2012 BMW 328i Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 BMW 328i oil type depends on the engine: the 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Automatic Trans takes 0W-30 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 4D Sedan, Eng CD N26 takes 0W-30 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 4D Wagon, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Automatic Trans: 0W-30, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 4D Sedan, Eng CD N26: 0W-30, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 4D Wagon, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Automatic Trans — 2.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 5.30 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Standard Trans — 2.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 5.30 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 4D Sedan, Eng CD N26 — 2.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 5.30 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
| 4D Wagon, Standard Trans — 3.0L Eng | CASTROL Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30, MOBIL SAE 0W-40, PENNZOIL Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30, VALVOLINE SynPower SAE 5W-30 | 6.90 QTS. | — | The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which the vehicle is normally driven. BMW recommends BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your 328i
2012 BMW 328i 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 2012 BMW 328i take?
It depends on the engine: 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans uses 0W-30; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z uses 0W-30; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R uses 0W-30; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans uses 0W-30; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z uses 0W-30; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R uses 0W-30; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Automatic Trans uses 0W-30; 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 4D Sedan, Eng CD N26 uses 0W-30; 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z uses 0W-30; 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R uses 0W-30; 4D Wagon, Standard Trans uses 0W-30.
How much oil does a 2012 BMW 328i take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Convertible, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Automatic Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N51, Standard Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 2D Coupe, Eng CD N52, Standard Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Automatic Trans holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 4D Sedan, Eng CD N20, Standard Trans holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 4D Sedan, Eng CD N26 holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6HP19Z holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 4D Wagon, Automatic Trans, Trans Mfr CD GA6L45R holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 4D Wagon, Standard Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 BMW 328i?
Yes. 0W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 BMW 328i. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.