What oil does a 2008–2010 BMW 5 Series (N54) take?

5W-30 (BMW LL-01), 6.9 qt (6.5 L) with a filter change.

DRIVEDEX / BMW / 5 Series

2008–2010

BMW 5 Series

3.0L twin-turbo I6 (N54) N54 Sedan/Wagon (E60/E61)

E60 style with the N54's bite — great when sorted, expensive when neglected.

Engine Oil

Viscosity‼

✓ verified

src: N54 oil guides (multiple)

Capacity (with filter)

6.5 L✓ verified

src: Engine Oil Journal + N54 guides

Oil filter

✓ verified

src: Turner + ECS listings

Drain plug torque‼

— in verification queue

Being confirmed against the TIS

Fluids

Coolant‼

✓ verified

HT-12 green back-serves G48 cars

src: FCP Euro coolant guide

ATF (automatic)‼

✓ verified

Shell M-1375.4 spec — service ~50–60k, with the pan/filter

src: ZF/Turner + ECS listings

Brake fluid‼

✓ verified

Flush every 2 years

src: BimmerWorld brake fluid guide

Fuel

◐ pending

Manual minimum AKI 89

src: BMW owner's manual (quoted)

Filters & Ignition

Engine air filter

— in verification queue

Being confirmed

Cabin filter

— in verification queue

Being confirmed

Spark plugs

✓ verified

OE gap ~0.028 in (0.7 mm)

src: Turner listing (E60/E61 fitment)

Electrical

Battery

◐ pending

src: FCP Euro fitment + BimmerTech

Key fob battery

— in verification queue

Being confirmed — comfort-access fobs recharge in the slot

Wheels & Wipers

Wheel bolt torque‼

120 Nm✓ verified

M12 bolts

src: BimmerWorld + Bimmer Guides

Tire pressure

— in verification queue

Varies by size/load — run the driver-door placard values

Wipers

— in verification queue

Being confirmed — sizes vary by trim

Service

Oil change interval

✓ verified

5–7.5k is the smart play on a turbo DI engine

src: BMW dealer service pages

Oil service reset

— in verification queue

CBS cluster reset — exact E60 steps being confirmed

🔧 Mechanic's Notes

Same N54 hit list as the 335i: HPFP long-crank/limp episodes — verify whether the pump was done under the extended campaign.
Cold-start wastegate rattle means actuator bushings are on the way out.
Carbon buildup on the intake valves is a when, not an if — walnut blast every 60–80k.
At higher miles, valve stem seals show as smoke after long idles; diagnose properly before blaming turbos.

Field patterns from a working mechanic — diagnose your own car before buying parts.

Open Recalls

Checking NHTSA…

Other 5 Series generations

2001–2003 BMW 5 Series 3.0L I6 (M54) · M54 5W-30 LL-016.9 qt oil88.5 lb-ft lugs 2011–2016 BMW 5 Series 3.0L turbo I6 (N55) · N55 6.9 qt LL-01 oil103 lb-ft lugsZF Lifeguard 8 ATF 2017–2023 BMW 5 Series 3.0L turbo I6 (B58) · B58 0W-20 LL-17 FE+6.9 qt oil103 lb-ft lugs

Sources shown per value. Specs can vary by build date, market and trim — for anything critical (torque, fluids), confirm against YOUR owner's manual or door sticker before wrenching. Spotted an error? — corrections jump the queue.