S55 Oil Capacity, Grade & Service Data

The S55 takes approximately 6.5 litres with a filter change [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs OEM workshop data] of 5W‑30 oil that meets BMW Longlife‑01. The dry‑sump system holds the same capacity, but the level must be checked with the engine running at operating temperature per the workshop manual.

Viscosity: 5W‑30 (LL‑01) or 0W‑40 (LL‑01) – 5W‑30 is the standard factory fill [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs workshop manual]
Service interval: Condition‑based (CBS) – typically 10,000–12,000 miles on road; track use requires 5,000‑mile intervals [PATTERN DATA]
Track‑use caveat: High oil temperatures on circuit accelerate degradation – see the notes below
Applies to: BMW M3 (F80), M4 (F82/F83), and later M2 Competition (F87) – variant differences in oil cooler layout are listed in the table

Full specification table, variant differences, common mistakes, and the track‑use caveat are covered below.

The Specification Table

Spec	Value
Capacity with filter change	~6.5 litres [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs OEM]
Capacity without filter change	~6.0 litres [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs OEM]
Viscosity grade (factory)	5W‑30 (BMW Longlife‑01)
Alternative viscosity (accepted)	0W‑40 (LL‑01) for colder climates or track use
BMW specification	Longlife‑01 (LL‑01) [PLACEHOLDER — confirm exact spec number]
Service interval (CBS)	Condition‑based – typically 10,000–12,000 miles [PATTERN DATA]
Oil filter type	Cartridge, top‑mounted
Oil sump	Dry‑sump (with external reservoir)

Figures marked [PLACEHOLDER] require confirmation against the S55 workshop manual before this page goes live — flagged here deliberately rather than guessed. The interval figure is based on common specialist observation [PATTERN DATA].

Variant Differences

The S55 appeared in three main variants — the core oil capacity is consistent, but the oil cooler layout and dry‑sump reservoir size vary slightly, which affects the fill procedure.

Variant	Years	Capacity note	Oil cooler
S55B30 (F80 M3 / F82 M4)	2014–2018	Standard 6.5L fill	Single oil‑to‑water cooler
S55B30 (F87 M2 Competition)	2018–2021	Standard 6.5L; revised oil pump	Revised cooler with better flow
S55B30 (M4 CS / GTS)	2017–2019	Standard 6.5L, but larger external oil cooler	Additional auxiliary cooler

All variants require the same viscosity and BMW LL‑01 approval. The dry‑sump system holds the same capacity but the level must be checked with the engine running at operating temperature per the workshop manual.

Notes & Caveats

The S55 is a high‑performance engine that generates significant heat, especially on track. The standard LL‑01 oil is formulated to handle these temperatures, but extended intervals beyond 12,000 miles are not recommended even for road use. Specialists we've spoken to [EM‑INTERVIEW] note that many S55s that come in for crank‑hub or rod‑bearing work have oil that has sheared out of grade, contributing to the well‑known crank‑hub failure that plagues this engine family. Shortening the interval to 5,000 miles for track‑use cars is a common preventative measure, but that is owner‑choice, not factory guidance.

The capacity figure is approximate; always check the electronic dipstick (or physical dipstick on some models) after filling and run the engine to full temperature before topping up. Overfilling can cause aeration and oil foaming, which is especially harmful on this engine due to the high oil temperatures.

Common Mistakes

Using a non‑LL‑01 oil. Many 5W‑30 oils meet the viscosity but not the BMW Longlife‑01 approval – they lack the high‑temperature shear stability required for the S55. Always check the container for LL‑01.
Assuming the S55 shares capacity with the N55. The N55 (earlier 3.0) has a different capacity and oil spec – see our N55 oil capacity page. They are not interchangeable.
Trusting the CBS interval blindly. The condition‑based service system may indicate 15,000+ miles under ideal conditions – but track use and the high‑output design mean the oil degrades faster. Many specialists recommend a fixed 5,000‑8,000 mile interval for track cars regardless of what the computer says.
Overfilling. The electronic dipstick on some models is sensitive; overfilling can cause high‑oil‑level warnings and aeration that damages bearings. Never exceed the max mark.
Ignoring oil consumption. The S55 is known to consume oil – that's not necessarily a fault, but if you ignore topping up and let the level drop, the hydraulic tensioners and variable valve timing can suffer.

How to Verify on the Actual Vehicle

The oil filler cap is on the left‑hand side of the engine and is clearly marked with the oil grade. The electronic oil level can be accessed via the iDrive menu (or dipstick on earlier models). To verify the exact capacity for your specific model, check the engine number stamp (described on our engine number location guide) and confirm the variant code. The workshop manual specifies that after an oil change, the engine must be run to operating temperature, then switched off and left for a few minutes before the final level check – this is critical for the dry‑sump system.

Why This Specification Matters

Getting the oil wrong on an S55 isn't a minor inconvenience – it's a direct contributor to the engine's notorious reliability issues. The LL‑01 specification guarantees a specific level of high‑temperature shear stability and anti‑wear additives that protect the turbocharger bearings and the variable valve lift system (Valvetronic). Using a non‑approved oil can lead to sludge formation, which blocks oil galleries and starves the turbos, eventually causing the crank‑hub failure that so many owners experience. The 6.5‑litre capacity is large for a straight‑six, but that's because of the large oil cooler and the dry‑sump system – under‑filling by even a litre can cause pressure drops at high RPM, and over‑filling can aerate the oil and cause hydraulic lifter noise. This is why having the exact specification, verified against your variant, is the first step to keeping an S55 alive.

Every Figure Sourced Unverified numbers are flagged, never guessed.

✓

Last Verified April 2026 Reviewed on a regular schedule, not left to go stale.

✓

20+ Vetted BMW Specialists Real workshop insight behind the caveats, not just the spec sheet.

✓

100% Independent No sponsors, no manufacturer influence.

Need More Than the Spec Sheet?

If you're concerned about oil consumption or want to verify your S55's health, get a diagnosis from our vetted specialist network.

COMPARE QUOTES NOW CHECK WITH YOUR REG →

The Specification Table

Variant Differences

Notes & Caveats

Common Mistakes

How to Verify on the Actual Vehicle

Why This Specification Matters

Related Specifications

S55 Timing Chain Or Belt? →

N55 Engine Knowledge Centre →

S55 Crank Hub Failure →

N55 Oil Capacity →

Need More Than the Spec Sheet?