BMW · Vehicle Guide

BMW 3 Series Transmission Fluid

Which transmission fluid the BMW 3 Series uses by model year and transmission, and how to check the level.

Quick answer

BMW-specified automatic transmission fluid for your exact transmission — confirm with your owner's manual or a BMW dealer using your VIN. We could not verify that ZF Lifeguard 8 is BMW-approved for every model. Dipstick: Not confirmed for every year — see your owner's manual. Manual, M and hybrid models may use different fluids. Fill capacity and change interval depend on your exact year, engine and transmission, so they are not listed here — use your owner's manual.

Updated October 24, 2026

Confirm your exact version. The BMW 3 Series was sold across several model years and more than one transmission. What is shown here is general guidance and has not been verified for every individual configuration. Before buying fluid or servicing, confirm the fluid spec, capacity, and check procedure for your exact model year and transmission using the owner's manual or a dealer parts lookup for your VIN.

Fluid specifications

Fluid (confirm for your year): BMW-specified automatic transmission fluid for your exact transmission — confirm with your owner's manual or a BMW dealer using your VIN. We could not verify that ZF Lifeguard 8 is BMW-approved for every model
Transmission: ZF 8-speed automatic (8HP)
Capacity and interval: Not listed — varies by year, engine and transmission. See your owner's manual.
Dipstick: Not confirmed for every year — see your owner's manual
Applies to: 2012–present (F30 / G20)

This is general guidance for the BMW 3 Series. Always confirm the exact fluid spec and capacity for your model year in the owner's manual before servicing.

How to check it

Check the transmission fluid section of your BMW 3 Series owner's manual first — it says whether your version has a dipstick, is checked at a fill/level plug at a set temperature, or should be checked by a dealer. See our step-by-step guides:

Frequently asked questions

What type of transmission fluid does the BMW 3 Series use?+

For the BMW 3 Series: BMW-specified automatic transmission fluid for your exact transmission — confirm with your owner's manual or a BMW dealer using your VIN. We could not verify that ZF Lifeguard 8 is BMW-approved for every model. Always confirm the exact specification for your model year in the owner's manual before topping up or changing fluid — using the wrong fluid can damage the transmission.

Does the BMW 3 Series have a transmission dipstick?+

We have not confirmed this for every BMW 3 Series model year. The official documents we checked are listed on this page; your owner's manual's transmission fluid section says whether your version has a dipstick or should be checked by a dealer.

How often should BMW 3 Series transmission fluid be changed?+

The interval depends on your model year, transmission and how the vehicle is used, so we do not publish a single number for the BMW 3 Series. Your owner's manual or maintenance schedule gives the interval, usually with a shorter one for severe service such as towing, extreme heat or stop-and-go driving.

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