1985 BMW 535i Oil Type & Capacity
The 1985 BMW 535i takes 5W-30 motor oil — 6.1 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 6.1 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic — 3.4L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 6.10 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). |
| Standard — 3.4L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 6.10 QTS. | 5.30 QTS. | Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). |
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More specs & repair guides for your 535i
1985 BMW 535i factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
12.7 quarts (12.01 L)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1985 BMW 535i take?
The 1985 BMW 535i takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required.), per the factory service manual.
How much oil does a 1985 BMW 535i take?
The 1985 BMW 535i holds 6.1 quarts with a filter change, or 5.3 quarts without changing the filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1985 BMW 535i?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1985 BMW 535i. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.