Ensuring your 2018 BMW 650i receives the correct lubrication is essential for maintaining the performance of its sophisticated 4.4-liter N63B44B B turbocharged engine. This high-performance vehicle operates under significant thermal and mechanical stress, making the quality of fluids a critical factor in longevity and reliability. Proper maintenance not only preserves engine power and fuel efficiency but also prevents premature wear on critical components, ensuring the car remains a pleasure to drive for years to come.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil – Engineered specifically for the unique demands of European vehicles with turbocharged engines and extended drain intervals.
- WIX Oil Filter – Features premium filtration media designed to outperform original equipment manufacturer filters in removing harmful contaminants.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free formula that provides superior corrosion protection for cooling system metals.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option offering protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars, greatly surpassing standards for metallic corrosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective option that protects against wear and extends transmission life.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
Why Engine Oil Matters for the N63B44B Engine
The 2018 BMW 650i is powered by the N63B44B, a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This powerplant is renowned for its output and responsiveness, but it also runs at high temperatures due to the forced induction of the turbos. Standard mineral oils or lower-quality synthetic blends can break down under such thermal stress, leading to sludge formation and increased wear on valve trains and turbo bearings. AMSOIL 0W-30 MS 100% Synthetic European Motor Oil is formulated with a precise blend of synthetic base oils and premium additives designed specifically for these unique demands. It resists thermal breakdown better than conventional oils, ensuring that critical engine parts remain lubricated even during hard driving or extreme weather conditions.
The engine oil capacity for the 2018 BMW 650i, when including a filter change, is 10 quarts. It is vital to adhere to this capacity and ensure the oil drain plug is torqued to 18 ft/lbs with a new seal to prevent leaks. Using a high-quality oil filter is equally important. The WIX Oil Filter (57189-EA) utilizes premium media that offers improvements over OEM-branded filters, effectively trapping microscopic particles that can accelerate engine wear. Regular changes with this filter and oil combination help maintain engine cleanliness and optimal performance.
Transmission and Cooling System Protection
The 8-speed automatic transmission in the BMW 650i, specifically the GA8HP70Z model, is a marvel of engineering that requires precise fluid properties to function smoothly. The transmission total fill requires 9 quarts of fluid. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATL) and AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid (OTL) are both excellent choices. These fluids provide protection against wear, sludge, and temperature-related problems, ensuring the transmission shifts smoothly and efficiently. The Signature Series offers reserve protection during heavy use, making it ideal for drivers who push their vehicle to its limits, while the OE series provides reliable protection for normal driving conditions.
Cooling is paramount for a twin-turbo engine. The cooling system capacity for this vehicle is 15.2 quarts. AMSOIL offers two excellent options for coolant. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant (ANTPC1G-EA) is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that is phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, offering protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those who prefer a concentrated antifreeze, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant (ANT1G-EA) requires mixing with distilled water and offers exceptional corrosion protection and extended service intervals. Both options ensure the engine stays within optimal temperature ranges, protecting gaskets, hoses, and metals from corrosion and freezing.
Brake Fluid and Other Critical Fluids
Safety is just as important as performance. The 2018 BMW 650i requires DOT 3 and DOT 4 compatible brake fluid. BMW specifies the use of DOT 4 Low Viscosity fluid, such as BMW P/N 83 13 0 443 024 or 83 13 0 443 026. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid (BFLVCN-EA) exceeds these requirements. It features a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, which is crucial for maintaining consistent pedal feel and braking performance. The fluid ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness, allowing the vehicle’s safety systems to function correctly during emergency maneuvers.
In addition to the core mechanical fluids, maintaining the fuel system and exterior finish can contribute to the overall health and value of the vehicle. The AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can help restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors, improving fuel economy and reducing the need for higher-octane fuel. For vehicle owners looking to protect their investment during storage or simply keep the car looking pristine, AMSOIL offers a range of cleaning and protective products including engine degreasers, glass cleaners, and Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray that repel dirt and UV rays.
About the Vehicle: 2018 BMW 650i
The 2018 BMW 650i represents the pinnacle of the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe and Coupe lines, offering a blend of luxury, performance, and everyday practicality that has defined the model for decades. Built on the BMW CLAR platform, this vehicle is known for its rear-wheel-drive dynamics (with xDrive all-wheel drive available), which provide drivers with a thrilling, connected feel to the road. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine is the heart of the car, delivering substantial horsepower and torque that allows for swift acceleration and effortless passing power, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciate raw performance combined with refined handling.
This model is often praised for its sophisticated interior, which features high-quality materials, advanced technology like the iDrive infotainment system, and ergonomic design that prioritizes the driver. Whether used as a grand tourer for cross-country trips or a daily driver, the 650i strikes a balance between sportiness and comfort. However, like any high-performance vehicle, it requires diligent maintenance to avoid common issues associated with older high-mileage examples. Owners often report that using high-quality synthetic oils can help mitigate issues related to oil consumption, which has been a concern in earlier iterations of this engine family, and can assist in keeping the carbon buildup in check, particularly in Direct Injection (GDI) engines.
While the 650i is a robust machine, it does have a few known pain points that can benefit from premium lubricants. One common issue is oil consumption, which can be managed by using high-quality synthetic motor oils that provide better sealing properties and thermal stability. Turbocharger health is another area of concern; the N63B44B engine relies heavily on oil flow for cooling and lubricating the turbo bearings, and degraded oil can lead to premature turbo failure. Additionally, the engine’s cooling system can be sensitive to corrosion and sludge, which is why using a high-performance antifreeze like AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant is crucial. Finally, the transmission fluid can degrade over time, leading to harsh shifting or delayed engagement, which is why regular fluid changes with a dedicated synthetic ATF are recommended to preserve the transmission’s smooth operation.
By adhering to a strict maintenance schedule using the fluids outlined in this guide, owners can maximize the lifespan and driving pleasure of their 2018 BMW 650i. The investment in premium lubricants pays dividends in the form of smoother engine operation, improved fuel economy, and reduced risk of expensive repairs down the road.