Engine - Oil Capacity/Checking Procedure
SI B 11 03 03Engine
April 2003
Service Engineering
SUBJECT
S54B32 Engine Oil Capacity
MODEL
E46; M3 with S54B32 engine
E36/7; M roadster/coupe with S54B32 engine
SITUATION
General Information:
S54B32 engine oil refill capacity used during scheduled oil service (with oil filter replaced) is 5.5 liters (5.8 quarts) of Castrol Formula KS SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil (or Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil) PN 07 51 0 009 420.
With this amount of fresh oil, and when correctly checked (see procedure below), the oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick. It is not necessary, nor recommended to bring oil level to the "max" mark on the dipstick.
NOTE:
The oil volume between two marks on the dipstick corresponds to approximately 1.3 liters (1.4 quarts). Do not fill beyond the upper mark on the dipstick. Excess oil will induce excessive oil consumption, and may damage the engine.
Engine Oil Level Checking Procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface.
2. With engine warmed to its normal operating temperature (one yellow LED illuminated on the tachometer), allow it to idle for at least 15 seconds, then switch off.
3. After approximately 1 minute, pull the dipstick out and wipe it off with a clean lint-free cloth, paper towel, or similar material.
4. Carefully push the dipstick into the guide tube and pull it out again.
5. The oil level should be between the two marks on the dipstick.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information only