 505 01, FIAT 9.55535-S1 / S3
Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30
Liqui Moly TopTec 4200 5w-30 is an all-season synthetic engine oil for passenger cars running on gasoline and diesel fuel, including cars equipped with a particulate filter in accordance with Euro 4 standards and extended vehicle maintenance intervals.
Viscosity:
SAE: 5w-30
Specifications:
API: SP
ACEA: C3
Approvals:
BMW Longlife-04, MB 229.31, MB 229.51, Porsche C30, VW 504 00 / 507 00, Fiat 9.55535-S1, Fiat 9.55535-S3
BMW Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
BMW 0W20 LL17 engine oil is intended for SULEV models (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles) and others that rank high performance and fuel economy.
Viscosity:
SAE: 0w-20
Specifications:
ACEA: A1/B1
Approvals:
Longlife-14FE+
Valvoline European Vehicle XL-III 5W-30
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic automotive engine oil is designed to provide maximum protection for European gas and diesel engines.
Viscosity:
SAE: 5w-30
Specifications:
API: SL
ACEA: A3/B4, A3/B3
Approvals:
BMW Longlife-01, MB 229.5, 229.5, 226.5, Porsche A40, VW 502 00 / 505 00 / 505 01, Renault RN0700, RN0710
All our reviews are based only on expert assessments or practical experience with most of the oils we consider. We aim to ensure that our management is independent.
How To Choose Motor Oil For BMW X3?
- Choose oil according to BMW recommendations (should be indicated in the service book of your BMW X3 car).
- Apply oil that is already used in your BMW X3 engine (data must be entered in the service book).
- Choose oil according to the recommendations of engine oil producers and BMW tolerances, we have collected this information in this review.
The best engine oil for BMW X3
BMW X3 engine oil 0w-30
For new BMW X3 cars, for cars with less than 75,000 miles, we recommend to use engine oil viscosity 0w-30, API SN, API SP classification.
BMW X3 engine oil 0w-40
For new BMW X3 cars, for cars with less than 75,000 miles, we recommend to use engine oil viscosity 0w-40, API SN, API SP classification.
The best BMW X3 motor oil 0w-40
BMW X3 engine oil 5w-30
For new BMW X3 cars, for cars with less than 75,000 miles, we recommend to use engine oil viscosity 5w-30, API SN, API SP classification.
BMW X3 engine oil 5w-40
For new BMW X3 cars, for cars with less than 100,000 miles, we recommend to use engine oil viscosity 5w-40, API SN, API SP classification.
The best BMW X3 motor oil 5w-40
Approvals BMW Motor Oil
BMW Longlife-98 (BMW LL-98)
Special long-life engine oil, approved by BMW. Also meets ACEA A3/B3, API SJ/CD, EC SAE 5W-40. Usually required for BMWs manufactured before MY 2002. Obsolete since 2009.
BMW Longlife-01 (BMW LL-01)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. The product meets ACEA A3/B3 and API: SJ/CD EC-II. Usually required for BMWs built after MY 2002. It Can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 oil is recommended.
BMW Longlife-01 FE (BMW LL-01 FE)
Fully synthetic long-life oil with fuel economy properties. Oils meeting these specifications must have a low HTHS viscosity to meet the manufacturer’s fuel economy requirements. These oils are only suitable for the following engines: N1x, N2x, N54, N55, N63, N74.
BMW Longlife-04 (BMW LL-04)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Viscosity are SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 and 5W-40. Usually required for BMWs equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). It Can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 or BMW Longlife-01 oil is recommended.
BMW Longlife-12 (BMW LL-12)
Special motor oil for certain approved gasoline engines and the following diesel engines only: Nx7K1, Nx7U1, Nx7O1 from the model year 2013. Not suitable for engines with 2 or 3 turbos.
BMW Longlife-14+ (BMW LL-14+)
Special motor oil for the following gasoline engines only: N20, Bx8 from the model year 2014. Not allowed for diesel engines.
BMW Longlife-17 FE (BMW LL-17 FE)
This specification requires a low SAPS, usually ACEA C5 compliant, 0W20 oil. Oils meeting this specification are usually recommended for the newest gasoline and diesel-powered BMWs. The base oil is typically from Group IV (polyalphaolefines).
Oil service volume for BMW X3
The amount and viscosity of engine oil depend on the generation of the BMW X3, the volume, and type of the engine, as well as the degree of its wear.
BMW X3 Engine Oil Capacity
BMW X3, motor volume: 2.0i
Engine: N46B20 , production year: 2004, 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 4.25
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive20i
Engine: N46B20 , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 4.25
BMW X3, motor volume: 2.5i
Engine: M54 B25 , production year: 2004, 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.2
BMW X3, motor volume: 2.5si
Engine: N52K , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0i
Engine: M54 B30 , production year: 2004, 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.2
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0si
Engine: N52K , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive18d
Engine: N47S D20 , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.2
BMW X3, motor volume: 2.0d
Engine: M47TU2 , production year: 2004, 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.3
BMW X3, motor volume: 2.0d DPF
Engine: M47TU2 , production year: 2004, 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.3
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive20d
Engine: M47TU2 , production year: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.3
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0d
Engine: M57TU , production year: 2004, 2005. Oil viscosity: 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0d
Engine: M57TU2 , production year: 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0d DPF
Engine: M57TU2 , production year: 2005, 2006. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive30d
Engine: M57TU2 , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0sd
Engine: M57TU2 , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: 3.0sd DPF
Engine: M57TU2 , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive35d
Engine: M57TU2 , production year: 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 7.5
BMW X3, motor volume: sDrive18i
Engine: N20B16 , production year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5
BMW X3, motor volume: sDrive20i
Engine: N20B20A , production year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5
BMW X3, motor volume: sDrive20i
Engine: N20B20A , production year: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 4.8
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive28i
Engine: N52 B30 , production year: 2010, 2011, 2012. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive28i
Engine: N20B20A , production year: 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 5w30, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 4.8
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive35i
Engine: N55 B30 , production year: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 5w30, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3, motor volume: sDrive18d
Engine: N47D20 , production year: 2012, 2013, 2014. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 5w30, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.2
BMW X3, motor volume: sDrive18d
Engine: B47 , production year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 5w30, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.0
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive20d
Engine: N47D20 , production year: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.2
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive20d
Engine: B47 , production year: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 5.0
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive30d
Engine: N57 D30 , production year: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive30d
Engine: N57 D30 , production year: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3, motor volume: xDrive35d
Engine: N57Z D30 , production year: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Oil viscosity: 0w30, 0w40, 5w30, 5w40, 10w30, 10w40, engine oil capacity: 6.5
BMW X3 Generations
BMW X3 2018 (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021), 3 generation
The newest version of the X3 debuted for 2018 in xDrive30i and M40i trims. The M and M Competition models, firsts for the X3, joined the lineup for 2020. We expect an xDrive30e hybrid model to arrive as a 2021 model.
BMW X3 2011 (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017), 2 generation
The first-gen X3 was a sales hit, and so, a follow-up effort debuted in 2010 for the 2011 model year. The base model was now equipped with a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder, while a 300-horsepower turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine was optional. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In 2013, BMW replaced the 28i’s six-cylinder with a turbocharged four-cylinder.
BMW X3 2004 (2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010), 1 generation
The X3 followed in the footsteps of the successful X5 as a smaller, more affordable, more accessible BMW compact SUV. It debuted with the choice between a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter six-cylinder or a 225-horsepower 3.0-liter six-cylinder, both of which paired with either a five-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. The all-wheel-drive-only X3 was some 600 pounds lighter than the X5.
The best motor oil reviews:
Editors Oilap
Oilap information magazine
We conduct product comparison tests, choose the best for you to make the choice of oils and lubricants as easy and convenient as possible.
Reviews
We study customer experience, product reviews, choose what you are most interested in for the test.
Tests
We test the motor oil, determine how its characteristics correspond to the manufacturer’s information.
Buyers Guide
Prepare for your guides with product reviews, to make choosing engine oil easier.
