2001–2006 BMW M3 Oil Change
Exact oil type, capacity, filter part numbers, drain plug size and torque for the 2001–2006 BMW M3 with the S54 3.2L engine, plus the tools you'll need and a step-by-step video.
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BMW 3.2L S54 — E46 M3 2001–2006
2001–2006 M3 · 2001–2006 E46 M3
Some Experience Helpful
✅ The S54 M3 is a high-revving performance engine that requires 10W-60 — not standard BMW oil. This is critical — using the wrong viscosity can damage the engine. Many M3 owners change oil every 5,000 miles.
⚠️ Critical: E46 M3 S54 requires 10W-60 full synthetic. Do NOT use standard 5W-30 BMW oil in this engine.
Specs not yet verified. We're still checking this guide's oil type, capacity, part numbers and torque against the manufacturer's data. Confirm them in your owner's manual before you start.
Oil Type
10W-60 Full Synthetic
Capacity
5.8 quarts (with filter)
Oil Filter
BMW #11427833769 | Mann HU816X
Engine Code
S54 3.2L
Tools You'll Need
- 36mm oil filter housing cap socket (BMW-specific — essential)
- 17mm drain plug socket or wrench
- Oil filter wrench (cap socket type)
- Oil drain pan — minimum 2 gallon capacity
- Torque wrench
- New crush washer (BMW #07119963151)
- Funnel
- Rags or shop towels
Instructional Video
Video by FCP Euro — Watch on YouTube ↗
| Drain plug size | 17mm | Torque: 18 ft-lbs |
| Crush washer | BMW #07119963151 |
| Filter type | Cartridge — 36mm cap socket required |
| Filter location | Top of engine |
| Oil change interval | 5,000–10,000 miles (full synthetic) or per OEM monitor |
| Oil life reset | Hold trip reset button until service indicator resets. |
🛢️ Oil Pal tip: At 5.8 quarts Oil Pal handles this drain comfortably.
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