BMW G80 M3 Oil Change (S58)
Simple, satisfying, and the best routine care you can give the S58. The job is a standard drain-and-cartridge-swap, with two M-car specifics: the correct M-spec oil in a large fill, and no dipstick — the level is set in iDrive. One note for newer cars: mind your warranty service records. Here's how.
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The S58 oil change is mechanically straightforward — drain, swap the cartridge filter, refill — with the same M-car points as any modern M engine: a specific M-approved oil in a fair quantity, and no dipstick, so the final level is set electronically. Do it often and it's the cheapest, most effective care the engine gets. Keep oil fresh, and the strong S58 stays strong.
Newer car? Mind the warranty
Most G80s are still under factory warranty (and some markets include scheduled servicing). DIY oil changes are fine, but keep detailed records and receipts so you can show maintenance was done to spec — and be aware that included-maintenance dealer service may already cover oil changes during that period. Keep paperwork either way.
Parts & Tools You'll Need
The right oil, a cartridge filter kit, and a few basics.
Step-by-Step
Warm It, Then Lift
Run the engine briefly so the oil flows freely, then shut it off. Raise the car on ramps or stands on level ground and let it settle — warm oil drains faster and more completely.
Drain the Oil
Position a large pan, remove the drain plug and let it drain fully — the S58 holds a lot, so give it time. Inspect the old oil and plug as it drains.
Swap the Cartridge Filter
Open the top-mounted filter housing with the correct cap socket, lift out the old cartridge, and fit the new one. Replace the cap O-rings with the fresh ones from the kit — never reuse them.
Reinstall the Drain Plug
Fit a new crush washer, reinstall the drain plug and torque it to spec — snug, not gorilla-tight. Tighten the filter cap to its spec too; both want a torque wrench, not guesswork.
Refill With the Right Oil
Add the correct M-spec oil, going slightly under the full capacity at first. Run the engine for a moment to circulate it, then shut off and let it settle before checking the level.
Set the Level (No Dipstick)
There's no dipstick — check the oil level through the iDrive menu with the engine warm and the car level, and top up in small amounts to the correct reading. Don't overfill. Reset the service interval if needed.
Use the right M-spec oil, and change it early
The S58 needs the correct M-approved oil — don't substitute a generic grade. And although the S58 has no rod-bearing worry like the S55, fresh oil is still the cheapest care a high-output M engine gets, so change it ahead of BMW's interval (many owners ~5,000 miles, sooner if tracked). The right oil, changed often, keeps a strong engine strong.
Quick Specs
General guidance — verify for your exact car.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Oil spec | BMW M-approved grade for the S58 — confirm for your car |
| Capacity | ~6.5–7 quarts (set final level via iDrive) |
| Filter | Cartridge, top-mounted; replace cap O-rings |
| Interval | ~5,000 mi / yearly (sooner if tracked) |
| Level check | Electronic — iDrive menu, warm & level (no dipstick) |
FAQ
What oil does the S58 take?
A specific BMW M-approved oil — the M engines call for a particular grade, so don't substitute a generic one. Buy the correct spec and enough of it (around 6.5–7 quarts). See our BMW oil guide.
Will a DIY oil change void my warranty?
Doing your own oil change doesn't automatically void the warranty, but keep detailed records and receipts proving correct oil and parts were used. Note that included-maintenance plans may already cover oil changes during the warranty period — check what your car has.
How often should I change it?
Ahead of BMW's interval — many owners do roughly every 5,000 miles or annually, and sooner for tracked cars. Even though the S58 has no rod-bearing worry like the S55, frequent changes are cheap insurance for a high-output engine.
How do I check the level with no dipstick?
Through the iDrive menu, with the engine warm and the car on level ground. Add oil in small amounts to reach the correct reading and avoid overfilling.
How much oil does it hold?
Around 6.5–7 quarts — more than a regular 3 Series — so buy enough and size up your drain pan. Set the final level by the electronic reading rather than just pouring in the full amount.
You're Done
Fresh oil and filter in your S58 — simple, satisfying, and the best routine care the engine gets. The rules: the right M-spec oil, change it early, fresh seals and a torque wrench, set the level in iDrive, and keep the records while it's under warranty. See the maintenance & cost guide and the oil guide, then back to the G80 hub.