How much engine oil should be added to a BMW 523 inline-six engine?
2 Answers
BMW 523 inline-six engine requires approximately 6.5 liters of engine oil, typically using 5W30 grade oil. There are two key points to note when adding engine oil: 1. When selecting engine oil: It is necessary to strictly follow the oil grade specified in the vehicle's user manual. If the same grade is not available, a higher grade can be used, but a lower grade should never be substituted; 2. When adding engine oil: The amount of oil added should be slightly below the standard mark. Excessive oil will increase the rotational resistance of the crankshaft, reduce the engine's output power, and the excess oil may enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning, blue smoke emission, and increased fuel consumption.
Last time when I did maintenance for my friend's BMW 523, I specifically researched this issue. The oil capacity for the inline-six N52 engine is quite particular. The manual specifies 6.5 liters as the standard amount, but in actual operation, I first add 6 liters, start the engine to circulate for a few minutes, and then top up 0.3-0.5 liters after the oil filter is saturated. Nowadays, many new oil containers have graduated marks on the side for precise measurement. Never pour a full 7-liter container directly for convenience, as excessive oil stirred by the crankshaft can cause abnormal oil pressure. The most accurate reading is checking the electronic oil dipstick three minutes after turning off a warm engine, with the ideal level being slightly above the middle mark.
