2016 BMW 228i xDrive Convertible Service Schedule & Maintenance Guide

Key Takeaways

• The 2016 BMW 228i xDrive Convertible (F23) is powered by the N20 or N26 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine with all-wheel drive.
• BMW utilizes a Condition Based Service (CBS) system that monitors driving conditions and calculates individualized service intervals rather than applying fixed mileage to every item .
• Service information is stored in the vehicle's remote control key; your BMW service center will read this data to determine the appropriate service procedures .
• The N20/N26 engines have a known timing chain issue; BMW extended the warranty for these components to 7 years/70,000 miles for eligible vehicles produced up to February 2015 .
• Transfer case fluid is an xDrive-specific maintenance item requiring replacement approximately every 50,000-60,000 miles .
• Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles for the turbocharged N20/N26 engine .

Understanding BMW's Condition Based Service (CBS) System

The 2016 BMW 228i xDrive Convertible utilizes the Condition Based Service (CBS) system. Sensors and special algorithms take the driving conditions of your vehicle into account to determine maintenance requirements . The system adapts the amount of maintenance corresponding to your user profile rather than applying fixed mileage to every item.

What CBS Monitors

The system tracks various maintenance items and provides remaining time or distance information for:

• Engine oil service
• Front and rear brake pads (separately)
• Brake fluid
• Vehicle check

Detailed information on service requirements can be displayed on the Control Display .

Service Data Storage

Information on required maintenance is continuously stored in the remote control . Your service center will read this data and suggest the appropriate service procedures for your vehicle. You should hand your service specialist the remote control with which the vehicle was driven most recently.

Important Storage Note: Storage periods during which the vehicle battery was disconnected are not taken into account by the CBS system . If this occurs, BMW recommends having a service center update the time-dependent maintenance procedures, such as checking brake fluid and, if needed, changing the engine oil and the microfilter/activated-charcoal filter .

Service Interval Warning

The 2016 228i xDrive Convertible is equipped with a service interval warning system displayed through the driver information center .

Engine and Oil Service

Engine Oil Specifications

The N20/N26 engine requires BMW-approved synthetic oils meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications. Approved oil brands meeting this standard include Castrol, Motul, Total, and Liqui Moly .

Oil Change Interval

Owner Guidance: Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles for the N20/N26 engine . Always replace the oil filter when changing the oil. While the CBS system may suggest longer intervals, a conservative 5,000-mile interval is recommended for the turbocharged engine, particularly for vehicles driven aggressively or in harsh conditions.

Critical Technical Service Bulletin: Timing Chain (N20/N26 Engines)

BMW Service Bulletin SIB 11 03 17 addresses a known issue with the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain on N20 and N26 engines .

Warranty Extension Coverage

BMW of North America extended the limited warranty for the engine timing chain and oil pump drive chain to 7 years/70,000 miles as determined by the vehicle's original in-service date .

Affected 2016 228i xDrive Convertible Models

The following 228i xDrive Convertible models are included in the timing chain warranty extension :

Note: Vehicles produced after February 2015 are not included in this coverage .

Symptoms of Timing Chain Issue

The primary symptom is a whining noise from the lower engine area near the engine oil pump that increases in frequency when increasing engine RPM .

Important Information

This is a component-specific limited warranty extension, not a recall . There is no immediate repair required unless the vehicle is currently experiencing a problem with the timing chain and/or drive chain for oil pump . Repair eligibility requires diagnosis by an authorized BMW center .

xDrive Transfer Case Service

The transfer case is a special gear box found in all-wheel-drive vehicles that sends drive power from the engine to the front and rear axles. Lubricant fluid in the transfer case helps to keep its gears cool and turning smoothly .

Transfer Case Fluid

Recommended Interval: BMW recommends a transfer case fluid change at every 5th engine oil service, which equates to approximately 50,000-60,000 miles .

Fluid Specifications: The transfer case uses Genuine BMW DTF-1 fluid (previously known as TF0870) . The transfer case takes just under 1 liter of fluid, so one bottle is typically required .

Owner Guidance: Don't wait until the on-board computer tells you the fluid is low; the transfer case has drain and fill plugs for easy servicing and this should be part of your proactive approach to vehicle service .

Symptoms of Transfer Case Issues

If transfer case fluid is low or contaminated, you may notice:

• Dirty or brown transfer case fluid
• Car unable to change gears
• Whining noise from the gears in the transfer case
• Shuddering from the vehicle while turning

Importance

If the transfer case fluid is low, the entire transfer case should be inspected for leaks . Transfer case fluid is responsible for keeping the components of the transfer case well lubricated. When this fluid leaks out or becomes contaminated, it is no longer able to act as a lubricant, and severe damage can be caused to the transfer case .

Brake Fluid Service

Factory Interval: BMW requires brake fluid replacement every two years . This is a time-dependent service critical for maintaining braking performance and preventing internal corrosion in the hydraulic system.

Recommended Maintenance Planning Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I change the oil on my 2016 BMW 228i xDrive Convertible?

The CBS system determines the interval based on driving conditions. Pelican Parts recommends changing synthetic motor oil every 5,000 miles for the turbocharged N20/N26 engine . The engine requires BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) approved synthetic oil .

What is the timing chain issue on N20/N26 engines?

The N20 and N26 engines have a known issue with the timing chain and oil pump drive chain. BMW has extended the warranty for these components to 7 years/70,000 miles for eligible vehicles produced up to February 2015 . The primary symptom is a whining noise from the lower engine area that increases with RPM.

Is the timing chain warranty extension a recall?

No, this is a component-specific limited warranty extension, not a recall. There is no immediate repair required unless the vehicle is currently experiencing a problem with the timing chain or oil pump drive chain .

When should the transfer case fluid be replaced on the 228i xDrive?

BMW recommends a transfer case fluid change at every 5th engine oil service, which equates to 50,000-60,000 miles . The transfer case uses Genuine BMW DTF-1 fluid and takes just under 1 liter .

What are the symptoms of transfer case fluid issues?

If transfer case fluid is low or contaminated, you may notice dirty fluid, inability to change gears, whining noise from the transfer case, or shuddering while turning . Low fluid should be addressed promptly to prevent damage to the transfer case .

What does the Condition Based Service (CBS) system do?

CBS uses sensors and algorithms to evaluate driving conditions and calculate when service is required . It monitors engine oil, brake pads, brake fluid, and vehicle check requirements. Service data is stored in the remote control key and is read by your BMW service center.

What happens if the vehicle battery was disconnected for storage?

Storage periods with a disconnected battery are not accounted for by CBS. BMW recommends updating time-dependent maintenance like brake fluid, engine oil, and the microfilter after storage .