F44 · 2020–2020
The launch 218i, sold from March to September 2020, has the 103 kW B38 three-cylinder (ADAC code B38A15A). Check the kW on the registration document: from November 2020 the 218i has 100 kW. An oil change takes 4.25 l, and the car calculates its own 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
1,499 cc three-cylinder petrol turbo (ADAC engine code B38A15A): 103 kW (140 PS) between 4,600 and 6,500 rpm and 220 Nm from 1,480 to 4,200 rpm, with an overboost that briefly adds 10 Nm in fourth gear and above. Six-speed manual or seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch, front-wheel drive. BMW quotes 8.7 s for 0–100 km/h and 215 km/h. Combined consumption on BMW’s 10/2019 sheet (WLTP translated back to NEDC): 5.7–5.4 l/100 km, 5.4–5.0 with the dual-clutch; the ADAC catalogue gives 5.9 and 6.1 l/100 km WLTP. EU6d-TEMP, 42-litre tank. ADAC lists it from 03/2020 to 09/2020.
Oil change: 4.25 l according to BMW’s 10/2019 specification sheet (oil-change quantity). For top-ups, the F44 handbook (X/21) 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.
Timing chain, according to the ADAC catalogue (“Steuerkette”). It is not among the regular maintenance items BMW lists: no scheduled replacement. An unusual noise at start-up or idle still calls for a diagnosis. For the 218i’s 1.5-litre three-cylinder, BMW’s 2019 press kit describes a one-piece chain drive for the valve gear; an L-shaped belt drives only the ancillaries (alternator, water pump, torsional vibration damper, air-conditioning compressor).
The ADAC catalogue lists no recall for this version (2 catalogue pages checked on 8 October 2026). That is not a guarantee: a BMW workshop can check the VIN for any open campaign on your car.
Check the power on the registration document (103 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 4.25 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 : [5]
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 [5]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 [1]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 [5]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 [5]By the power on the registration document: 103 kW here, 100 kW from November 2020. ADAC gives two different engine codes (B38A15A, then B38A15F) and BMW two oil quantities: 4.25 l, then 4.5 l.
According to BMW’s press kit, the engine briefly delivers an extra 10 Nm (230 instead of 220 Nm) in fourth gear or higher. It is an engine-management function: nothing to maintain.
Source : [2]
Yes: BMW’s 10/2019 sheet gives one engine-oil quantity for both gearboxes, 4.25 l. Gearbox oil is not on BMW’s list of regular maintenance items.
EU6d-TEMP on BMW’s 10/2019 sheet; the ADAC catalogue lists Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC. The exact class is on the registration document.
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 : [5]
BMW AG · DE · Germany · Section “Die Leistungen von BMW Service Inclusive” · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · PDF pp. 2–3 (Leipzig, market launch March 2020), pp. 4 and 7 (dimensions, boot), pp. 13–15 (xDrive, Torsen differential), pp. 17–20 (engines, 228i xDrive USA only, transmissions) · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (ACEA) · pp. 1–6; footnote 1) “Oil change”; consumption: WLTP values translated back to NEDC (provisional) · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–16 (English document on BMW PressClub Italy); footnote 2) “Oil change volume”; consumption in NEDC and WLTP · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW AG (online copy: Kfz-Handbuch.de) · DE · Germany · p. 175 (Servicebedarf), p. 280 (Einfahren), pp. 333–337 (Kraftstoff, AdBlue), pp. 339–342 (Motoröl, Kühlmittel), p. 344 (CBS), pp. 368–375 (Abmessungen, Gewichte, Füllmengen) · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Hubraum, Nockenwellensteuerung, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Hubraum, Nockenwellensteuerung, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Hubraum, Nockenwellensteuerung, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026