BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity: All Years & Engines

Rebbeca Jones

Rebbeca Jones

The BMW M5 is a high-performance sedan produced since 1985 across seven generations. This guide provides complete engine oil capacity, viscosity, and type specifications for all model years to ensure proper engine maintenance and longevity. Using the correct oil specifications is critical for protecting high-performance engines and maintaining optimal power output.

BMW M5 Oil Capacity

2025 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S68) + Electric Motor Plug-in Hybrid
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.5 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.8 qt (9.3 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-17 FE+)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428507683, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2025 BMW M5 uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain combining a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor producing 717 horsepower. Using 10.0 liters of 0W-30 full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ specification provides optimal protection for the hybrid system.

2024 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S68) + Electric Motor Plug-in Hybrid
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.5 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.8 qt (9.3 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-17 FE+)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428507683, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2024 BMW M5 marks the first hybrid M5 with a 4.4L V8 producing 585 horsepower combined with a 197 horsepower electric motor. Using 0W-30 full synthetic oil ensures proper lubrication for both the combustion engine and hybrid components.

2023 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63TU)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.6 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2023 BMW M5 uses the S63TU twin-turbo V8 engine requiring 10.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity meeting BMW Longlife-01 specification provides adequate protection for normal and performance driving conditions.

2022 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63TU)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.6 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2022 BMW M5 requires 10.0 liters of 0W-30 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil for the S63TU engine. Enthusiasts often use 5W-40 viscosity for track driving or severe conditions due to higher operating temperatures.

2021 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63TU)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.6 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2021 BMW M5 uses the S63TU V8 requiring 10.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using 0W-30 BMW Longlife-01 oil ensures optimal protection and fuel efficiency for the twin-turbo engine.

2020 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63TU)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.6 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2020 BMW M5 F90 generation requires 10.0 liters of 0W-30 full synthetic oil. The oil drain plug torque specification is 40 N·m and the filter housing requires 30 N·m.

2019 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63TU)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.6 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2019 BMW M5 uses 10.0 liters of 0W-30 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 specifications. The Competition variant with 617 horsepower uses the same oil capacity and specifications.

2018 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63TU)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)10.6 qt (10.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (BMW Longlife-01)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2018 BMW M5 introduced the F90 generation with a redesigned S63TU engine requiring 10.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using 0W-30 viscosity provides proper cold-start protection and high-temperature stability.

2016 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)8.5 qt (8.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-04)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2016 BMW M5 F10 generation requires 9.0 liters of 5W-30 full synthetic oil. Many owners use 5W-40 viscosity for enhanced protection during high-performance driving.

2015 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)8.5 qt (8.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-04)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2015 BMW M5 uses the S63 engine requiring 9.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using 5W-30 meeting BMW Longlife-04 specification ensures proper emission system protection.

2014 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)8.5 qt (8.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-04)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2014 BMW M5 F10 facelift model requires 9.0 liters of 5W-30 full synthetic oil. The recommended oil change specification is 9.5 quarts with filter replacement.

2013 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)8.5 qt (8.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-04)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2013 BMW M5 uses 9.0 liters of 5W-30 full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-04 specifications. The Competition variant with 575 horsepower uses identical oil capacity and viscosity requirements.

2012 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine4.4L Twin-Turbo V8 (S63)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)8.5 qt (8.0 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW Longlife-04)
Oil Change IntervalEvery 10,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11428575211, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2012 BMW M5 introduced the F10 generation with the S63 twin-turbo V8 requiring 9.0 liters of full synthetic oil. Using 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity provides adequate protection across all operating temperatures.

2010 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V10 (S85)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.3 qt (8.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427840594, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2010 BMW M5 E60 uses the S85 V10 engine requiring 9.0 liters of 10W-60 full synthetic oil. The quasi-dry sump lubrication system has an actual service capacity closer to 8.8 liters.

2009 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V10 (S85)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.3 qt (8.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427840594, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2009 BMW M5 requires 9.0 liters of 10W-60 full synthetic oil for the S85 V10 engine. The high-revving V10 producing 507 horsepower requires the heavier 10W-60 viscosity for proper protection at 8,250 rpm.

2008 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V10 (S85)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.3 qt (8.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427840594, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2008 BMW M5 E60 facelift uses 9.0 liters of 10W-60 full synthetic oil. The S85 V10 requires full synthetic oil meeting specific BMW specifications for high-rpm protection.

2007 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V10 (S85)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.3 qt (8.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427840594, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2007 BMW M5 requires 9.0 liters of 10W-60 full synthetic oil for optimal V10 engine protection. Oil filter part number 11427840594 fits all E60 M5 and E63 M6 models.

2006 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V10 (S85)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.3 qt (8.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427840594, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2006 BMW M5 uses the S85 V10 requiring 9.0 liters of 10W-60 full synthetic oil. The technical service bulletin specifies 8.8 liters as the actual refill capacity to prevent overfilling.

2005 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V10 (S85)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)9.5 qt (9.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)9.3 qt (8.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque30 lb-ft (40 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427840594, Mahle OX230D, Mann HU7008Z

The 2005 BMW M5 introduced the E60 generation with the S85 V10 producing 500 horsepower requiring 9.0 liters of 10W-60 oil. The V10 engine uses a quasi-dry sump system with specific oil level requirements.

2003 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V8 (S62)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427833769, Mahle OX188D, Mann HU925/4X

The 2003 BMW M5 E39 uses 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil for the S62 V8 engine. Using 5W-40 or 10W-60 viscosity provides proper protection for the naturally aspirated V8 producing 394 horsepower.

2002 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V8 (S62)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427833769, Mahle OX188D, Mann HU925/4X

The 2002 BMW M5 requires 6.5 liters of 5W-40 full synthetic oil meeting BMW specifications. Enthusiasts recommend oil change intervals of 5,000 miles for performance driving conditions.

2001 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V8 (S62)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427833769, Mahle OX188D, Mann HU925/4X

The 2001 BMW M5 uses 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil for the S62 V8. The oil capacity without filter replacement is 5.8 liters.

2000 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V8 (S62)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427833769, Mahle OX188D, Mann HU925/4X

The 2000 BMW M5 introduced the E39 generation with a 5.0L V8 requiring 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil. Using 5W-40 viscosity provides optimal protection for the naturally aspirated V8 engine.

1999 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine5.0L V8 (S62)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-60
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11427833769, Mahle OX188D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1999 BMW M5 launched the E39 generation requiring 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil. The S62 engine oil change intervals are recommended every 5,000 miles for enthusiast use.

1995 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.8L I6 (S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1995 BMW M5 E34 uses 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil for the S38 inline-six engine. The final year of the E34 generation maintains the same oil capacity specifications as earlier models.

1994 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.8L I6 (S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1994 BMW M5 requires 6.5 liters of 5W-40 full synthetic oil. Using full synthetic oil extends protection intervals and improves cold-start performance.

1993 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.8L I6 (S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1993 BMW M5 uses 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil for the S38 engine. The E34 generation M5 uses an inline-six engine configuration with a 6.5 liter oil capacity.

1992 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.6L I6 (S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)6.9 qt (6.5 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)6.1 qt (5.8 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 7,500 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1992 BMW M5 introduced the E34 generation requiring 6.5 liters of full synthetic oil. The S38 inline-six engine uses a 6.5 liter oil capacity with filter replacement.

1988 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.5L I6 (S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)5.3 qt (5.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)4.5 qt (4.25 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 5,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1988 BMW M5 E28 uses 5.0 liters of synthetic or synthetic blend oil. The oil cooler adds an additional 0.8 quarts if drained during service.

1987 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.5L I6 (S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)5.3 qt (5.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)4.5 qt (4.25 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 5,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1987 BMW M5 requires 5.0 liters of synthetic oil for the S38 engine. The E28 generation uses a smaller oil capacity compared to later models.

1986 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.5L I6 (M88/S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)5.3 qt (5.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)4.5 qt (4.25 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 5,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1986 BMW M5 uses 5.0 liters of synthetic or synthetic blend oil. The oil capacity specification is 5.3 quarts with filter and 4.25 quarts without filter.

1985 BMW M5 Engine Oil Capacity

SpecificationDetail
Engine3.5L I6 (M88/S38)
Oil Capacity (with Filter)5.3 qt (5.0 L)
Oil Capacity (without Filter)4.5 qt (4.25 L)
Recommended Oil TypeFull Synthetic or Synthetic Blend
ViscositySAE 5W-40 or 10W-40
Oil Change IntervalEvery 5,000 miles or 12 months
Oil Drain Plug Torque25 lb-ft (34 N·m)
Recommended FiltersBMW 11421730389, Mahle OX166D, Mann HU925/4X

The 1985 BMW M5 launched the first generation E28 requiring 5.0 liters of synthetic oil. The original M5 uses a 3.5L inline-six engine producing 286 horsepower with a 5.3 quart oil capacity.

Oil Maintenance and Service Tips

Checking Oil Level

Check oil level when the engine is warm and the vehicle is on level ground. Wait five minutes after shutting off the engine to allow oil to drain into the pan. The electronic dipstick or oil level sensor provides accurate readings for proper monitoring.

Oil Change Best Practices

BMW recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months for most models, but enthusiasts recommend 5,000 to 8,000 mile intervals for performance driving. Always use BMW Longlife-approved oil meeting the correct specification for your model year. Replace the oil filter with every oil change using OEM or equivalent Mahle or Mann filters.

Synthetic Oil Requirements

All BMW M5 models require full synthetic oil to handle high operating temperatures and protect turbochargers or high-revving engines. Using conventional oil voids warranty coverage and causes premature engine wear. Synthetic oil provides superior protection at cold start temperatures and maintains viscosity under extreme heat.

Normal vs Severe Driving Conditions

ConditionOil Change IntervalRecommended Action
Normal Driving10,000 miles or 12 monthsFollow BMW maintenance schedule
Severe Conditions (Track, Towing, Extreme Heat)5,000 to 8,000 milesMore frequent changes, consider thicker viscosity
Cold Climate Operation10,000 miles or 12 monthsUse 0W-30 for better cold start protection
High Mileage Engines5,000 to 7,500 milesMore frequent monitoring and changes

Track driving and spirited performance use require more frequent oil changes due to higher operating temperatures. Many M5 owners using their vehicles on track switch to 5W-40 or heavier viscosity for additional protection.

When exploring BMW, don’t miss our detailed guides on popular models like the BMW M3, BMW X6, BMW 750, and BMW 318. Understanding engine oil capacity is crucial for proper maintenance, and our expert resources explain the exact oil requirements for these models. You’ll also find insights on recommended oil types, service intervals, and common issues linked to incorrect oil levels, ensuring your BMW always delivers reliable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil does a BMW M5 use?

The BMW M5 requires full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife specifications. Most modern M5 models use 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity, while the E60 V10 requires 10W-60. Always verify the specific viscosity and specification for your model year to ensure proper engine protection.

How much oil does a BMW M5 take?

Oil capacity varies by generation with E28 models requiring 5.0 liters, E39 models using 6.5 liters, E60 and F10 generations needing 9.0 liters, and F90 models requiring 10.0 liters. The newest G90 hybrid M5 also uses 10.0 liters of 0W-30 synthetic oil.

What is the recommended oil type for a BMW M5?

Full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01, Longlife-04, or Longlife-17 FE+ specifications is required depending on the model year. Popular brands include BMW TwinPower Turbo, Castrol Edge, Mobil 1 ESP, Liqui Moly, and Ravenol. Never use conventional or synthetic blend oil in any BMW M5 model.

What is the oil change interval for a BMW M5?

BMW recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months under normal driving conditions. However, enthusiasts and performance drivers recommend 5,000 to 8,000 mile intervals for track use or spirited driving. The oil change interval depends on driving habits and operating conditions.

Can I use 5W-40 instead of 0W-30 in my BMW M5?

Many M5 owners use 5W-40 viscosity for enhanced protection during high-performance driving and track use. The owner manual for F10 and F90 models lists 5W-40 as an alternative viscosity. However, 0W-30 provides better fuel efficiency and cold start protection for daily driving.

What oil filter should I use for a BMW M5?

Use OEM BMW oil filters or equivalent Mahle, Mann, or Bosch filters designed for your specific model. E60 M5 models use BMW part number 11427840594, while F10 and F90 models use 11428575211. Always replace the filter housing seals with each oil change to prevent leaks.

Conclusion

Proper engine oil maintenance is essential for BMW M5 longevity and performance across all generations. Using the correct oil capacity ranging from 5.0 to 10.0 liters, appropriate viscosity from 0W-30 to 10W-60, and full synthetic oil meeting BMW specifications ensures optimal protection. Following manufacturer-approved oil specifications and maintenance intervals protects high-performance engines from premature wear. Regular oil changes with quality synthetic oil and OEM filters maintain engine reliability and preserve the performance characteristics that define the BMW M5.

Rebbeca Jones
About the author
Rebbeca Jones
Rebbeca Jones leads the detailing department at CarsCounsel, bringing 12 years of experience in automotive aesthetics.

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