How Many Liters of Engine Oil Does a BMW 323 Need?
2 Answers
The BMW 323 requires approximately 6.5 liters of engine oil. After adding the oil, you can check the oil level for accuracy. To check the oil level, start the vehicle after adding the oil, then turn it off and wait for 3 minutes before checking. This is because when changing the oil, the oil filter is also replaced, and the new oil filter initially contains no oil. After starting the vehicle, oil will flow into the oil filter. Waiting for 3 minutes allows the oil to settle into the oil pan, ensuring a more accurate reading. Adding too much oil can interfere with the normal operation of the crankshaft and increase fuel consumption. Specifically, when the crankshaft journal reaches the bottom dead center, it may hit the oil, creating resistance and disrupting normal operation, which is unacceptable. Conversely, insufficient oil will not provide adequate lubrication for the engine's internal components, leading to accelerated wear and potential engine damage.
As a long-time owner of a BMW 323, I believe adding 4.5 liters of oil is the standard amount during an oil change. However, I prefer to add 4 liters first, start the engine to warm it up for a few minutes, and then check the dipstick to ensure the level is in the middle. Using fully synthetic 5W-30 oil is most suitable for this engine, as it reduces wear and improves fuel efficiency. If you only change the oil without replacing the filter, you might only need 4 liters, but for the first maintenance after purchasing a new car, it's recommended to change the filter as well. When I DIY, I always buy a 5-liter jug of oil to keep some spare for potential leaks; adding too much can cause blue smoke, while too little can lead to engine overheating, so checking the oil level is crucial. Regularly monitoring the oil color changes can help prevent issues, and remember to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers to extend your car's lifespan.