2012 BMW M3 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 BMW M3 takes 10W-60 motor oil — 9.3 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
10W-60 — 9.3 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Convertible, Automatic DCT Trans | CASTROL TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or CASTROL Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oil | 9.30 QTS. | — | If unable to obtain the recommended oil, use BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or MOBIL 1, use a synthetic oil with API rating of SH or higher. |
| 2D Convertible, Standard Trans | CASTROL TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or CASTROL Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oil | 9.30 QTS. | — | If unable to obtain the recommended oil, use BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or MOBIL 1, use a synthetic oil with API rating of SH or higher. |
| 2D Coupe, Automatic DCT Trans | CASTROL TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or CASTROL Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oil | 9.30 QTS. | — | If unable to obtain the recommended oil, use BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or MOBIL 1, use a synthetic oil with API rating of SH or higher. |
| 2D Coupe, Standard Trans | CASTROL TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or CASTROL Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oil | 9.30 QTS. | — | If unable to obtain the recommended oil, use BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil or MOBIL 1, use a synthetic oil with API rating of SH or higher. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your M3
2012 BMW M3 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 M3 take?
The 2012 BMW M3 takes 10W-60 motor oil (CASTROL TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic, or CASTROL Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oil), per the factory service manual.
How much oil does a 2012 BMW M3 take?
The 2012 BMW M3 holds 9.3 quarts with a filter change.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 BMW M3?
Yes. 10W-60 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 BMW M3. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.