1990 BMW 325i Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters
Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 1990 BMW 325i oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 1990 BMW 325i, including exact engine oil capacity, the manufacturer recommended oil viscosity and type, and the correct OEM and aftermarket oil filters.
We cover all available engine options categorized by their specific engine codes, ensuring you get pinpoint accuracy for your specific vehicle configuration. Keep reading to discover everything required for a successful 1990 BMW 325i oil change!
Scroll Table ➜
| Engine & Code | Oil Capacity | Oil Viscosity/Type | Oil Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 6-cylinder M20 B25 5 | 4.5 quarts (with filter) | SAE 10W-30 (-20 To 10°C) SAE 10W-40 (-20 To 20°C) SAE 15W-40 (Above -15°C) SAE 5W-20 (Below 0°C) SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C) | BMW 11-42-1-707-779 BMW 11-42-9-063-138 |
Select Your 1990 BMW 325i Engine Option
2.5L 6-cylinder Engine Code M20 B25 5
Engine:
2.5L 6-cylinder M20 B25 5 [aka 2.5L L6 (Gas)]
Body & Trims:
Base
Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (-20 To 10°C)
SAE 10W-40 (-20 To 20°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -15°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below 0°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C)
OEM Oil Filter:
Oil Filter Replaces:
11-42-1-266-773, 11-42-9-061-198 and 11-42-1-718-816, 11-42-9-061-199, 11421267268, 11421718820
1990 BMW 325i 2.5L 6-cylinder M20 B25 5 oil change details
Oil Grade:
SM
Oil Capacity:
4.5 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 10W-30 (-20 To 10°C)
SAE 10W-40 (-20 To 20°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -15°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below 0°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C)
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
19 MM PBH - 43-46 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug).
17 MM PBH - 22-26 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug)
Notes:
N/A
People also ask – 1990 BMW 325i
What is the oil capacity of a 1990 BMW 325i?
Depending on the specific engine option, the 1990 BMW 325i oil capacity ranges from 4.5 to 4.5 quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:
• 2.5L 6-cylinder (M20 B25 5): 4.5 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
Always check your dipstick after refilling to ensure the proper level.
What type of oil does a 1990 BMW 325i use?
Across its 1 available engine configurations, the 1990 BMW 325i uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 10W-30 (-20 To 10°C)SAE 10W-40 (-20 To 20°C)SAE 15W-40 (Above -15°C)SAE 5W-20 (Below 0°C)SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:
• 2.5L 6-cylinder (M20 B25 5):Grade: SM
SAE 10W-30 (-20 To 10°C)
SAE 10W-40 (-20 To 20°C)
SAE 15W-40 (Above -15°C)
SAE 5W-20 (Below 0°C)
SAE 5W-30 (Below 10°C)
What is the best oil filter for the 1990 BMW 325i?
The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 1990 BMW 325i utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: 51088-EA. Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:
• 2.5L 6-cylinder (M20 B25 5):OEM Filter: BMW 11-42-1-707-779 or BMW 11-42-9-063-138
Wix Filter: 51088-EA
How often should I change the oil in my 1990 BMW 325i?
For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older BMW 325i generations (1985-2010) or those using conventional/synthetic-blend fluid, changing the oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is highly recommended to prevent sludge buildup. Regardless of engine (2.5L 6-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.