2004–2018 BMW 6 Series

2004-2018 BMW 6 Series — Engine Oil & Filter Change

By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧🔧 Moderate 30-60 minutes $57 DIY

Save $63 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $120

Quick answer: Engine Oil & Filter Change on a 2004–2018 BMW 6 Series is rated Moderate and takes about 30-60 minutes. You'll need 5 tools for this job, and parts cost about $57. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$57.00

Oil spec 3.0L inline-six

Capacity 6.9 qt with filter Viscosity 5W-30 (alt: 5W-40)

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Engine Oil (5W-30)	—	$45.00	Amazon
Correct engine oil filter and drain-plug washer for 2004-2018 BMW 6 Series	—	$12.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Confirm oil specification and make the vehicle safe

Confirm the engine first — two generations, two procedures. E63: cartridge filter under the engine (8mm Allen socket). F12/F13 640i: housing on TOP, 6.9 quarts (6.5L) of 0W-30 meeting BMW Longlife-01. 650i V8s take more — check the manual.

Warm briefly and protect the work area

Warm oil, then shut it off. Remove the fill cap and place a drain pan under sump. E63: remove the underbody panels to reach the sump plug and filter. F12/F13: pop the engine cover to expose the top-mounted filter housing.

Drain the used oil and replace the filter

E63: 8mm Allen on sump plug, drain fully, refit with new washer — don't overtighten. F12/F13: drain plug (M12x1.5) out, new seal at 19 ft-lbs. N55: 27mm socket on top housing, swap element and two O-rings (lightly oiled), refit.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

That M12x1.5 plug on the F12 gets a new seal every single time for me — I've seen too many 'rear main leaks' that were really just a reused drain-plug seal weeping slowly.

Install the correct oil quantity

Add 6.9 quarts for the N55 640i — stopping short of full. No dipstick: run briefly, check the electronic level in iDrive, top up in small amounts to the max mark. Refit the cap tightly.

Check level, leaks, and service reminder

Idle and inspect the drain plug and filter housing for leaks. Recheck the level in iDrive after a short drive. Reset the service reminder through the iDrive menu (or the cluster stalk on the E63).

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong viscosity, capacity, or filter
• Working under a vehicle supported only by a jack
• Reusing a crushed drain-plug washer or leaving the old filter gasket stuck
• Over-tightening the filter or drain plug
• Starting the engine without first verifying oil was added

Tools You'll Need

Floor jack or ramps and rated jack stands if needed Oil-drain pan, funnel, gloves, and eye protection Socket or wrench for the drain plug and oil-filter tool Calibrated torque wrench and shop towels 8mm Socket 27mm Socket 8mm Allen (hex-bit) socket

⚠️ Safety First!

• Informational DIY. EZ Car Fix is not a shop.
• Work on level ground with the engine off and only safely supported by ramps or rated jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Verify oil viscosity, capacity, filter, and drain-plug washer for the exact engine. Do not mix fluids or overfill.
• Hot oil can burn. Wear gloves and eye protection, keep spills away from tires, and dispose of used oil at an approved collection point.
• Stop if the drain plug, filter housing, pan, or threads are damaged or leaking.