BMW M2, M3 & M4 5W-30 Oil Change Guide – F87, F80, F82 & F83
BMW's turbocharged M cars combine serious performance with demanding lubrication requirements. Models such as the F87 M2, F80 M3, F82 M4 and F83 M4 rely on high-quality engine oil and filtration to protect critical components under both everyday driving and higher-load conditions.
For compatible applications, the Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 BMW M2 M3 M4 Oil Change Kit combines 7 liters of Liqui Moly Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30, an OE-quality MANN oil filter and applicable service seals in one complete maintenance package.
Why Oil Quality Matters on BMW M Engines
BMW M engines operate under demanding conditions. Turbocharging, high cylinder pressures, elevated operating temperatures and performance driving all place additional demands on the lubrication system.
Engine oil is responsible for reducing friction and wear while protecting internal components throughout a wide range of operating temperatures.
Regular oil and filter replacement is therefore one of the most fundamental maintenance procedures for an F87 M2, F80 M3 or F82/F83 M4.
Why Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30?
Liqui Moly Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30 is formulated as an all-season engine oil and carries BMW Longlife-01 approval, along with ACEA A3/B4 and API SL. Liqui Moly also lists high shear stability, rapid lubrication after cold starts and compatibility with turbochargers among its characteristics.
This makes oil specification—not simply the 5W-30 viscosity printed on the bottle—an important consideration when choosing oil for a compatible BMW application.
For owners preparing for service, the complete Liqui Moly 5W-30 BMW M oil change kit provides the main oil-service components together.
What's Included in the Kit?
| Quantity | Component |
|---|---|
| 1 | Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 – 5L |
| 2 | Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 – 1L |
| 7L Total | Liqui Moly Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30 |
| 1 | MANN Engine Oil Filter |
| 1 | Oil Filter Housing O-Ring |
| — | Applicable Oil Service Sealing Components |
BMW M2, M3 & M4 Fitment
This service package is intended for compatible applications including:
| Model | Chassis | Engine | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M2 | F87 | N55 3.0L Turbo I6 | Gasoline |
| BMW M2 Competition | F87 | S55 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 | Gasoline |
| BMW M3 Sedan | F80 | S55 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 | Gasoline |
| BMW M4 Coupe | F82 | S55 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 | Gasoline |
| BMW M4 Convertible | F83 | S55 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6 | Gasoline |
Always confirm your vehicle's year, engine, production date and VIN before ordering.
F80 M3 S55 Oil Change
The F80 M3 introduced turbocharging to the production M3 platform with BMW's S55 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six.
Because turbochargers operate at extremely high speeds and temperatures, correct lubrication is particularly important.
A complete oil service should include both fresh engine oil and a new filter. Replacing only the oil while retaining an old filtration element is not ideal maintenance practice.
For compatible F80 applications, the Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 F80 M3 Oil Change Kit provides 7 liters of engine oil together with the MANN filter and applicable service seals.
F82 & F83 BMW M4 Oil Change
The F82 M4 Coupe and F83 M4 Convertible share the S55 engine family with the F80 M3.
That means the same fundamental principles apply: use oil meeting the appropriate requirements, replace the filter during service, correctly install new sealing components and verify the final engine-oil level.
For compatible M4 applications, the BMW F82 F83 M4 5W-30 Oil Change Kit provides the primary maintenance components together.
F87 BMW M2 Oil Change
The F87 generation requires a little more attention because not every F87 M2 uses the same engine.
The original BMW M2 uses an N55 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six, while the later M2 Competition uses the S55.
This distinction is important whenever you're ordering maintenance or replacement components.
Don't select parts solely because the vehicle is labeled "M2." Confirm the exact engine and production information first.
N55 M2 vs S55 M2 Competition
The difference between these two F87 variants is particularly important for BMW enthusiasts shopping online.
F87 M2: N55 3.0L Turbo I6
F87 M2 Competition: S55 3.0L Twin-Turbo I6
While compatible applications can share certain service components, the engines are not interchangeable from a maintenance perspective.
Engine identification should always take priority over model name alone.
BMW Longlife-01 Explained
BMW Longlife-01, often abbreviated as BMW LL-01, is a manufacturer oil specification.
This is different from an SAE viscosity grade.
An oil can be labeled 5W-30 without necessarily carrying BMW LL-01 approval. That's why choosing an oil simply because the viscosity appears correct can be misleading.
Liqui Moly officially lists BMW Longlife-01 among the approvals for Special Tec LL 5W-30. It also lists ACEA A3/B4, API SL, MB-Approval 229.5 and VW 502 00/505 00.
Turbocharged BMW Engines and Engine Oil
Turbochargers add another reason to take lubrication seriously.
The turbocharger relies on engine oil while operating at high rotational speeds and significant temperatures.
Liqui Moly specifically lists Special Tec LL 5W-30 as suitable for turbochargers and highlights high lubrication reliability, shear stability and rapid lubrication after cold starts.
Fresh oil cannot repair a worn turbocharger or damaged engine component, but maintaining the correct lubricant is an important part of preventative maintenance.
Why Replace the Oil Filter?
Engine oil and the oil filter work together.
As the engine operates, the filter captures contaminants circulating through the lubrication system. Installing fresh oil while leaving a used filter in place means the new lubricant immediately begins circulating through an already-used filtration element.
Replacing both during the same service provides a fresh starting point for the next maintenance interval.
BMW Oil Filter Reference
A key BMW OE reference associated with these compatible applications is:
BMW OE Part Number: 11427854445
The OEM reference should be treated separately from retailer or kit identification numbers.
The SayParts BMW M2 M3 M4 Oil Change Kit combines the applicable filtration component with Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 for a complete service package.
How Much Oil Is Included?
The kit supplies:
5L + 1L + 1L = 7 liters
of Liqui Moly Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30.
However, 7 liters supplied does not mean you should automatically pour all 7 liters into every compatible engine.
Actual refill requirements can vary according to engine and application.
Follow the correct service procedure for your exact BMW and verify the final engine-oil level after filling.
BMW M Oil Change Procedure
A typical oil service involves draining the used engine oil, removing the old cartridge filter, replacing the filter and applicable sealing components, correctly reinstalling the drain components and adding fresh oil.
After the initial fill, start the engine and allow the lubrication system to circulate the new oil.
Inspect the oil-filter housing and drain area carefully for leaks.
Finally, verify and adjust the engine-oil level using the appropriate procedure for your specific vehicle.
Always use the correct BMW service information and torque specifications rather than guessing.
What Should You Inspect During an Oil Change?
Oil service also creates an opportunity to inspect other areas of the vehicle.
Look for signs of:
- Engine oil leakage
- Oil-filter housing leakage
- Damaged O-rings or seals
- Coolant leakage
- Damaged hoses
- Abnormal contamination in the old filter
- Oil around the underside of the engine
Remember that oil can travel across engine surfaces before dripping, so the lowest wet point isn't necessarily the source of a leak.
Street Driving vs Performance Driving
An M car driven gently on the road experiences different conditions from one regularly subjected to aggressive driving or track use.
Higher sustained engine speeds and temperatures increase demands on the lubrication system.
Maintenance schedules should therefore consider how the vehicle is actually used, rather than mileage alone.
Mileage, time, short-trip frequency, operating temperatures and performance use can all influence an appropriate maintenance strategy.
F80 M3 vs E90/E92 M3
Don't confuse oil-service requirements simply because both cars wear an M3 badge.
The E90/E92/E93 M3 uses the naturally aspirated S65 V8, while the F80 M3 uses the turbocharged S55 inline-six.
These are fundamentally different engines.
SayParts also carries a dedicated oil service package for the previous-generation M3, so owners of those cars should select the appropriate S65-specific oil change kit rather than an S55 service package.
F82 M4 vs G82 M4
The same distinction applies between M4 generations.
The F82/F83 M4 uses the S55 engine, while the newer G82/G83 M4 uses BMW's S58 engine family.
Do not assume that a service kit designed for the F8X generation automatically fits the later G8X platform.
Common BMW M Oil Change Mistakes
Avoidable mistakes include:
- Choosing oil based solely on viscosity
- Failing to confirm the exact engine
- Confusing N55 and S55 M2 applications
- Reusing the old oil filter
- Reusing aged filter seals
- Incorrectly positioning the filter O-ring
- Overfilling the engine
- Using guessed torque specifications
- Failing to check for leaks
- Assuming all generations of M3 or M4 use identical service components
Correct vehicle identification eliminates many of these problems before the service begins.
BMW M2, M3 & M4 Oil Change FAQ
What oil is included?
Liqui Moly Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30.
Does Special Tec LL 5W-30 carry BMW approval?
Yes. Liqui Moly currently lists BMW Longlife-01 among its official approvals.
How much oil comes with the kit?
A total of 7 liters.
Does the kit include an oil filter?
Yes. An OE-quality MANN oil filter and applicable service seals are included.
What is the BMW oil-filter reference?11427854445.
Does it fit an F80 M3?
The kit is intended for compatible S55-powered F80 M3 applications.
Does it fit an F82 or F83 M4?
Compatible S55-powered F82 M4 Coupe and F83 M4 Convertible applications are included.
Does it fit the F87 M2?
Compatible F87 applications are included, but engine identification is important because the original M2 and M2 Competition use different engine families.
Does this fit an E92 M3?
No. The E9X M3 uses the S65 V8 and requires a different service package.
Does it fit a G80 M3 or G82 M4?
Do not assume so. Those vehicles use the newer S58 engine family and should use components specified for that application.
Complete Your BMW M Oil Service
Whether you're maintaining an F87 M2, F80 M3, F82 M4 or F83 M4, consistent engine oil and filter maintenance is one of the fundamentals of keeping a high-performance BMW properly serviced.
This complete package combines 7 liters of Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 with an OE-quality MANN oil filter and applicable service seals.
For your next service, shop the Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 BMW M2 M3 M4 Oil Change Kit at SayParts.
You can also browse BMW maintenance parts and oil change kits at SayParts.