How many liters of oil can a BMW X1 hold?
4 Answers
The BMW X1 requires approximately 5L of oil for an oil change. The recommended oil type for the BMW X1 is 5W-30. If you are considering an oil change during later maintenance, you can choose from brands such as Shell, Mobil, or Castrol. The official manual recommends oil specifications of 0W30, 5W30, 5W-40, or 0W20. Oil viscosity changes with temperature, so it is important to pay special attention to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts smoother. The second number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher number means the oil can maintain its viscosity better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the oil in a BMW X1 is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan. Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine for about 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passage to drain out. Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter. Apply oil to the oil seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand. Add the new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover. Typically, fill about three-quarters of a standard oil container. Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, perform necessary repairs. After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to check that the oil level is within the standard range.
The oil capacity for the BMW X1 ranges between 4.25 to 5.25 liters, depending on your specific engine model. My own vehicle is equipped with the B48 engine, requiring approximately 5 liters of oil during each service – filling to the middle mark on the dipstick is ideal. The dealership technician also reminded me that low oil levels can compromise engine cooling and lubrication, while overfilling may accelerate cylinder wear. Remember to run the engine for a few minutes before an oil change, then shut it off and wait fifteen minutes for an accurate dipstick reading. For new car maintenance, always check the owner’s manual for exact oil specifications beforehand. Don’t let repair shops upsell unnecessary extra oil – it’s wasteful and potentially harmful. Developing a routine oil inspection habit is crucial, especially before long trips; check under the oil cap for discoloration or emulsification to avoid major issues.
My old X1 with the B38 1.5T three-cylinder engine clearly states in the maintenance manual that it requires 4.25 liters of oil. In practice, it's best to fully drain the old oil before adding new oil, and around 4.5 liters is usually sufficient—don't pour the entire 5-liter bottle directly. I used to add a bit extra for convenience, but it resulted in blue smoke from the exhaust. Later, I learned that overfilling can cause oil to seep into the combustion chamber, leading to carbon buildup. Now, after every oil change, I check the level using the electronic dipstick on the dashboard. After letting the car sit for half an hour, as long as the oil level is between min and max, it's safe. BMW engines are precision-built, so it's recommended to use manufacturer-approved low-viscosity oil like 0W-30 for better reliability.
The BMW X1 has two different engine oil capacities depending on the engine type. The 2.0T four-cylinder typically requires around 5 liters, while the 1.5T three-cylinder needs approximately 4.25 liters. I recommend not driving off immediately after refilling—let the car sit for five minutes to allow the oil to drain back into the oil pan before checking the dipstick. The optimal oil level should be 3mm below the upper mark; overfilling can cause excessive crankcase pressure. During maintenance, also check if the oil filter needs replacement, as this is often overlooked. For oil brands, it's best to use those with BMW LL certification, as they match OEM specifications well and provide better turbo protection.
