2011 BMW X3 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2011 BMW X3 oil type depends on the engine: the 28i takes 5W-30 (7.4 quarts with filter); the 35i takes 5W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 28i: 5W-30, 7.4 quarts with filter
- 35i: 5W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28i — Eng CD N52 | BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil or MOBIL 1 SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40 | 7.40 QTS. | — | — |
| 35i — Eng CD N55 | BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil or MOBIL 1 SAE 5W-30 or SAE 5W-40 | 6.90 QTS. | — | — |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your X3
2011 BMW X3 factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
N/A (N/A) — Ethylene Glycol long-term Antifreeze. Having corrosion inhibitors that are compatible with aluminum radiators.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2011 BMW X3 take?
It depends on the engine: 28i uses 5W-30; 35i uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2011 BMW X3 take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 28i holds 7.4 quarts with filter; 35i holds 6.9 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2011 BMW X3?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2011 BMW X3. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.