How many liters of engine oil should be added to a BMW 320Li?
3 Answers
BMW 320Li with chassis model F35 is a four-door long-wheelbase version, equipped with an N20 engine. The standard engine oil capacity is 5L. However, if it's for engine maintenance where the system is completely drained and some components require lubrication during assembly, an additional 1-1.5 liters of oil may be needed. Below is an introduction to engine oil: 1. Engine oil serves multiple functions including lubrication and friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, as well as shock absorption. It is often referred to as the 'blood' of a car. The engine is the heart of a vehicle, containing numerous metal surfaces that move against each other under high-speed and harsh conditions, with operating temperatures reaching 400 to 600 degrees Celsius. Only qualified lubricating oil can reduce wear on engine components and extend their service life under such severe conditions. 2. The amount of engine oil added should ideally be between the upper and lower marks on the dipstick. Excessive oil can enter the combustion chamber through the gap between the cylinder and piston, forming carbon deposits. These deposits can increase the engine's compression ratio, raising the likelihood of knocking. Carbon deposits in the cylinder, which can become red-hot, may also lead to pre-ignition. If they fall into the cylinder, they can accelerate wear on the cylinder and piston and further contaminate the lubricating oil.
I used to drive a BMW 320Li, and my experience with adding engine oil is that about 5 liters is most suitable, but it depends on your car's model year. For models before 2016, around 4.8 liters is needed, while newer models require up to 5.25 liters. Be sure not to overfill or underfill, as it can cause faster engine wear. Every time I get maintenance at the dealership, they first extract the oil to check and replace it with full synthetic oil to ensure proper lubrication. Don’t exceed the oil change interval of 10,000 kilometers—spending more on maintenance can save you from costly repairs. Also, check the dipstick regularly; the oil level should be in the middle of the marks when the engine is cold. Too high consumes more fuel, and too low may trigger a high-temperature warning. Remember to confirm with the user manual, as different driving habits, like frequent highway driving, can increase oil consumption. It’s good to keep an extra small bottle of oil as backup.
I often perform DIY car maintenance. For the BMW 320Li, the crucial oil quantity depends on the engine type. Take the B48 engine as an example: the standard is 5.25 liters, while the older N20 engine requires slightly less. Before adding oil, warm up the engine and let it sit for 10 minutes after turning it off, then accurately measure with the dipstick before pouring—don’t rush to fill it completely. Low oil levels can lead to insufficient lubrication, especially on long trips, which may cause issues, so top it up with high-quality synthetic oil. For older cars, also check if the oil seals are leaking, otherwise, topping up will be pointless. Usually, you can handle this in the garage yourself, saving time on shop visits—simple tools like a funnel and oil can will do the job. While you’re at it, check the cleanliness of the cabin air filter, as it affects the entire system’s efficiency.
