2012 BMW Z4 Oil Type & Capacity
The 2012 BMW Z4 oil type depends on the engine: the 28i, Automatic Trans takes 0W-30 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 28i, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (5.3 quarts with filter); the 35i, Automatic DCT Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 35i, Standard Trans takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter); the 35is takes 0W-30 (6.9 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 28i, Automatic Trans: 0W-30, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 28i, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 5.3 quarts with filter
- 35i, Automatic DCT Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 35i, Standard Trans: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
- 35is: 0W-30, 6.9 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28i, Automatic Trans — Eng CD N20 | 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. |
| 28i, Standard Trans — Eng CD N20 | 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. |
| 35i, Automatic DCT Trans — Eng CD N54 | 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. |
| 35i, Standard Trans — Eng CD N54 | 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. |
| 35is — Eng CD N54 | 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 Z4
2012 BMW Z4 factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2012 BMW Z4 take?
It depends on the engine: 28i, Automatic Trans uses 0W-30; 28i, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 35i, Automatic DCT Trans uses 0W-30; 35i, Standard Trans uses 0W-30; 35is uses 0W-30.
How much oil does a 2012 BMW Z4 take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 28i, Automatic Trans holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 28i, Standard Trans holds 5.3 quarts with filter; 35i, Automatic DCT Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 35i, Standard Trans holds 6.9 quarts with filter; 35is holds 6.9 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2012 BMW Z4?
Yes. 0W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2012 BMW Z4. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.