How many liters of oil should be added to the BMW B38?
2 Answers
The BMW B38 requires approximately 4.25 liters of oil. The exact amount can be checked using the electronic oil dipstick. Best time to refuel: The optimal time to refuel is when there is about a quarter of the tank's fuel remaining. Firstly, if there is too much fuel left, it can easily overflow during refueling. If accidentally exposed to a spark, this could lead to a tragic fire. Additionally, when a quarter of the fuel remains, the tank's components can still dissipate heat, and air won't obstruct the flow of gasoline. Best amount of fuel to add: The ideal amount of fuel to add is about three-quarters of the tank's capacity. Maintaining this fuel level not only ensures proper cooling of the fuel pump and sensor devices but also prevents engine damage. It also avoids overfilling the tank and the risk of gasoline overflow.
I've been using a BMW with the B38 engine for several years, and the typical oil capacity is between 4.2 to 4.5 liters. It depends on the model year—for example, my older model only needs 4.2 liters, but it's best to add some first and check the dipstick level. Too little oil can wear out engine components, while too much may cause leaks or pump damage. During each maintenance, I usually add 4 liters of oil, start the engine for a few minutes to circulate the oil, then turn it off and wait a few minutes before checking the dipstick to ensure the level is between the min and max marks. If it's low, top it up with fresh oil; if it's high, drain some out. I recommend using BMW-certified 5W-30 oil—it's reasonably priced, but don't cheap out with off-brand oils. Regular oil changes are crucial; replacing it every 8,000 km or so can extend engine life. DIY oil changes are pretty straightforward—just get a large oil jug and a funnel, but be careful not to spill any on the engine to avoid a mess.
