1988 BMW 325i Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.46 quarts)
The 1988 BMW 325i takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.46 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.46 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2D Convertible, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 4.46 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). |
| 2D Convertible, Standard — 2.5L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 4.46 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). |
| 4D Sedan, Automatic — 2.5L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 4.46 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). |
| 4D Sedan, Standard — 2.5L Eng | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 4.46 QTS. | 4.20 QTS. | Mineral based oil maybe used on pre-1999 models. For reliable engine performance, mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the following temperature ranges, which the vehicle will be operated: -40Deg.F to about 15Deg.F (SAE 5W-20); -40 Deg.F to about 25Deg. F (SAE 5W-30); -30Deg. F to about 40Deg F (SAE 10W-30); -30Deg. F to about 60Deg. F (SAE 10W-40); 0Deg. to about 105Deg. F (SAE 15W-50); 15Deg. F to above 120Deg. F (SAE 20W-50). |
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Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic OilExact Spec
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1988 BMW 325i Premium Synthetic Oil FilterExact Fit
OEM-fitment high-efficiency synthetic filter media (2D Convertible, Automatic)
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Oil Drain Plug Crush Washer Gaskets (5-Pack)Recommended
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Heavy-Duty Black Nitrile Gloves (Box of 100)PPE
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Wide-mouth funnel with flexible neck to eliminate engine bay spills
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Selected Items: 3 items
$46.95 est. total
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More factory specs & repair guides for your 325i
🛞 1988 BMW 325i Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 BMW 325i Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 BMW 325i Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 BMW 325i Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
11.0 quarts (10.4 L)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 BMW 325i take?
The 1988 BMW 325i takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required.), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 BMW 325i?
The 1988 BMW 325i oil capacity is 4.46 quarts with a filter change, or 4.2 quarts without changing the filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 BMW 325i?
Most 1988 BMW 325i owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — BMW recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 BMW 325i?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 BMW 325i. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.
Other BMW 325i years
2006 325i2005 325i2004 325i2003 325i2002 325i2001 325i1995 325i1994 325i1993 325i1992 325i1991 325i1990 325i1989 325i1987 325i
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