2008 BMW 528i Engine Oil Capacity

This guide will tell you all you need to know about your 2008 BMW 528i engine oil capacity, plus a few extra tips.
Written by Sarah Gray
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2008 BMW 528i features a naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter inline-6 engine that produces 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. But to do so efficiently and effectively, that engine requires 6.9 liters of SAE 0W-30 engine oil.
Driving an older vehicle can often mean saving a lot of money on
car insurance
. But if you don’t keep up with regularly scheduled maintenance, you could lose all those savings to unexpected
car repairs
. We’ve created this guide to help you keep up with one of the more important aspects of vehicle maintenance for your 2008 BMW 528i—engine oil capacity and oil changes. 
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2008 BMW 528i engine oil capacity

The 2008 BMW 528i has an engine oil capacity of 6.9 quarts, or about 6.5 liters, including the filter.
Knowing how much oil your vehicle can hold is the first step toward ensuring you always keep it properly topped. Too little oil, or too much, can cause expensive damage. And don’t let the 528i’s 3.0-liter engine fool you—those 3 liters refer to your engine’s displacement, which is completely different from its oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a 2008 BMW 528i need?

Maintaining proper levels of oil in your Bimmer is certainly important, but so is ensuring you use the right kind of oil. For your 2008 528i, that means SAE 0W-30 full synthetic engine oil. Pennzoil is
BMW’s
brand of choice, but feel free to swap brands if needed, as long as it’s the same viscosity. 
In a pinch, you can substitute SAE 5W-30, but make sure it’s still a full synthetic, and that you don’t use it for more than one oil change. Your 528i’s high-performance engine was built specifically to run with 0W-30 full synthetic oil, so substituting anything else will not only sacrifice performance but could also lead to lasting damage.

How often to change the oil on a 2008 BMW 528i

Most vehicles require an
oil change
about every 3,000 to 5,000 miles—but as Bimmer aficionados know, a BMW is not like most vehicles. BMW recommends an oil change for your 2008 528i every 10,000 miles, or at least once per year. But changing your oil more often than is recommended will not hurt your engine—in fact, it may even increase its longevity.
No matter how often you choose to change your BMW’s oil, you should make sure you check your oil levels at least once per month to ensure your engine is properly lubricated. When checking your oil, you should also check for oddities that can indicate you’re in need of an oil change or that you’ve got some engine damage that needs to be addressed. Get an oil change ASAP if you notice any of the following:

How to change your oil and filter

Changing your BMW’s oil is a great way to save money on
BMW oil change cost
s. Plus, it’s pretty easy—though it can get a bit messy. Before you get started, you’ll need to gather some
essential car tools and supplies
, including:
  • 7 quarts of 0W-30 oil and a replacement filter 
  • A drain pan
  • A socket wrench
  • A filter wrench
  • A rag
Since your 528i has low ground clearance, you may also want to put your car on jack stands if you’re able. This will make it easier to reach the oil drain bolt underneath the car.
Oil changes are best performed when the engine is warm to ensure all the old oil drains out. Running the engine for about 5 to 10 minutes is usually all you need to get your oil nice and loose and ready to drain. If you’ve been out driving for a while, you should let your engine cool just to the point where you can touch it comfortably.
With your materials gather and your engine warmed up, it’s time to go to work:
  • Remove the oil fill cap
  • Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, draining the old oil into the drain pan 
  • Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain 
  • Install the new filter
  • Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft
  • Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap 
When your oil change is complete, start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then check your oil to ensure you’ve added the correct amount. 
Now, what to do with all that old oil? Engine oil is environmentally hazardous, so you should never just pour it on the ground or toss it in the trash. Instead, transfer the used oil to a tightly sealed container and take it to a recycling center to be properly disposed of. If you’re unsure of where to find one near you, head to
Earth 911
to find out. 
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