1988 Buick LeSabre Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.0 quarts)
The 1988 Buick LeSabre takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Custom, 2D Coupe, 3.8 3 — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Custom, 2D Coupe, 3.8 C — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Custom, 4D Sedan, 3.8 3 — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Custom, 4D Sedan, 3.8 C — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Estate Wagon, 200-4R/MW9 — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Estate Wagon, 700R4/MD8 — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Limited, 2D Coupe, 3.8 3 — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Limited, 2D Coupe, 3.8 C — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Limited, 4D Sedan, 3.8 3 — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Limited, 4D Sedan, 3.8 C — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| T-Type — 3.8L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
Complete Oil Change Bundle for 1988 Buick LeSabre
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More factory specs & repair guides for your LeSabre
🛞 1988 Buick LeSabre Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1988 Buick LeSabre Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1988 Buick LeSabre Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1988 Buick LeSabre Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
13.0 quarts (12.3 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1988 Buick LeSabre take?
The 1988 Buick LeSabre takes 5W-30 motor oil (SAE 5W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to 60Deg.F), 10W-30 (Preferred) (0Deg. to Above 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1988 Buick LeSabre?
The 1988 Buick LeSabre oil capacity is 4.0 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1988 Buick LeSabre?
Most 1988 Buick LeSabre 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 — Buick recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1988 Buick LeSabre?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1988 Buick LeSabre. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.