Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1997 BMW 528i StandardFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Quick Lookups: Fluids
| FLUID CAPACITIES | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fluid Type | Application | Standard | Metric | Fluid Spec | Note | S/H | |
| Air Cond Compressor Oil | w/Denso Compressor | 5.90 OZS. | 0.17 L | PAG 100 | S | ||
| Air Cond Compressor Oil | w/Seiko Seiki Compressor | 6.80 OZS. | 0.2 L | PAG 46 | S | ||
| Air Cond Refrigerant | 1.65 LBS. | 0.74 KG | R-134a | S | |||
| Automatic Transmission Fluid | N/A | N/A | Lifetime fluid, no fluid change required. | S | |||
| Brake Fluid | N/A | N/A | DOT 4 Brake Fluid | S | |||
| Differential Gear Oil | 2.8L Eng | 0.90 QTS. | 0.85 L | Hypoid Gear Oil | S | ||
| Engine Coolant | 2.8L Eng | 11.10 QTS. | 10.5 L | Ethylene Glycol long-term Antifreeze | Having corrosion inhibitors that are compatible with aluminum radiators. | S | |
| Engine Oil | 2.8L Eng | 6.20 QTS. | 5.86 L | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil may be used, but it is not required. | 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). | S | |
| Fuel Tank | 2.8L Eng | 18.50 GALS. | 70.03 L | S | |||
| Manual Transmission Fluid | 2.8L Eng | 1.10 QTS. | 1.04 L | Automatic Transmission Fluid | S | ||
| Windshield Washer Fluid | 2.8L Eng | 3.30 QTS. | 3.12 L | Fill with water and - if required - with a washer antifreeze (according to manufacturer's recommendations). Mix the washer fluid before adding it to the reservoir. | S | ||
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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