2013 BMW 328i Oil Capacity Guide

If you want to change your 2013 BMW 328i’s oil at home, you’ll need to know its oil capacity. Find out more here.
Written by Emily Maracle
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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A compact sporty sedan, the 2013
BMW 328i
is one of BMW’s most iconic. Its sleek driving dynamics and performance has made it a popular option for BMW enthusiasts. But to maintain that performance, you’re going to need to know its engine oil capacity. 
If you want to start saving on car maintenance, changing your oil at home is an easy first step. Although most DIY car owners can change their oil themselves, there are a few things you have to know before changing your oil, like your car’s oil capacity. 
To help you start changing your 2013 BMW 328i’s oil,
Jerry
, the
super app
for car owners and
insurance
, has put together a guide for BMW 328i owners. 

2013 BMW 328i oil capacity 

If you’re unsure of where to start or what the oil capacity of your car is, you’ll want to review your owner’s manual. If you haven’t read much about your car in the last nine years, your manual will likely be in your glove compartment. Inside, it’ll explain what your car’s oil capacity is and the suggested engine oil. But, don’t fret if you can’t find your manual—we have everything you need to know.
When determining the oil capacity of your 2013 BMW 328i, you’ll need to know the engine size.
  • A 2013 with a 4-cylinder engine has an oil capacity of 5.3 quarts
  • A 2013 with a 6-cylinder engine has an oil capacity of 6.9 quarts
If you have a base model 2013 328i, you’ll have a twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine with an oil capacity of 5.3 quarts. An upgraded 328i typically has a 6-cylinder engine with an oil capacity of 6.9 quarts. 
Just remember, the amount of cylinders or liters your engine takes up is not the same as your oil capacity. The volume your engine’s cylinders take up is called engine displacement, whereas oil capacity relates to how much oil you need to use when changing the engine oil.
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What kind of oil does a 2013 BMW 328i need?

Once you determine how much oil you’ll actually need, it’s important you use the right type. Engine oil isn’t created equal, and many luxury cars have specific recommendations to ensure your engine continues to run like new. If you don’t use the proper oil, expect your BMW and pocketbook to suffer. 
For the 2013 328i, it’s recommended to use a full synthetic oil with a viscosity of 5W-30. While that seems simple enough, there are a lot of choices for engine oil and various grades. To give you a better understanding of what you’re looking for, we’ll break down the numbers. 
The numbers refer to the oil’s viscosity, or how thick the formula is, and the “W” stands for winter. So, if you have 5 before the “W” means that it maintains a lower viscosity in colder weather, and the 30 means it can also withstand hotter temperatures. 
5W-30 is a popular type of oil because it generally performs well in colder weather and hotter temperatures. Its low viscosity also doesn’t require your BMW’s engine to work as hard. 
Although you have several options, be sure to avoid conventional oil. Conventional oil will degrade your BMW’s engine performance.
Some of the best products to keep an eye out for are:

How often to change oil on a 2013 BMW 328i

Now that you know how much oil you’ll need and what type, the next step is
changing your oil
—if it’s the time! 
Just like most things in life, your car is on a schedule. Through testing, BMW has determined changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is optimal to keep your car in peak performance. If you don’t drive very often, every six months is usually a better time marker. 
That said, BMW recommends high-quality full synthetic oils for their cars. If you happen to forget or end up going farther than advised, don’t fret! Auto experts usually recommend a synthetic oil change every 7,500 to 10,000
Since that’s a wide range of mileage and time, you can look for specific signs that indicate your oil needs changing. Ideally, check your oil levels regularly, and you’ll never miss any of the following signs indicating it’s time for a change:
  • Dark oil: If your oil is black or dark brown, it’s time for a change. Clean oil is usually a light brown or amber.
  • Oil that feels coarse: If your oil feels gritty, it’s contaminated and filled with dirt and debris. 
  • Strange noises
    : If you’re hearing odd noises and haven’t changed your oil lately, your engine is likely working harder than it should.
  • Oil, burning, or smoke type smells: Any new smells coming from your car or engine indicate a performance issue.

How to change your oil and oil filter

After determining it’s time for an oil change, you’ll need to gather a few supplies. Before beginning, make sure you have a socket wrench, drain pan, a filter wrench to remove the old filter, a replacement filter, and at least six quarts of synthetic 5W-30 engine oil
Once you have your supplies together, you’ll want to warm up your oil. You can do this by starting your car and letting it run for a few minutes. As long as it’s not the middle of winter, this should take about five minutes. From there, turn off your BMW,
open the hood
, and:
  • Begin by looking for the drain plug or nut which is underneath your car
  • Once you find it, put the drain pan under the plug 
  • Open the plug with the wrench and drain the old oil
  • While the oil is draining, remove the oil fill cap at the top of your engine 
  • Remove the old filter and replace it with the new one 
  • Replace the oil drain plug or nut
  • Add new engine oil and replace the oil fill cap
Be sure to check your oil levels to ensure you added the correct amount of oil. You’ll also want your car to run for a couple of minutes to ensure there aren’t any leaks. If all is well, any
illuminated oil lights
should turn off. 
Finally, dispose of the old oil properly. Don’t put it in your garbage or dump it on the ground as it’s contaminated. Your local auto store or recycling center should be able to dispose of it properly for you. 

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

As long as you follow your 2013 BMW 328i’s regular maintenance schedule and keep up with oil changes, you shouldn’t have to worry much about your car. Another thing you can put on autopilot is your
car insurance
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Jerry
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