How much oil does the M44 motor take?

[gooten1]

I changed the oil yesterday, and counted 4 quarts that drained out. So I added 4. I didn't have a handbook or manual with the car that told me how much it took...4 seemed about right. How much is right?

[o2bno2]

5 quarts is the right amount for the M44 engine.

[gooten1]

OOh, must have burned a bit....ouch.

[ultralinear]

It's always good to note that the stated oil capacity doesn't mean that's how much oil will go into the crank case after an oil change. Lots of stuff affects the actual oil capacity in a given engine. Some engines don't mind being overfilled (Hondas) while some don't like it at all (BMWs).

Anyway, the best practice is to do your change on a level surface start with about a quart less than the spec capacity and top off from there. Also, try and idle the engine for about 5 minutes after the change, let it cool, and top it off again.

[BMWDRIFTER]

5.5 is what we normally have to put in

[gooten1]

Then I guess I need to add a quart. Got 4.5 in there now. Thanks for the advice folks.

[aceyx]

okay, this is the point where i get confused:
let it cool, and top it off again
i've always checked the oil at operating temperature, while the motor is running (since there will be oil circulating that won't be considered).

5.5 is what we normally have to put in
do you fill to the top of the dipstick? right after filling or after you've circulated and brought up to operating temp?


i usually go 2/3 the way on the dipstick when warm, with the motor running. also, i check it every week along with tire pressure and a general check of the carriage.

[ultralinear]

Checking with the engine running is a no-no...the dipstick is designed to measure standing oil in the can/crankcase.

By all means warm the car up and let it cool before checking the dipstick. Again, BMWs do not like to be overfilled...

[barische]

between 4.5 and 5 quarts is the right amount.

[BMWDRIFTER]

BMW states that the top mark is "max fill line" and the bottom is "min. line". Anywhere between the marks is correct.

[demeegod]

It takes me 5 quarts to get near the max fill line.