F40 · 2020–2024
Built from 2020 to 2024, the 128ti uses the 195 kW B48 four-cylinder petrol engine. Identify it by the kW figure on the registration document; an oil change takes 5.25 l, and the car itself calculates its service dates.
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [2] BMW Group [3] BMW Group [4] BMW Group
1,998 cc four-cylinder petrol turbo, B48 family (ADAC engine code B48A20E): 195 kW (265 PS) and 400 Nm. Gearbox: eight-speed Steptronic Sport automatic only. BMW quotes 6.1 s for 0–100 km/h and a top speed of 250 km/h. WLTP combined consumption on BMW’s 03/2021 sheet: 7.5–6.9 l/100 km. Launched in November 2020, it is the front-wheel-drive sports model below the M135i xDrive: M Sport suspension, a Torsen limited-slip differential at the front axle as standard, and around 80 kg less than the M135i xDrive according to BMW.
Oil change: 5.25 l according to BMW’s 03/2021 specification sheet (“oil change”). For top-ups, the handbook allows up to 1 litre of BMW Longlife-12 FE or Longlife-17 FE+, SAE 0W-20 or 0W-30 (ACEA C2 or C5 if unavailable), with no additives. The level is measured electronically: it is monitored while driving, and a detailed measurement can be started with the car stationary, level and warm, under CAR › Vehicle status › Engine oil level. Only add oil when the car asks for it, by the quantity it displays.
The car calculates each due date from how it is used (Condition Based Service) and briefly shows the next date or remaining distance when switched on; details are under CAR › Vehicle status › Service required. BMW’s regular maintenance covers engine oil, brake fluid, a vehicle check, the air filter, the cabin microfilter and the spark plugs. Brake fluid is counted in time and periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update the time-based items. Neither the handbook nor BMW’s list sets a mileage or period for these items: the dates are the ones your car displays.
The BMW documents consulted do not describe this engine’s timing drive. It appears neither in the handbook nor in BMW’s regular maintenance list: no replacement is scheduled. An unusual noise at start-up or idle still calls for a diagnosis.
Check the power on the registration document (195 kW) and the first-registration date. Note the items and dates shown under “Service required”. Give the service advisor the key the car was last driven with: the car stores its service data in it. Ask for 5.25 l of a BMW-approved oil, then check that the work is entered in the electronic service history, which a later owner can view.
Source : [6]
Due date calculated by CBS
Oil change at the date the car displays; do not run past it. Top-up: up to 1 litre of BMW Longlife-12 FE or Longlife-17 FE+ oil, SAE 0W-20 or 0W-30 (ACEA C2 or C5 if unavailable). No additives.
Source [6]As the service requirement dictates
BMW lists as regular maintenance: brake fluid, a vehicle check to BMW specifications, air filter, cabin microfilter and spark plugs. Each item is triggered by the service requirement the car calculates.
Source [7]Calendar-based (CBS)
Counted in time, not kilometres. Periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update the time-based items (brake fluid, and where applicable oil and microfilter). The handbook does not state the period.
Source [6]Regular check, engine cold
Level between the Min and Max marks in the filler neck, engine cold. BMW recommends coolant to BMW LC-18, mixed 50:50 with water; do not mix additives of different colours. Up to two expansion tanks depending on the engine.
Source [6]Same B48 family and the same ADAC engine code (B48A20E), but 195 kW and 400 Nm instead of 225 kW and 450 Nm, front-wheel drive instead of xDrive, and a Torsen differential locking at 31 % under acceleration instead of 36 %. 0–100 km/h: 6.1 s against 4.8 s. Both take 5.25 l of oil.
It sends more torque to the front wheel with better grip, with locking factors of 31 % under acceleration and 26 % on the overrun according to BMW. It is standard on the 128ti; BMW’s regular maintenance list has no separate item for it.
BMW’s handbook specifies Super RON 95; the minimum is unleaded RON 91, and petrol with up to 25 % ethanol (E10, E25) is allowed. The engine is knock-controlled, but the published performance and consumption assume the recommended grade.
Source : [6]
Electronically: the level is monitored while driving and shown under CAR › Vehicle status › Engine oil level after about 30 minutes of normal driving. For a detailed measurement, park on level ground with the engine warm and the gearbox in neutral or P, then start the measurement in the same menu.
Source : [6]
BMW (UK) Ltd. · EN · United Kingdom · pp. 1–2: dimensions compared with the predecessor, front-wheel-drive architecture, luggage capacity · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 2–3 (market launch November 2020), pp. 6–8 (Torsen differential, engine) · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–18; footnote 1) oil change volume · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–18; footnote 1) oil change volume; consumption in NEDC and WLTP · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Germany · Press release: fourth generation in production, third-generation deliveries to end of June 2024 · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW AG (online copy: Kfz-Handbuch.de) · DE · Germany · p. 182 (Servicebedarf), pp. 349–357 (Kraftstoff, AdBlue, Motoröl, Kühlmittel), pp. 360–361 (Condition Based Service, Service Historie) · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW AG · DE · Germany · Section “Die Leistungen von BMW Service Inclusive” · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe · Press kit summary: 48-volt mild hybrid technology introduced with the fourth generation · Accessed 08/10/2026