BMW Z3 Oil Type Finder

The BMW Z3 is a passenger car (passenger car) manufactured by BMW and launched in the autumn of 1995.

The Z3 is available in the following series:

• BMW Z3 E36/7 (1995-2002) available as a roadster
• BMW Z3 E36/8 (1995-2002) available as station wagon coupe
• BMW Z3 E36/7S (1995-2002) Motorsport Model Roadster
• BMW Z3 E36/8S (1995-2002) Motorsport model coupe
• BMW Z3 Roadster 1.8 (September 1995-August 1998)
• BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9 (September 1995-March 1999)
• BMW Z3 Roadster 2.8 (November 1996-September 2000)
• BMW Z3 M Roadster (1997-2002)

Special models of the BMW Z3:

• 1999: American style, Bella macchina, British traditional, Fiji, Orinoco (all have white turn signal lights)
• 2001: Estoril, Imola, Kyalami, San Remo

Engine oil is responsible for lubricating the engine and reduces mechanical friction on moving engine parts on the Z3. However, the right engine oil not only makes an essential contribution to lubrication, but also to the cooling of parts that are exposed to heat and heat, as well as to protection against corrosion. Changing the Z3 engine oil correctly also ensures that residues from combustion - such as soot residues, metallic abrasion, water or sulphur oxides - are removed from the engine circuit. When changing engine oil, the old engine oil must be completely removed, the oil filter may also need to be renewed and fresh oil refilled. Depending on the age and quality of the oil, it can become so dirty over time that the viscosity or lubricity of the oil decreases. It is therefore not enough to simply top up the engine oil when oil is consumed.

In 1995, BMW entered into a new era with the Z series. The two-seater moves on the asphalt in a sporty, attractive and stylish way. Initially, 125 kW (170 hp) were convincing however these days the performance level of sports car has increased with the various generations and brings between 145 kW (197 hp) and 190 kW (258 hp) under the hood. With the BMW M TwinPower Turbo, the Z4 delivers an impressive 340 hp if you want more punch.

What is the approved oil for a BMW Z3?

The engines of the BMW Z3 should only be driven with engine oil that has a manufacturer's approval at all times - for example, a 5W30 oil with BMW Longlife 04 approval is suitable for many units.

Every engine oil will have its viscosity grade labelled on the packaging. This will look something like 0W-20, 5W-30 or 5W-40. This grading is used to measure how thick / fluid the oil is and help ensure you buy the right oil for your car. The lower the viscosity grade of the oil, the more fluid and thinner it will be than those with a high grade (higher numbers) which will be much less running and thick.

So which engine oil should you buy for your BMW Z3? Whether you are topping up your BMW Z3 oil or doing a full change of your BMW Z3's oil it is really important that you use the correct grade of oil.

We have listed all the BMW Z3 models and engine types in the following table, as well as the correct engine oil grade for each of the cars. You can use the search and filter to easily find the right engine oil for an BMW Z3.

Car Make & Model	Year	Oil Grade
BMW Z3 1.8i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 1.8i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 1.8i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 1.9i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 1.9i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 1.9i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.0i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.0i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.0i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.2i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.2i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.2i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.5i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.5i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.5i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.8i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.8i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 2.8i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 3.0i (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 3.0i (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 3.0i (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 M (E36) Petrol	1995, 1996, 1997	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 M (E36) Petrol	1998, 1999, 2000	5W-30 or 5W-40
BMW Z3 M (E36) Petrol	2001, 2002, 2003	5W-30 or 5W-40