2021 BMW 3 Series 2.0L TwinPower Turbo 4-Cyl (B46/B48) Oil Specifications

Viscosity

0W-20

OEM Spec / API

BMW Longlife-17 FE+

Capacity

5.6 quarts

Oil Filter

BMW 11 42 8 575 211

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Complete Oil Specifications

Your 2021 BMW 330i (G20 chassis) requires 0W-20 synthetic oil with BMW Longlife-17 FE+ certification (US Market). Note: Markets outside North America may require different specifications (e.g., LL-04 or LL-12 NV). Always check your owner’s manual.

Quick Reference

Specification Value
Viscosity 0W-20
Standard BMW Longlife-17 FE+
Capacity (with filter) 5.6 quarts
Oil Filter BMW 11 42 8 575 211
Interval CBS (Condition Based Service) - Max 10k miles/1 year

Why LL-17 FE+ is Critical

The B46/B48 engine in your 330i is a high-precision machine designed for low-viscosity oil to maximize efficiency and protect the gasoline particulate filters (if equipped) and turbo bearings. LL-17 FE+ (Longlife-17 Fuel Economy Plus) is the latest standard replacing the older LL-01 for these engines.

Do NOT use generic 0W-20 oil found at gas stations unless it explicitly lists “BMW LL-17 FE+” on the bottle.

BMW-Approved Oil Brands

  • ✅ BMW TwinPower Turbo 0W-20 LL-17 FE+

  • ✅ Castrol EDGE Euro 0W-20 LL-17 FE+

  • ✅ Liqui Moly Top Tec 6600 0W-20

  • ✅ Motul Specific LL-17 FE+ 0W-20

  • ✅ Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-20

Severe Service Check

BMW’s Condition Based Service (CBS) system tracks your driving and will alert you when service is due. However, for long-term ownership, we recommend an intermediate oil change every 5,000 miles if you:

  • Drive aggressively (Sport mode often)
  • Take short trips where the engine doesn’t fully warm up
  • Want to prevent timing chain and turbo wear beyond the warranty period

Installation Details

Drain Plug Torque:
WARNING: PLASTIC OIL PAN.
The 2021 330i likely uses a plastic oil pan with a plastic drain plug.

  • Torque: 8 N·m (approx 6 ft-lbs) OR “hand tight until it clicks/stops”.
  • Replacement: The plastic plug (BMW Part: 11 13 7 605 018) is single-use recommended.
  • Verify if your specific car has a metal pan. If metal, torque is 25 N·m.

OEM Filter: BMW 11 42 8 575 211

Aftermarket Filters:

  • Mann-Filter HU 6014 z

  • Mahle OX 813/1 D

  • Hengst E818H D238

Pro Tip: The oil filter housing cap torque is 25 N·m (18.5 ft-lbs). Use a 27mm or 32mm socket (check specific housing size).


FAQs

What oil does a 2021 BMW 330i take?
BMW Longlife-17 FE+ 0W-20 synthetic oil.

How many quarts of oil does a BMW 330i need?
5.6 quarts (5.3 liters).

Can I use 5W-30 or 5W-40 in my 2021 330i?
While older BMWs used 5W-30 (LL-01), the G20 330i is designed for 0W-20 LL-17 FE+. In an emergency, you can use LL-01 0W-20 or 5W-30, but switch back to the correct spec as soon as possible.

How do I reset the oil light?

  1. Without foot on brake, press Start button 3 times quickly (Diagnostic Mode).
  2. Press and hold the Odometer Reset button until the service menu appears.
  3. Press the button to scroll to “Engine Oil”.
  4. Press and hold to reset.

Need these specs on your phone? Download OilFinderPro app for offline access and oil change reminders.

Last verified: 2026-02-23 | Source: Needs OEM source confirmation (manual/spec page URL pending).

Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general reference purposes only. Specifications may be outdated or inaccurate. Always verify oil type, capacity, and service intervals in your vehicle's official owner's manual before performing maintenance.