Oil change Guide2008 BMW X3
Complete DIY repair guide with step-by-step instructions. Find exact parts on Amazon for your vehicle.
Difficulty
Easy
Time
30-45 minutes
Parts Needed
3 items
DIY Savings
$100-400+
2008 BMW X3 — What You Need to Know
- →N52 engine capacity is 6.9 quarts — add 6.5 quarts initially, check dipstick and top off to full mark
- →BMW LL-01 is a specific oil specification — look for 'BMW LL-01 approved' on the bottle, not just 5W-30
- →The oil filter is on TOP of the engine (not underneath) — access is easy without getting under the car
- →Oil change interval: BMW recommends up to 15,000 miles with CBS system, but 7,500-10,000 miles is safer for longevity
Torque Specs
Drain plug: 18 ft-lbs | Oil filter cap: 18 ft-lbs
Safety Warnings
- •BMW X3 requires BMW LL-01 certified oil — standard 5W-30 from the parts store may NOT meet this spec
- •The X3 uses a filter cartridge (not a spin-on filter) — located on top of the engine under a plastic cap
- •Always replace the aluminum drain plug washer — reusing old crush washers causes leaks
Tools Required
17mm socket (drain plug)
32mm cap socket for oil filter housing
Drain pan
Funnel
Torque wrench
Parts Needed
Engine OilBMW LL-01 certified 5W-30 ONLY — 6.9 quarts (N52 engine)
Shop on AmazonOil Filter Cartridge
Shop on AmazonOEM 11427566327Mann W712/75 or Mahle OC 427
Drain Plug WasherAluminum crush washer, replace every oil change
Shop on AmazonOEM 07119963200
Basic Procedure Overview
- 1Warm engine for 2 minutes, then shut off and allow to cool 5 minutes
- 2Remove oil filler cap on top of engine to allow faster draining
- 3Crawl under vehicle, locate 17mm drain plug on oil pan, position drain pan
- 4Remove drain plug and old crush washer, let oil drain fully (5-7 minutes)
- 5While draining: remove 32mm filter cap on top of engine, lift out cartridge filter and discard
- 6Install new filter cartridge with new O-ring lubricated with fresh oil, torque cap to spec
- 7Install new drain plug washer, reinstall drain plug to 18 ft-lbs
- 8Add 6.5 quarts of BMW LL-01 5W-30, start engine, check for leaks, verify level on dipstick
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