BMW 320i Oil Capacity & Oil Type
TL;DR
Capacity rises from roughly 4.25 L on the older N46 engine to 5.0-5.25 L on the newer turbocharged N20 and B48 engines - always confirm your exact engine code before topping up.
Oil capacity by BMW 320i engine generation
The 320i badge has been used on several different BMW 3 Series generations, each with a different engine family, so the oil fill quantity is not the same across all of them. Below are the figures found in service documentation and reputable oil-lookup tools for each engine code.
N46 (naturally-aspirated, E90/E91 era)
The older 2.0-liter naturally aspirated N46 engine takes approximately 4.25 liters (about 4.5 US quarts) of oil with a filter change, using a 0W-30 or 5W-30 oil meeting BMW Longlife-04 (or Longlife-01) specification.
N20 (turbocharged, F30 era)
The 2.0-liter turbocharged N20 engine that replaced it takes approximately 5.0 liters (about 5.3 US quarts) with filter, specified for 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01) or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-01 FE) oil.
B48 (turbocharged, later F30/G20 era)
The newer modular B48 turbocharged engine takes approximately 5.25 liters (about 5.55 US quarts) with filter. Some technicians recommend filling to about 5.0 L first and then checking the electronic oil level sensor before topping off further, to avoid overfilling. Viscosity varies by market and model year between 0W-20, 0W-30 and 5W-30 depending on the Longlife specification (LL-01, LL-04 or LL-17 FE+) called for on your particular car.
Always confirm on your own car
Because engine codes and factory fill specs changed several times across 320i generations - and even within a generation depending on market and options like xDrive - always verify the exact figure for your car using the authoritative sources below rather than relying on a generic number.
| Engine code / years | Capacity with filter (L / US qt) | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| N46 (approx. 2005-2011, E90/E91) | 4.25 L / 4.5 qt | 0W-30 or 5W-30 (LL-04) |
| N20 (approx. 2012-2015, F30) | 5.0 L / 5.3 qt | 5W-30 (LL-01) or 0W-30 (LL-01 FE) |
| B48 (approx. 2015 onward, F30 facelift/G20) | 5.25 L / 5.55 qt | 0W-20, 0W-30 or 5W-30 (LL-01/LL-04/LL-17 FE+ per model year) |
Summary
| N46 capacity (with filter) | 4.25 L / 4.5 US qt |
|---|---|
| N46 viscosity | 0W-30 or 5W-30 (LL-04) |
| N20 capacity (with filter) | 5.0 L / 5.3 US qt |
| N20 viscosity | 5W-30 (LL-01) or 0W-30 (LL-01 FE) |
| B48 capacity (with filter) | 5.25 L / 5.55 US qt |
| B48 viscosity | 0W-20 / 0W-30 / 5W-30 (varies by year) |
| Authoritative source | Owner's manual + oil filler cap sticker |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see BMW 320i: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know which engine my BMW 320i has?
Check the engine code stamped on a plate on the engine block itself, look it up using your VIN through a BMW parts catalog, or ask a BMW dealer or independent BMW specialist to confirm it from the chassis number. The engine code (N46, N20, or B48) is the only reliable way to match the correct oil capacity, since the 320i name was reused across very different engines.
Where is the most reliable place to check my exact oil capacity and viscosity?
Your owner's manual and the sticker on the oil filler cap or under the hood are the manufacturer-verified sources for your specific car. If those are missing, a BMW dealer can pull the exact factory fill spec from your VIN.
Can I just fill to the 'max' mark on the dipstick or electronic gauge instead of using a fixed liter figure?
Yes, and this is actually the safer approach for turbocharged BMW engines like the N20 and B48, since BMW recommends checking the electronic oil level display after an initial partial fill rather than pouring in the full rated capacity at once, to avoid overfilling.
Does it matter if I use 5W-30 instead of the exact viscosity listed for my model year?
It can matter. BMW ties specific Longlife approvals (LL-01, LL-04, LL-17 FE+) to specific engines and emissions requirements, and using an unapproved oil can affect emissions compliance or warranty coverage, so match the Longlife spec on your oil filler cap or manual, not just the viscosity number.