Fluid Capacities
Fluid Capacities
Section titled “Fluid Capacities”Complete fluid reference for the BMW E46 330 models. Use only the specified fluid types — incorrect fluids can cause damage.
Critical Fluid Notes
Section titled “Critical Fluid Notes”- Engine oil: Must be BMW LL-01 approved
- Coolant: Blue BMW coolant only, 50/50 with distilled water
- Power steering: ATF Dexron III (most USA-market) or Pentosin CHF 11S (some European-market) — check fluid color before topping off (red = ATF, green = CHF 11S). Never mix the two types.
- Transmission: MTF-LT-2 for manual, Esso LT 71141 for automatic ZF
- Brake fluid: DOT 4, replace every 2 years regardless of mileage
All Fluid Capacities
Section titled “All Fluid Capacities”| System | Specification | Capacity | Interval | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Oil | 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW LL-01 approved) | 6.5 liters (6.9 US quarts) | 7,500 miles / 12 months | RWD models only. AWD/330xi: see separate entry. With filter change. BMW LL-01 approved oils include Castrol Edge 0W-30, Mobil 1 0W-40, Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W-40. Factory interval is 15,000 mi; 7,500 mi is a common conservative recommendation. |
| Engine Oil (AWD / 330xi) | 5W-30 or 0W-30 (BMW LL-01 approved) | 7.5 liters (7.9 US quarts) | 7,500 miles / 12 months | AWD models require 1 liter more than RWD due to oil pan design. With filter change. |
| Coolant | BMW Blue Coolant (G48) 50/50 with distilled water | 8.4 liters (8.9 US quarts) | 24 months / 30,000 miles | Total system capacity per Bentley manual. Use distilled water only. Phosphate/nitrate-free ethylene glycol antifreeze. |
| Manual Transmission (GS6-37BZ 6-speed) | MTF-LT-2 (75W-80 GL-4) | 1.5 liters (1.6 US quarts) | 60,000 miles | Fill until fluid runs from fill hole. Earlier 330i models may have 5-speed Getrag (1.0L) or ZF (1.2L). Original factory fill was MTF-LT-1. |
| Automatic Transmission (ZF 5HP19 / A5S 325Z) | Esso LT 71141 (ZF Lifeguard 5) | 9.0 liters total / 4.0 liters drain & fill | 60,000 miles | Pre-facelift 330i (to ~03/2003). Drain & fill capacity per Bentley manual. ZF considers this a lifetime fill, but periodic service extends life. Check level at 38°C via fill plug. |
| Automatic Transmission (GM 5L40-E / A5S 390R) | Texaco ETL 8072B or Dexron VI | 9.0 liters total / 4.0 liters drain & fill | 60,000 miles | Facelift 330i (from ~03/2003) and all 330xi. Do NOT use ZF fluid in GM transmission — different specifications. |
| Differential (open, RWD) | SAE 75W-90 synthetic (BMW SAF-XO) | 0.9 liters (0.95 US quarts) | 60,000 miles | Fill until fluid runs from fill hole. AWD rear diff: 1.0 liter. See separate entries for AWD front diff and transfer case. |
| Differential (LSD) | SAE 75W-140 synthetic with LSD friction modifier | 1.0 liters (1.1 US quarts) | 30,000 miles | LSD requires friction modifier additive |
| Transfer Case (AWD / 330xi) | ATF (same as automatic transmission) | 0.24 liters new fill / 0.16 liters oil change | 60,000 miles | Per Bentley manual. Very small capacity — use a measured syringe for accuracy. |
| Front Differential (AWD / 330xi) | SAE 75W-90 synthetic (BMW SAF-XO) | 0.7 liters (0.74 US quarts) fill / 0.6 liters (0.63 US quarts) refill | 60,000 miles | Fill until fluid runs from fill hole. Per Bentley manual. |
| Power Steering | ATF Dexron III (factory fill for most USA-market E46) | 1.0 liters (1.1 US quarts) | As needed (permanently sealed system, no drain plug) | Some cold-climate market vehicles use Pentosin CHF 11S (green). Check existing fluid color: red = ATF, green = CHF 11S. Never mix the two types. |
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 | 1.0 liters (1.1 US quarts) | 24 months | Flush entire system. Hygroscopic — absorbs moisture over time. Use only new fluid from unopened containers. |
| Clutch Fluid (Manual) | DOT 4 (same as brake fluid) | 0.25 liters | 24 months (with brake flush) | Shares reservoir with brake system on E46 |
| Fuel Tank | Premium Unleaded 91+ AKI (95+ RON) | 63 liters (16.6 US gallons) | N/A | Premium required for optimal performance. European RON 98 (Super Plus) preferred where available. |
| Windshield Washer | BMW washer concentrate or -30°F rated fluid | 5.5 liters with headlight washers / 3.5 liters without | As needed | Capacity depends on whether headlight washer system is equipped |
| A/C Refrigerant | R134a | 740g ±25g (26 oz) | As needed | PAG oil type and quantity varies by compressor — check underhood sticker. Check for leaks before recharging. |
| Front Axle (wheel bearing grease) | High-quality lithium complex grease | As needed | Bearing replacement | Sealed bearings — no serviceable grease interval |