2012 BMW X3 Oil Capacity, Types, & Filters
Your ultimate DIY maintenance guide for the 2012 BMW X3 oil change is here! No more searching – find all the critical oil specs for your 2012 BMW X3, 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 2012 BMW X3 oil change!
Scroll Table ➜
| Engine & Code | Oil Capacity | Oil Viscosity/Type | Oil Filter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6-cylinder N52 B30A H | 6.9 quarts (with filter) | SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS) | BMW 11-42-7-953-129 BMW 11-42-7-953-125 |
| 3.0L 6-cylinder N55 B30A 4 Turbo | 6.9 quarts (with filter) | SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS) | BMW 11-42-7-953-129 BMW 11-42-7-953-125 |
Select Your 2012 BMW X3 Engine Option
3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code N52 B30A H
Engine:
3.0L 6-cylinder N52 B30A H [aka 3.0L L6 (Gas)]
Body & Trims:
xDrive28i, xDrive35i
Oil Capacity:
6.9 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS)
OEM Oil Filter:
Oil Filter Replaces:
11-42-7-541-827, 11-42-7-566-327, 11-42-8-683-196 and 11-42-7-640-862, 11-42-8-683-204
2012 BMW X3 3.0L 6-cylinder N52 B30A H oil change details
Oil Grade:
SEO68
Oil Capacity:
6.9 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS)
Name of Oil Filter:
N/A
Wix Oil Filter:
N/A
Wix Air Filter:
N/A
Coolant Capacity:
10.7 quarts - For models with an Automatic Transmission (AT).
10.5 quarts - For models with a Manual Transmission (MT).
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
M12x1.5 - 19 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Always replace the drain plug seal with a new one.
Notes:
N/A
3.0L 6-cylinder Engine Code N55 B30A 4 Turbo
Engine:
3.0L 6-cylinder N55 B30A 4 Turbo [aka 3.0L L6 (Gas)]
Body & Trims:
xDrive28i, xDrive35i
Oil Capacity:
6.9 quarts (with filter)
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS)
OEM Oil Filter:
Oil Filter Replaces:
11-42-7-541-827, 11-42-7-566-327, 11-42-8-683-196 and 11-42-7-640-862, 11-42-8-683-204
2012 BMW X3 3.0L 6-cylinder N55 B30A 4 Turbo oil change details
Oil Grade:
SEO68
Oil Capacity:
6.9 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
Oil Viscosity/Type:
SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS)
Name of Oil Filter:
N/A
Wix Oil Filter:
N/A
Wix Air Filter:
N/A
Coolant Capacity:
11.5 quarts
Oil Drain Plug Torque:
M12x1.5 - 19 ft/lbs (Oil Drain Plug). Always replace the drain plug seal with a new one.
Notes:
N/A
People also ask – 2012 BMW X3
What is the oil capacity of a 2012 BMW X3?
Depending on the specific engine option, the 2012 BMW X3 oil capacity ranges from 6.9 to 6.9 quarts. Here is the exact oil capacity breakdown for each available engine configuration:
• 3.0L 6-cylinder (N52 B30A H): 6.9 quarts. (with filter). This is the capacity with the oil filter installed. Always check the oil level after refilling.
• 3.0L 6-cylinder (N55 B30A 4 Turbo): 6.9 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 2012 BMW X3 use?
Across its 2 available engine configurations, the 2012 BMW X3 uses the following motor oil viscosities: SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS). Using the correct manufacturer-approved oil weight is crucial for engine health. Here are the specific oil type requirements by engine:
• 3.0L 6-cylinder (N52 B30A H):Grade: SEO68
SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS)
• 3.0L 6-cylinder (N55 B30A 4 Turbo):
Grade: SEO68
SAE 0W-30 (All TEMPS)
What is the best oil filter for the 2012 BMW X3?
The proper oil filter depends on your exact engine code. The 2012 BMW X3 utilizes the following premium aftermarket Wix oil filters across its lineup: . Here is the specific OEM and aftermarket filter data for each engine:
• 3.0L 6-cylinder (N52 B30A H):OEM Filter: BMW 11-42-7-953-129 or BMW 11-42-7-953-125
Wix Filter: Check Cross-reference Catalog
• 3.0L 6-cylinder (N55 B30A 4 Turbo):
OEM Filter: BMW 11-42-7-953-129 or BMW 11-42-7-953-125
Wix Filter: Check Cross-reference Catalog
How often should I change the oil in my 2012 BMW X3?
For modern models running full synthetic oil, oil change intervals are typically every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, for older BMW X3 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 (3.0L 6-cylinder), you should change your oil at least once a year even if you don’t reach the mileage limit.