The BMW N20 is a four-cylinder engine used in many BMW models during the 2010s. To keep your N20 running smoothly, you must stay on top of oil changes. To change your oil, you need to know the engine oil capacity of the N20.

Oil changes are a part of every car owner's

regular maintenance schedule

. If you want to save a little money on your BMW’s upkeep, you should change your oil at home!

Jerry

, the

car insurance

shopping app, has provided all the information you need to change your oil below. Read on to learn your BMW N20’s engine oil capacity, the recommended engine oil for an N20, and how to make your DIY oil change a breeze. (Keep reading to see how you can save on your

BMW insurance cost

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BMW N20 engine oil capacity

The BMW N20 can hold 5.3 quarts of engine oil. When you are ready to change your engine oil, you'll need to know this number.

The BMW N20 is a turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with either 1.6L or 2.0L of engine displacement, depending on the model. The N20 has been inside plenty of BMW models from 2011 until 2018.

Know that engine displacement is different from oil capacity, so the 1.6L or 2.0L measurement has nothing to do with how much engine oil your engine can hold.

What kind of oil does a BMW N20 need?

Now that you know how much it can hold, you need to make sure you're putting in the right type of oil. This engine requires 0W-20 or 0W-30 oil, and

BMW TwinPower Turbo 0w20

is a good place to start.

This is a synthetic oil. Synthetic oil was created by combining chemicals and is specifically designed to provide better, longer-lasting service for your engine. In addition, synthetic oil needs fewer changes than conventional oil.

Here is a breakdown of what those numbers on the oil can really mean. The numbers you see indicate the oil's viscosity (thickness). The first number indicates the consistency in cold conditions (the W stands for 'winter'), while the second number represents the viscosity at regular engine temperatures—around 212℉.

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Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a BMW N20

The next question is, how often will you need to change your oil?

For the BMW N20 engine, the recommendation is to change your oil every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. It equates to switching your oil every six months, depending on how frequently you drive.

Since the N20 uses synthetic oil, you can get away with more extended periods between oil changes. That isn't the case with synthetic blends or conventional oils. For example, if you used conventional oils for your BMW, you'd be doing oil changes every 3,000 miles.

However, there are some indicators that it's time to change your oil, no matter how many miles have elapsed. Watch out for the following signs:

Unfamiliar noises coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your vehicle's performance

MORE:

The best colors to ever grace a BMW

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now for the last piece of the puzzle: actually changing your oil and oil filter. Please note that you must change your oil filter along with your oil.

To change your oil, you’ll need the following tools: a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench. Also, don’t forget the correct type of engine oil and a new oil filter.

First, you want your engine to be warm, which will help with oil viscosity. To do this, run your car for a few minutes, then let it cool down. Once the vehicle is at the desired temperature, it's time to pop the hood.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing your oil and filter:

Remove the oil fill cap

Get below the engine to remove the oil drain bolt. Be sure the drain pan is placed underneath the engine first—then your oil will begin to drain

While the oil drains, remove your old oil filter and install the new one

Once all the oil is drained, replace the oil drain bolt

Refill the engine with fresh oil and replace the fill cap

Double-check that you've put in enough oil using the dipstick. Then run the engine for a few minutes to check for leaks or issues.

That's it! You are all set for the next six months or 8,000 miles. Just make sure you dispose of the old oil properly at a recycling facility instead of pouring it in the trash or on the ground.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Just like you regularly check and change your oil, you should see if it's time to change your car insurance policy. Getting quotes from multiple insurance providers simultaneously is the fastest way to find the lowest price. Thankfully, we've got a solution—it's an app called

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