The BMW X3 is the SUV where luxury and practicality meet the road—and it’s reflected in the price tag. After paying a hefty cost, you want it to operate at optimal performance for as long as possible. Understanding your X3’s engine oil capacity is one way to ensure it will stay on the road for many miles to come.
Owning a car can be incredibly expensive, with unforeseen maintenance and car repairs
popping up at any time. If you are looking to cut some of your expenses, you can skip a recurring mechanic’s bill by performing your own oil change. We know it might sound daunting at first, but that’s why Jerry
, the car insurance
comparison app, has created this guide to provide you with everything you need to know about your BMW X3’s engine oil. We’ll break down how much you’ll need, the best oil type, and even how to reduce your BMW X3 car insurance cost
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BMW X3 engine oil capacity
Before you get ready to dive under your SUV, we need to cover exactly how much oil your X3 will need.
The X3 comes equipped with a 2.0-liter V4 engine, which has an oil capacity of 5.6 quarts. The 2.0-liter part of the engine is its displacement and can not be confused with its oil capacity. Let’s discuss the distinction to avoid any problems down the road.
An engine’s displacement is the total volume of air and fuel that gets swept into each cylinder during one engine cycle. This differs from the oil capacity, which is the amount of oil your engine needs to operate smoothly. Understanding the difference between the two will prevent you from mixing up the numbers and severely underfilling your engine.
What kind of oil does a BMW X3 need?
Now that we’ve covered oil capacity, let’s move on to the oil type your X3 needs.
When you go shopping for oil, you’ll see a ton of different options for the ever-increasing number of vehicles on the road. Keep scanning the shelves until you come across the oil recommended by BMW: Leichtlauf 5W-40 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
Let’s really dissect this oil type so you know exactly what you’re putting into your BMW. The “W” stands for winter, and the preceding 5 tells us that the oil remains at a low viscosity (thickness) while the engine is under cold conditions. The number following the “W” refers to its viscosity when the engine is at its operational temperature. 40 is a thick grade, which means it will keep all the engine parts lubricated even when it is hot.
You want an oil that will be thin enough to flow during those cold morning start-ups but one that stays thick enough to keep the engine cool when running.
If you are interested in sole alternative oil options, these are some we recommend:
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How often to change oil on a BMW X3
BMW advises changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep your engine running at its best.
It’s a good idea to regularly monitor your oil levels and keep track of your last oil changes to ensure you never go too long without fresh oil. Even if you rarely drive, your oil should be changed every six months to prevent it from turning into sludge.
These signs will also tell you your car is ready for an oil change:
The oil’s texture has become rough or gritty
The oil’s color changed from amber to dark brown or black
Strange noises are coming from the engine
Burning odors are coming from under the hood
Noticeable changes in your vehicle’s performance
How to change your oil and oil filter
And now, it’s finally time to change your oil! Begin by gathering the following materials: a socket wrench, drain pan, filter wrench, new filter, and a rag. Oh, and we can’t forget the bottle of 5W-40 Full Synthetic motor oil, of course.
Once you have all the necessary materials, park your X3 on a flat surface and let the engine idle for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Next, turn the engine off, pop your hood, and follow these instructions:
Go underneath your engine, set down your drain pan, and remove the oil drain plug.
Unscrew the plug with your socket wrench, allowing the oil to empty into the pan.
Find the oil filter, remove it with your filter wrench, and let the oil drain out.
Clean the filter’s mounting surface with the rag, then screw in your replacement filter.
Tighten the oil drain plug back into place.
Pour the proper amount of oil into the top of the engine.
We knew you could do it! Confirm the oil is at the correct level using your dipstick, and then make sure your oil pressure dashboard light is off. Finally, start your engine and check to see if there are any leaks—if you don’t see any, you’re all set.
As far as cleanup is concerned, refrain from pouring the old, dirty oil on the ground or into your garbage. Instead, pour it into a container, seal it, and bring it to a recycling center for disposal.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
Performing your own oil changes is a great way to save time and money. Want another way to save? Shop for your car insurance with Jerry
. Jerry is the app you can trust
to find the best deals on policies specific to your needs and lower your BMW insurance costs
. Just download the app, enter your information, and Jerry will compare quotes from the most popular providers. Jerry will even automatically start shopping around as you approach renewal and can help cancel your existing policy. Jerry customers save an average of over $800 per year on car insurance payments!
“Insurance companies originally charged me $189 while driving my BMW 300 miles per year. Thanks to Jerry
, I only pay $56! I’m so happy.” —Ray T.
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