BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity: All Years & Engines

The BMW Z4 is a two-seat roadster produced from 2003 to present across three distinct generations (E85/E86, E89, and G29). Each generation features multiple engine options with specific oil capacity, viscosity, and type requirements. Using the correct engine oil specifications is essential for maintaining optimal performance and protecting internal engine components.

This guide provides complete oil specifications for all BMW Z4 model years, including capacity measurements in both quarts and liters, recommended viscosity grades, and maintenance intervals.

2026 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2026 BMW Z4 sDrive30i uses a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine requiring 5.5 quarts of full synthetic oil, while the M40i variant uses a 3.0L turbocharged inline-6 requiring 7.6 quarts. Both engines require SAE 0W-20 viscosity oil meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ specifications for optimal protection.

2025 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2025 BMW Z4 continues with two engine options requiring full synthetic 0W-20 oil. The sDrive30i needs 5.5 quarts while the M40i requires 7.6 quarts with filter replacement.

2024 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2024 BMW Z4 sDrive30i uses a B46 turbocharged engine requiring 5.5 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil. The M40i variant with the B58TU1 engine needs 7.6 quarts for complete protection.

2023 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2023 BMW Z4 features the same engine lineup requiring 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ specifications. The four-cylinder model takes 5.5 quarts while the six-cylinder takes 7.6 quarts.

2022 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2022 BMW Z4 requires 0W-20 full synthetic oil across both engine options. Proper oil maintenance ensures longevity and performance in turbocharged applications.

2021 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2021 BMW Z4 marks the introduction of the updated B58TU1 engine requiring 7.6 quarts of 0W-20 oil. The sDrive30i continues with 5.5 quarts capacity.

2020 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2020 BMW Z4 uses the earlier B58TU0 engine in the M40i requiring 6.9 quarts of full synthetic 0W-20 oil. The sDrive30i four-cylinder engine takes 5.5 quarts.

2019 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2019 BMW Z4 introduced the third-generation G29 platform with modern turbocharged engines. Both variants require 0W-20 full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ specifications.

2016 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2016 BMW Z4 offers three engine configurations requiring full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 specifications. The sDrive28i uses 5.1 quarts while six-cylinder variants require 6.9 quarts.

2015 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2015 BMW Z4 E89 generation requires 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil. The N20 turbocharged four-cylinder needs 5.1 quarts while naturally aspirated and turbocharged six-cylinder engines require 6.9 quarts.

2014 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2014 BMW Z4 continues with three engine choices requiring full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 specifications for extended service intervals and optimal engine protection.

2013 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2013 BMW Z4 sDrive28i requires 5.1 quarts of full synthetic oil while the sDrive30i and sDrive35i models need 6.9 quarts for proper lubrication and thermal management.

2012 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2012 BMW Z4 offers naturally aspirated and twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engines both requiring 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil.

2011 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive30i and sDrive35i both use 6.9 quarts of full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 specifications for optimal engine protection.

2010 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2010 BMW Z4 requires 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil across both six-cylinder engine options for proper lubrication.

2009 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2009 BMW Z4 introduced the second-generation E89 platform with sDrive30i and sDrive35i variants both requiring 6.9 quarts of full synthetic oil.

2008 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2008 BMW Z4 standard models require 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil. The high-performance Z4 M with S54 engine requires 5.8 quarts of 10W-60 oil for extreme operating conditions.

2007 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2007 BMW Z4 offers three engine options with the Z4 M requiring specialized 10W-60 oil while standard models use 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil.

2006 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2006 BMW Z4 introduced the M variant with S54 engine requiring 5.8 quarts of 10W-60 oil. Standard 2.5i and 3.0si models need 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 oil.

2005 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2005 BMW Z4 2.5i and 3.0i use M54 naturally aspirated inline-6 engines requiring 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil.

2004 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2004 BMW Z4 continues with M54 engines requiring 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 specifications.

2003 BMW Z4 Engine Oil Capacity

The 2003 BMW Z4 launched with M54 inline-6 engines requiring 6.9 quarts of 5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil for optimal performance and engine protection.

Oil Maintenance and Service Tips

Checking Oil Level

BMW Z4 models from 2009 onwards typically do not include a dipstick and use electronic oil level sensors. Check oil level through the iDrive system with the engine at operating temperature on level ground. Older E85/E86 models with dipsticks should be checked when the engine is warm but not running.

Oil Change Best Practices

Always use oil meeting BMW specifications including Longlife-01, Longlife-04, or Longlife-17 FE+ depending on model year. Replace the oil filter with every oil change using OEM or equivalent quality filters such as Mann HU925/4x or Mahle OX183/5D. Torque the drain plug to specifications and replace the crush washer each time.

Service Intervals

Normal driving conditions allow for 10,000 mile or 12-month oil change intervals when using approved synthetic oil. Severe driving conditions including frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, track use, or heavy loads may require more frequent oil changes at 5,000 to 7,500 mile intervals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of oil does a BMW Z4 use?

The BMW Z4 requires full synthetic engine oil meeting BMW specifications. Early E85/E86 models (2003-2008) use 5W-30 or 5W-40 oil meeting Longlife-01 standards, except the Z4 M which requires 10W-60. The E89 generation (2009-2016) uses 5W-30 or 5W-40 oil, while the current G29 generation (2019-present) requires 0W-20 oil meeting Longlife-17 FE+ specifications.

How much oil does a BMW Z4 take?

Oil capacity varies by engine. The 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engines require 4.8 to 5.5 liters depending on generation. Six-cylinder engines require 6.5 liters (6.9 quarts) for most models, with the updated B58TU1 requiring 7.2 liters (7.6 quarts) from 2021 onwards. The Z4 M with S54 engine requires 5.5 liters (5.8 quarts) of 10W-60 oil.

What is the recommended oil type for a BMW Z4?

BMW recommends full synthetic oil exclusively for all Z4 models. Conventional and synthetic blend oils do not meet BMW performance and longevity requirements. Use oils with appropriate BMW Longlife approvals including LL-01, LL-04, or LL-17 FE+ depending on model year and engine.

What is the oil change interval for a BMW Z4?

Under normal driving conditions, BMW recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Severe driving conditions including track use, frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, or heavy loads require more frequent changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Always use approved synthetic oil meeting BMW specifications for extended intervals.

Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my G29 Z4?

The G29 generation Z4 (2019-present) is engineered for 0W-20 oil meeting BMW Longlife-17 FE+ specifications. While 5W-30 may be acceptable in certain conditions, BMW specifically designs modern engines with tight tolerances optimized for 0W-20. Using thicker oil may reduce fuel efficiency and affect cold-start protection. Consult your owner’s manual for approved alternatives.

What oil filter fits a BMW Z4?

Most BMW Z4 models use the Mann HU925/4x or Mahle OX183/5D oil filter element. This cartridge-style filter fits M54, N52, N54, N20, B46, and B58 engines across all three generations. Always replace the filter o-rings and crush washer during oil changes. OEM BMW filters carry part numbers 11427509430, 11427512300, or 11421427908.

Conclusion

BMW Z4 engine oil specifications vary significantly across model years and engine types. First-generation E85/E86 models (2003-2008) use 6.5 liters of 5W-30 or 5W-40 synthetic oil, except the Z4 M requiring 5.5 liters of 10W-60. Second-generation E89 models (2009-2016) maintain similar specifications with some engines requiring only 4.8 liters. The current G29 generation (2019-present) requires 0W-20 synthetic oil with capacities ranging from 5.25 to 7.2 liters depending on engine.

Using manufacturer-approved synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife specifications ensures optimal engine protection, performance, and longevity. Regular oil changes at recommended intervals protect critical engine components from wear and maintain proper lubrication under all operating conditions.