How many liters of engine oil does the BMW 1 Series 118i require?
2 Answers
The BMW 1 Series 118i requires 4.25 liters of engine oil. It is not necessary to fill it to the maximum; maintaining the oil level at the middle mark on the dipstick is sufficient. Frequency of oil changes: For new cars under normal driving conditions, if synthetic oil is used, the oil can generally be changed every 10,000 kilometers, and in some cases, it can even be extended up to 20,000 kilometers. "Normal driving" refers to frequent highway driving with minimal stop-and-go traffic. However, if you often drive in the city, encountering traffic lights frequently, getting stuck in traffic, and most trips are less than a dozen kilometers, this type of driving is considered "severe driving." Precautions for oil changes: Choosing high-quality engine oil can make your car more durable and powerful. Good engine oil, especially fully synthetic oil, not only protects the engine and reduces the frequency of oil changes but also saves on fuel costs. Therefore, although it is twice as expensive as conventional oil, it is the best choice for many car owners.
As a veteran with over a decade of experience in auto repair shops, I've handled numerous BMW 1 Series 118i cases. The oil capacity typically requires around 4.5 liters, depending on the engine year—newer models take approximately 4.25 liters, while older ones may need close to 5 liters. I advise owners to always pull out and wipe the dipstick clean before each oil change. After topping up, start the engine briefly, then turn it off and wait a few minutes before rechecking the dipstick level to ensure it's between the upper and lower marks. Both overfilling and underfilling can damage the engine, especially in precision-engineered cars like BMWs where excessive oil causes foaming and cooling issues, while insufficient oil leads to poor lubrication. Regular maintenance is crucial—change oil every 8,000-10,000 km using full synthetic oil for better protection against premature engine aging, which saves money in the long run.
