2012 BMW X3
Maintenance & specsVERIFIED Jun 15, 2026
The 2012 BMW X3 takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic with a total capacity of 5.3 quarts (filter included). You’ll need a 17mm socket for the drain plug, torqued to 25 Nm. The OEM oil filter is the BMW 11427640862, with 2 compatible alternatives listed below. Note: this vehicle has 2 active recalls — check the recalls section below. Below you’ll find complete maintenance specs, fluid capacities, parts, and links to buy what you need.
⚑ QUICK DIY TIPS FOR THE 2012 BMW X3
- Torque your drain plug to 25 Nm (18 ft-lbs) to avoid leaks or stripped threads.
- Using the OEM filter (BMW 11427640862) is recommended for warranty compliance.
- Always use 5W-30 Full Synthetic as specified by BMW — using the wrong viscosity can void your powertrain warranty.
- Check the maintenance schedule below for your next service interval.
01
Oil & Filter
OilBuy
Viscosity5W-30
Oil typeFull Synthetic
Capacity (with filter)5.3 qt
Capacity (w/o filter)4.8 qt
OEM specBMW LL-01
Drain Bolt & Hardware
Socket size17 mm
ThreadM18x1.5
Torque spec25 Nm
GasketCrush washer
F25 (2.0L N20 turbo I4)
02
Fluid Specifications
Transmission FluidBuy
TypeZF Lifeguard 8
Capacity3.5 qt
Change interval40,000 mi
Brake FluidBuy
DOT typeDOT 4
Change interval30,000 mi
CoolantBuy
TypeHT-12
ColorBlue
Capacity6.5 qt
Change interval100,000 mi
Power Steering FluidBuy
TypePentosin CHF 11S
Differential Fluid (rear)Buy
Type75W-90 GL-5
Capacity2 qt
Change interval60,000 mi
03
Parts & Specifications
Spark Plugs
TypePlatinum
Gap0.032
Quantity4
Change interval60,000 mi
Tires
Size245/60R18
Front pressure33 PSI
Rear pressure33 PSI
04
Maintenance Schedule
≈ every 6 months
- ▸Change Engine Oil & Filter
05
Torque Specifications
06
Safety Recalls
207
Technical Service Bulletins
253Estimated Current Value
Original MSRP
$55,000
Private Party
$7,315–$8,085
Dealer Retail
$8,470–$9,625
Trade-In
$6,545–$7,315
Depreciation
86%
Estimated values assume average condition and mileage for vehicle age.
Source: estimated
Save by doing it yourself
A shop typically charges $90–$210 for this service. Buy the parts and save.
08
Tools & Supplies
Shop parts for the BMW X3
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