How much engine oil should be added to a BMW i8?
3 Answers
BMW i8 requires 4 liters of engine oil. There are three types of engine oil available: mineral oil, semi-synthetic oil, and fully synthetic oil, which serve functions such as lubrication, cleaning, sealing, buffering, rust prevention, and heat dissipation in the engine. The BMW i8 is a 2-door, 2-seater soft-top convertible sports car with dimensions of 4689 mm in length, 1942 mm in width, and 1282 mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2800 mm. In terms of suspension, the BMW i8 features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a five-link independent rear suspension. Exterior-wise, the car retains the familiar kidney grille at the front, with a blade-designed front bumper to reduce wind resistance, hidden door handles, and frameless butterfly doors that enhance the vehicle's aesthetic appeal.
I frequently work with the BMW i8, and the typical oil capacity is around 5.5 liters, but always refer to the manual for exact specifications. The reason is that the i8 uses a three-cylinder turbocharged engine with precisely designed capacity—too little oil leads to insufficient lubrication and wear, while too much can cause foaming and damage components. I recommend using a fully synthetic oil with a viscosity like 0W-40, preferably one with BMW certification for reliability. A safe oil change interval is every 10,000 kilometers, and it's best to visit a professional shop to avoid mistakes. Regularly checking the dipstick is crucial to ensure the oil level stays between the min and max marks. Avoid experimenting on your own to prevent leaks or damage. During maintenance, also inspect the electrical system since it's a hybrid—be careful not to disturb other components. Safety first; regular maintenance extends engine life.
Driving a BMW i8 is pretty cool. Simply put, the oil capacity is about 5 to 6 liters, and 5.5 liters is sufficient for regular oil changes. I recommend not exceeding the limit, as each liter of oil is quite expensive, and using the wrong type may cause abnormal noises or malfunctions. If you're doing it yourself, warm up the engine and let it cool for a few minutes first, then find a level surface to check the dipstick to avoid errors. It's recommended to use high-quality synthetic oil with original manufacturer certification, or you can opt for other reputable brands to save some money. Adjust the oil change frequency based on your driving habits—shorten the interval if you do more city driving. Remember to check the cooling system during each maintenance, as the i8 has high cooling requirements. Don’t overlook these details; keeping the car running long-term depends on being attentive. The maintenance cost isn’t too high, but negligence will lead to higher repair expenses.
