What type of engine oil is used for the BMW 118i?
2 Answers
BMW 118i uses engine oil with the specification 5W30. Meaning of engine oil specifications: It includes two parts: classification and viscosity specification. The oil specification usually indicates viscosity and quality. Detailed interpretation of engine oil specifications: The viscosity of lubricating oil is mostly identified using SAE grades. SAE is the abbreviation for the "Society of Automotive Engineers" in English. The "W" stands for winter, and the smaller the number before it, the better the low-temperature fluidity of the oil, indicating a lower usable environmental temperature and better protection for the engine during cold starts. The number after the "W" (after the dash) is an indicator of the oil's high-temperature resistance; the larger the number, the better the oil's protective performance at high temperatures.
I remember last time when I took my friend's BMW 118i for maintenance, the mechanic recommended using 0W-30 or 5W-30 viscosity engine oil, the key point being it must have BMW Longlife certification, such as Longlife-04 or Longlife-17 FE+. After using it in my car, I felt the engine started faster and had less vibration. It's recommended to check the vehicle manual to confirm the year, as older 118i models might also use 5W-40. If unsure, opt for reputable brands like Shell Helix or Castrol, and avoid cheap no-name brands to prevent engine carbon buildup or premature wear. Change the oil approximately every 10,000 kilometers, and check the oil level with the dipstick to keep it at the mid-level. Doing this can save some repair costs and make driving more worry-free.