BMW · Germany · Class D
BMW 3 Series: Technical Specs, Engine Oil, Tires & Maintenance
Factory engineering reference for BMW 3 Series (1975–present): Sedan, Station Wagon / Estate, 102–387 hp (75–285 kW), RWD, AWD / 4WD, recommended SAE 5W-30 / 0W-20 oil (6.3 L), and OEM tire sizes.
| Production years | 1975–present |
|---|---|
| Power (hp / kW) | 102–387 hp (75–285 kW) |
| Recommended Engine Oil | SAE 5W-30 / 0W-20 (alt: SAE 0W-30 (Low-SAPS DPF)) · 6.3 L (6.7 qt) |
| Common OEM Tire Sizes | 215/55 R17 · 225/45 R18 · 2.3/2.3 bar (33/33 PSI) |
Maintenance, Fluids & Tire Specifications
- Recommended Engine Oil
- SAE 5W-30 / 0W-20 (alt: SAE 0W-30 (Low-SAPS DPF))
- OEM / API / ACEA Spec
- BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04) / LL-17 FE+
- Oil Service Fill Capacity
- 6.3 L (6.7 US qt)
- Service Interval
- 15000 km (9500 mi) / 12 months
- Brake Fluid Spec
- DOT 4 Class 6 (ISO 4925)
- Coolant Chemistry
- G12evo / G13 Lobrid Si-OAT
- Common OEM Tire Sizes
- 215/55 R17 · 225/45 R18
- Cold Tire Pressure (F / R)
- 2.3 / 2.3 bar (33 / 33 PSI)
- Wheel Lug Nut Torque
- 120 Nm (89 lb-ft)
Dimensions, Powertrain & Performance
- Production years
- 1975–present
- Body style
- Sedan, Station Wagon / Estate (5 seats)
- Powertrain & Fuel
- Gasoline (Petrol), Diesel · Manual (MT), Automatic (AT) · RWD, AWD / 4WD
- Power (hp / kW)
- 102–387 hp (75–285 kW)
- Dimensions (L × W × H)
- 4709 × 1827 × 1442 mm
- Wheelbase & Clearance
- 2851 mm (clearance: 155 mm)
- Trunk Volume & Curb Weight
- 480 L · 1430–1670 kg
- Combined Consumption
- 4.5–9.5 L/100 km (24.8–52.3 US MPG) · Tank 59 L
Pre-Purchase Inspection & Diagnostics
Before buying a used BMW 3 Series, verify the 17-character VIN stamping against door-jamb and windshield plates, scan all OBD-II readiness monitors (mode $01 / $06), and check for open safety recalls.
Head-to-head comparison & Related BMW Models
BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-ClassSide-by-side engineering comparison of BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class: exterior dimensions, wheelbase, ground clearance, cargo volume, powertrain output (hp/kW), fuel consumption (L/100 km & MPG), and scheduled maintenance intervals.Audi A4 vs BMW 3 SeriesSide-by-side engineering comparison of Audi A4 and BMW 3 Series: exterior dimensions, wheelbase, ground clearance, cargo volume, powertrain output (hp/kW), fuel consumption (L/100 km & MPG), and scheduled maintenance intervals.