Stihl MS 500i Engine Specs (Displacement Chart)
The STIHL MS 500i has a displacement of 79.2 cm³ (about 4.83 cu. in.) and a maximum engine power of 5.0 kW, or 6.7 bhp. It is a professional, electronically fuel-injected two-stroke saw. Its approved bar and chain depend on the exact setup, so check the saw’s manual and parts information before buying or fitting cutting equipment.
Choosing a saw by its displacement alone can lead to a poor match. The MS 500i is built for demanding felling and bucking, but a larger engine does not make every long bar or chain suitable. I check the engine figures alongside the cutting-equipment markings and the correct manual for the saw’s market.
Fuel and chain oil also deserve care. The right mix and routine maintenance help prevent avoidable wear and wasted fuel or oil. They do not replace safe work practices, or make an unsuitable saw setup acceptable.
MS 500i engine specifications
These figures identify the MS 500i’s engine and basic operating speeds. Displacement is the total volume swept by the piston as it moves through the cylinder; it describes engine size, not cutting speed or the amount of wood the saw can safely handle.
| Specification | MS 500i figure or qualification |
|---|---|
| Engine type | Two-stroke, electronic fuel injection |
| Displacement | 79.2 cm³ |
| Displacement in cubic inches | About 4.83 cu. in. |
| Maximum engine power | 5.0 kW (6.7 bhp) |
| Maximum engine speed | 13,000 rpm |
| Idle speed | 2,800 rpm |
| Fuel mixture | 50:1 gasoline to STIHL two-stroke engine oil |
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in. |
| Chain gauge | Often .063 in. on common setups; verify the fitted bar and parts information |
| Bar length | Varies by market and approved setup |
The cubic-inch figure is a conversion of 79.2 cm³, not a separate manufacturer rating. Likewise, 6.7 bhp is the equivalent of the listed 5.0 kW figure, rounded.
The 50:1 ratio means 50 parts gasoline to one part two-stroke oil by volume. Use fresh fuel and the oil grade specified in the manual. Do not run straight gasoline: a two-stroke engine needs oil in its fuel mix for lubrication.
What the engine figures tell you
Power and displacement are useful for identifying the saw’s class, but they do not determine a safe bar length by themselves. A longer bar can add weight and cutting resistance, and the correct choice depends on STIHL’s approved combinations and the exact bar and chain fitted.
Electronic fuel injection is another key difference. The MS 500i does not use a conventional adjustable carburetor, so generic carburetor-tuning steps do not apply. For running or fuel-system problems, follow the manual’s checks or ask an authorized STIHL dealer.
A displacement chart makes the engine size easy to read across common units. It is most useful when checking a listing, comparing specifications, or confirming that a seller’s description matches the saw; it should not be used as a substitute for the model label or manual.
| Measure | MS 500i value | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Cubic centimeters | 79.2 cm³ | Manufacturer-listed displacement |
| Liters | 0.0792 L | Same displacement in liters |
| Cubic inches | About 4.83 cu. in. | Converted from 79.2 cm³ |
| Maximum power | 5.0 kW / 6.7 bhp | Power rating, not displacement |
| Maximum speed | 13,000 rpm | Maximum engine speed listed for the saw |
| Idle speed | 2,800 rpm | Specified idle-speed figure |
Displacement is sometimes shortened to “cc.” It is not the same as horsepower, and neither figure confirms that a used saw is genuine or in good condition. When I review a listing, I treat a mismatch between the model name, displacement, and product documentation as a reason to pause and verify, not as proof of fraud on its own.
Bar and chain compatibility
The MS 500i uses a 3/8-inch chain pitch, but pitch alone is not enough to confirm a match. The bar’s gauge and the chain’s drive-link count must also fit the saw and bar. Check the bar markings, the correct parts information, and the current manual for the exact configuration.
Pitch is the spacing between chain rivets, measured according to the chain standard. Gauge is the thickness of the drive links that sit in the bar groove. Drive-link count is the number of links that run around the bar. A mismatch can prevent proper fit or safe operation.
| Item to match | What to verify |
|---|---|
| Chain pitch | 3/8 in. for the specified MS 500i setup |
| Bar gauge | Read the marking on the fitted bar; .063 in. is common, but confirm the exact parts match |
| Drive-link count | Match the chain to the bar, not just to the saw model |
| Bar length | Use a length approved for the saw and the market-specific parts list |
| Chain condition | Confirm it is suitable, undamaged, sharp, and correctly tensioned |
Do not choose a bar using a simple “bar length per cubic centimeter” rule. Nor does wood hardness alone tell you which bar is safe. STIHL’s approved combinations, the saw’s condition, the job, and the operator’s training all matter. If the markings are missing or unclear, have a STIHL dealer identify the parts before use.
Setup, PPE, and site safety
A correct engine specification does not make a saw safe by itself. Before starting, inspect the saw and work area, wear suitable chainsaw protective equipment, and use the operating instructions for that specific machine. For professional work, follow applicable ANSI Z133 and OSHA requirements as well as local rules.
Check the chain brake, throttle interlock, chain catcher, handles, bar, chain, and oiling system. Wear chainsaw-rated leg protection, a helmet, eye and hearing protection, gloves, and boots. Assess the tree or log for lean, defects, wind, overhead hazards, escape paths, and bystanders; establish the required exclusion zone.
Fill chain oil separately from the fuel mix, and check chain tension using the manual’s method. Use bar-and-chain oil and keep the oiling system working. Do not substitute a generic chain-oil flow setting, depth-gauge clearance, or bar-nut torque for the model-specific instructions.
For starting, use the manual’s cold- or warm-start procedure on stable ground with the chain brake engaged. Never drop-start the saw. If a control, brake, or safety feature is damaged or not working as intended, stop and arrange service before cutting.
Field cutting and setup scenarios
The same saw may be used in different ways, but each setup must remain within STIHL’s approved combinations. These examples are decision checks, not claims about a specific job or a recommendation for a particular bar length. Confirm the saw’s manual, the fitted parts, and your training before work.
| Situation | Practical check |
|---|---|
| Buying a used MS 500i | Confirm the model and serial number with a dealer; inspect the bar and chain markings separately |
| Replacing a chain | Match pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to the fitted bar and saw-specific parts information |
| Preparing for felling | Assess lean, defects, wind, overhead hazards, escape route, drop zone, and bystanders before cutting |
| Cutting with an unclear bar marking | Do not guess; identify the bar and approved chain combination before use |
| Chain binds, cuts poorly, or looks damaged | Stop, shut down safely, and check sharpness, tension, damage, and compatibility |
During cutting, keep secure footing and a clear escape route. Use the lower part of the bar where practical, and keep the bar nose clear of wood and other objects. Contact near the upper part of the bar nose can cause rotational kickback, which can throw the saw violently toward the operator. Maintain a firm two-handed grip, avoid cutting above shoulder height, and do not work with a defective chain brake or unsuitable chain.
Felling cuts require suitable training, a site assessment, and control of the hinge. If the tree, location, or hazards exceed your skill or equipment, do not proceed. The engine’s power rating is not a measure of whether a felling plan is safe.
Maintenance, fuel care, and shutdown
Routine care supports reliable operation, but use the manual for settings and service steps. The MS 500i’s electronic fuel injection is not a conventional carburetor system, so do not apply generic carburetor adjustments. Stop work and seek qualified service if a problem cannot be resolved through the manual’s checks.
Use fresh fuel mixed at 50:1 with the specified STIHL two-stroke oil. Never use straight gasoline or an incorrect ratio. Keep fuel and chain oil in their separate tanks, and check that the chain receives oil during operation.
Stop cutting if the chain is dull, damaged, incorrectly tensioned, or poorly matched to the bar. Do not force it through wood. After shutdown, engage the brake, turn off the engine, and let the saw cool before refueling or servicing. Clean the cooling surfaces, sprocket cover, bar groove, and oil passages; inspect the cutters, depth gauges, and chain tension as directed by the manual.
For storage, follow the manual’s fuel-system and seasonal-storage instructions. Do not invent a draining or treatment procedure based on advice for another saw; fuel-system requirements can vary by model and service guidance.
Conclusion: verify the saw and its setup
The MS 500i’s key engine figure is 79.2 cm³, with 5.0 kW (6.7 bhp) maximum power, electronic fuel injection, a 50:1 fuel mix, and listed maximum and idle speeds of 13,000 and 2,800 rpm. For a usable setup, confirm the approved bar length and match chain pitch, gauge, and drive-link count to the actual parts. Use the current manual for operation and maintenance.
Frequently asked questions
How many cc is the STIHL MS 500i?
The MS 500i has a displacement of 79.2 cm³. That is about 4.83 cubic inches.
How much power does the MS 500i make?
Its maximum engine power is 5.0 kW, equivalent to about 6.7 bhp. This is a power figure, not the saw’s displacement.
What is the MS 500i’s fuel mixture?
The specified mixture is 50:1 gasoline to STIHL two-stroke engine oil. Use fresh fuel and the oil grade stated in the manual; do not run straight gasoline.
Does the MS 500i have a carburetor?
It uses electronic fuel injection, not a conventional adjustable carburetor. Generic carburetor adjustment instructions do not apply.
What chain pitch does the MS 500i use?
The specified chain pitch is 3/8 inch. You must also match chain gauge and drive-link count to the bar and the saw’s approved parts information.
Is .063-inch chain gauge correct for every MS 500i?
No. .063 inch is common on some configurations, but the fitted bar’s marking and the saw-specific parts information determine the correct gauge. Verify before buying a chain.
What bar length should I use?
Use a bar length approved for the MS 500i in your market and for your exact setup. Do not choose one from displacement, wood hardness, or a general rule alone.
What are the MS 500i’s engine speeds?
The listed maximum engine speed is 13,000 rpm, and the listed idle speed is 2,800 rpm. Consult the current manual for operating and service guidance.
Can I tune the MS 500i like a carbureted saw?
No. The MS 500i uses electronic fuel injection. Follow its manual and seek qualified STIHL service for issues that require fuel-system diagnosis or adjustment.
What should I verify before buying a used MS 500i?
Confirm the model and serial number with a STIHL dealer, compare the saw with its product documentation, and inspect the fitted bar and chain markings. A serial number alone does not confirm condition or prove authenticity.
(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Elliott Fowler. Visit our Meet the Team page.)
