The 1997 BMW 740i has all the comfort and style you’d expect from its classic class and elegant design, but its repairs can cost a pretty penny. Keep your ride going for the long run by staying up to date on its oil changes—its engine oil capacity is 7.9 quarts.

BMW ownership can immerse drivers in a world of luxury and comfort perhaps previously unknown. But for all that luxury you’ll also find a lot of added expenses. Higher insurance costs pair with specialty maintenance and

car repair

prices to leave you with vehicle bills that certainly reflect BMW’s high-end status.

And if you’re investing all that money into your vehicle, you’ll want to make sure it lasts. One of the best ways to ensure a car’s longevity is by maintaining a regular servicing schedule, including oil changes.

Here with all you’ll need to know about your vehicle’s oil capacity, oil type, and those pesky

BMW 740i insurance costs

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1997 BMW 740i engine oil capacity

Let’s dive in with the reason we’re here—the 1997 BMW 740i engine oil capacity is 7.9 quarts or 7.5 liters.

When checking out the specs for this vehicle, you might notice the engine is described as a 5.4-liter V12 engine. This may be a bit confusing considering we just established the 7.5-liter engine oil capacity, but bear with us. 5.4 liters describes the engine’s displacement, or the volume taken up by the engine’s cylinders. 7.5 liters or 7.9 quarts describes the engine oil capacity, or the amount of oil your engine needs for optimal functioning. Be sure not to mix these up!

What kind of oil does a 1997 BMW 740i need?

With the necessary amount of oil established, we can talk about the necessary type of oil for your BMW.

Your vehicle’s engine was designed to work with a specific grade of oil, so you shouldn’t add just any oil to your engine. BMW recommends an oil grade of 5W-40 for the 1997 BMW 740i. That grade discloses the oil’s viscosity levels at both the engine’s cold start temperature and normal operating temperature.

So, 5W-40 will have a low viscosity level, 5, at the engine’s cold start temperature which is denoted by the W for “winter”. 40 tells us the oil will have a higher viscosity and be relatively thick at higher temperatures like the engine’s normal operating temperature of around 212°F.

Per BMW’s recommendation, you’ll also want to look for a synthetic oil type. Synthetic oil generally lasts longer and in better condition than conventional oil and will improve your fuel economy and engine functioning. But you can still use conventional oil—just make sure it’s 5W-40 or just one grade above or below if you’re in a pinch.

Here are some popular oil recommendations for the 1997 BMW 740i:

Owner’s manual recommended:

Castrol 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

German engineering with German-made oil:

Liqui Moly 5W-40 High Tech Engine Oil

Another good synthetic option:

Mobil 1 European Car Formula Motor Oil 5W-40

MORE:

How much does a BMW oil change cost

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How often to change oil on a 1997 BMW 740i

Armed with the correct amount and correct type of oil, you’re ready to get to your oil change! Unless you’re not.

BMW recommends the 1997 BMW 740i receives an oil change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles when using synthetic motor oil. If you’re rolling with conventional motor oil, you may need to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Of course, your driving habits and terrain affect how often you should change your oil as well. Super commuters or frequent off-roaders may need to get an oil change more often than the recommended benchmark, and car owners whose cars sit in the garage more than they drive the streets can probably get an oil change less often.

Regardless, it’s important to regularly check up on your oil’s quality and level. Pop the hood about once a month to check for any of these signs indicating your need for an oil change:

Dark brown or black oil. Clean oil will be closer to light brown or amber

Burned smell. This can indicate oil contamination or just low oil levels

Grit or sludge. Oil texture that resembles anything but a smooth syrup is contaminated.

Unfamiliar engine noises. Poor oil quality comes a-knockin’—engine knock, that is.

Reduced vehicle performance. Your fuel economy may take a dip or your engine may sputter when trying to turn on.

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Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How to change your oil and oil filter

When it’s finally time for an oil change, you’ll need to round up these tools and materials before you begin:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

7.9 quarts of 5W-40

Then, get your engine up to its normal operating temperature. You can take a quick cruise around the block or let your vehicle idle for 10 to 20 minutes and once it’s warmed up, cut the engine while you’re on level ground. Then follow these steps:

Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap

Bring the drain pan and socket wrench under the engine to remove the oil drain bolt and begin draining the old oil into the pan

Remove the old oil filter with the filter wrench

When all the old oil has completely drained away, install the new oil filter

Replace the drain bolt and wipe the bolt clean of excess oil

Refill the engine with 7.9 quarts of 5W-40 and replace the fill cap

Check your oil dipstick to make sure the correct amount of oil was added, make sure there aren’t any leaks, and you’re done! All that’s left is cleanup. Dump the contaminated oil into a sealable container and drop it by your local recycling center the next time you’re around. Be sure to not dump any oil on the ground or in your garbage can.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

You’ll be saving money on your BMW maintenance in no time because you’re now an oil-changing pro! Another money-saving tip from one pro to another? Shop for your

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