Complete Oil Specifications
Your 2022 BMW 118i with the 1.5L B38 TwinPower Turbo 3-cylinder requires 0W-20 full synthetic oil carrying BMW Longlife-17 FE+ (LL-17 FE+) approval and ACEA C5 classification.
Quick Reference
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Viscosity | 0W-20 |
| BMW Approval | BMW LL-17 FE+ / ACEA C5 |
| Capacity (with filter) | 4.5 quarts |
| Oil Filter | BMW 11428507683 |
| Normal Interval | 10000 miles |
Why BMW LL-17 FE+ 0W-20 Is Required
The B38 is BMW’s 3-cylinder modular engine featuring TwinPower Turbo technology — a twin-scroll turbocharger with variable valve timing on both camshafts. BMW Longlife-17 FE+ (LL-17 FE+) is BMW’s fuel-economy-focused low-SAPS specification, mandating 0W-20 viscosity for this engine variant. The ultra-low cold viscosity provides rapid oil delivery to variable valve timing actuators and the twin-scroll turbo bearing at cold start, while the ACEA C5 low-SAPS chemistry protects the gasoline particulate filter (GPF). BMW’s Condition Based Service (CBS) system uses oil quality sensors to calculate actual drain intervals — it is calibrated to LL-17 FE+ chemistry.
Using incorrect oil will:
- ❌ Cause CBS to calculate incorrect service intervals — potentially under-protecting or over-servicing the engine
- ❌ Load the GPF with ash from high-SAPS oil, requiring expensive forced regeneration
- ❌ Impair VANOS actuator response on cold starts with a thicker viscosity
BMW-Approved Oil Brands
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✅ Castrol EDGE Professional LL FE 0W-20 (BMW LL-17 FE+)
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✅ Mobil 1 ESP Formula 0W-20 (BMW LL-17 FE+)
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✅ Shell Helix Ultra Professional AV-L 0W-20
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✅ Liqui Moly Special Tec F ECO 0W-20
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✅ BMW Genuine Engine Oil 0W-20
Look for the BMW LL-17 FE+ approval code printed on the label. BMW LL-01 or LL-04 oils are not valid substitutes — they use different additive chemistries and are not approved for the B38 GPF and fuel-economy requirements.
Severe Service Check
CBS manages the interval automatically. Override to 5000 miles if you:
- Drive predominantly short trips under 5 miles (CBS assumes a mix including some highway)
- Disable CBS via dealer reset and switch to a manual schedule
- Operate in sustained temperatures below 14°F (−10°C)
- Drive in high-altitude or dusty environments
Installation Details
Drain Plug Torque: 18 ft-lbs (25 Nm)
The B38 uses an integral gasket drain plug — replace the gasket at every oil change (BMW part 07119963200). Reusing it is the most common cause of drain plug seeping on BMW 3-cylinder engines.
OEM Filter: BMW 11428507683 (cartridge element)
Remove the filter housing cap with a 36mm hex socket. Torque housing cap to 18 ft-lbs on reinstall.
Aftermarket Filters:
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Mann HU 68 x
-
Mahle OX 253/7D
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WIX 57047
Pro Tip: After the oil change, reset CBS through iDrive: Vehicle Info → Condition Based Service → Engine Oil → Reset. CBS will not self-reset — skipping this step causes the service alert to fire at the wrong interval.
FAQs
What oil does a 2022 BMW 118i take?
0W-20 full synthetic oil with BMW LL-17 FE+ approval and ACEA C5 classification.
How many quarts does the BMW 118i B38 need?
4.5 quarts with a new filter, 4.3 without. The B38 3-cylinder holds significantly less than the 4-cylinder B48 found in the 120i.
Can I use BMW LL-01 (0W-30) instead of LL-17 FE+ (0W-20)?
No. LL-01 and LL-17 FE+ are distinct approved specifications. The B38 in the F40 118i is factory-filled with LL-17 FE+ 0W-20 — using LL-01 does not meet the fuel economy or GPF chemistry requirements for this engine.
What is BMW CBS?
Condition Based Service — BMW’s oil life monitor that factors in engine temperature cycles, driving style, and load to calculate the remaining service life. Always reset CBS after each oil change via iDrive.
How often should I change the oil?
Follow CBS. As a safety maximum, do not exceed 10000 miles or 12 months between changes.
Need these specs on your phone? Download OilFinderPro app for offline access and oil change reminders.
Last verified: 2026-05-21 | Source: 2022 BMW 1 Series (F40) Owner’s Manual