Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Best Oil for BMW
BMW seems to constantly change its recommendations every few years as new partnerships are formed. Currently, BMW recommends Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil and BMW Twinpower 5W30 Synthetic. So, if you want to follow BMW recommendation and change your preference as BMW changes their suggestions every year, you’ll need to purchase Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil and BMW Twinpower 5W30 Synthetic from a BMW dealer or other distributor.
However, if you are fine with an oil that just meeting BMW specs, you must carefully look into the details, as BMW has listed very specific oil weights and types produced by each manufacturer. Oils that are compliant and adhere to BMW-specification have it clearly listed on the rear label of the oil bottle. You should pay attention that not all oils by a manufacturer or even all weights of a specific oil type are considered LL-01 compliant.
- Engineered to provide a high-quality base oil using our revolutionary PurePlus gas-to-liquid technology in combination with a high performance additive system
- Delivers unsurpassed sludge protection to help keep high performance and luxury car engines as close as possible to factory clean
- Provides oil stability and endurance under extreme conditions (heat, load and speed) for protection against viscosity loss and thermal breakdown
- Formulated to deliver faster low temperature oil flow and protection in extreme heat
- Keeps pistons dramatically cleaner than required by the toughest industry standards
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Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil is refined oil with all impurities removed and is extracted from crude. Its 5W viscosity gives an excellent lubrication to your BMW engines by creating a layer of thick protection between the engine parts.
The oil is fairly priced which means you get a high quality product at an affordable cost.
Key Features
If you live in areas with extremely cold weather, Pennzoil is the way to go as it is also resistant to freezing meaning it will help you start your car faster without delays even in the coldest days.
Additionally, it will not evaporate when faced with hot temperatures making this a perfect choice for all weathers. Since 2015, Pennzoil is the recommended oil for BMW engines.
- Affordable cost
- Synthetic oil
- Recyclable
- LL-04
- Ergonomic handles
You will not have to worry about polluting the environment while disposing of these oil remnants as it can easily be drained by filters of any contaminants and reused.
Pennzoil takes away the excess heat from the engines protecting the engines from overheating. Due to a combination of accessory ingredients with the oil, it is resistant to breakdown and leakage.
Contained in a 5 quart gallon with handles on the sides, Pennzoil is easy to pour and conveniently portable. Affordable, recyclable and highly portable and approved as BMW LL-04, Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil is unbeatable in regards to keeping your BMW engines lubricated.
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Oil Specification
- Viscosity 5W30
- Type Full Synthetic
- API SN, SM, SL and SJ
- ACEA A1/B1-10, A1/B1-12 (SAE 0W-20, SAE 5W-20, SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30*)
- ACEAA5/B5-10, A5/B5-12 (SAE 5W-30, SAE 10W-30*)
- ILSAC GF-5 Exceeds ILSAC GF-5 engine cleansing and protection requirements
- Package dimensions 9 x 4 x 2.5 inches
- Weight 12.6 pounds
*Engine protection only
- 5W viscosity
- Recyclable
- Resistant to overheating/freezing
- Lubricates and Prevents engine wear
- Removes dirt and other deposits
- Can’t be used on both gasoline and diesel engines
- Many reports of increased oil consumption
- Mobil 1 FS European Car Formula full synthetic motor oil 0W-40 helps to extend engine life even in severe conditions
- Helps to control oxidation to prevent oil breakdown and maintain excellent viscosity for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes*
- Provides outstanding engine wear protection and performance with uniform synthetic oil molecules for better friction reduction
- Keeps your engine running like new by working to prevent damaging deposits and sludge buildup
- Provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperature protection (up to -40 degrees F)
Last update on 2021-09-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Mobil 1 is cutting-edge synthetic oil suggested for use in all BMW series vehicles. It surpasses the newest OEM and industry sanctions and helps achieve the best from your vehicle in not only ordinary conditions but also the harshest driving situations.
The oil is devised to gratify to the necessities of both the latest gasoline and diesel engine technologies to warrant the vehicle executes at its best.
Advanced Features
Providing immediate start-up lubrication with its temperature protection abilities allows the oil to continue flowing in very low temperatures and also has the ability to withstand extremely high temperatures reducing stress on the car’s engine.
This temperature protection ability of the oil gives your car an instant start even in the coldest days, which most regular oils cannot deliver. In conclusion, the oil retains your engines smooth running capacity even in the harshest weathers or toughest driving conditions.
- Safe for both gasoline and diesel fuel engines.
- Protects the engine from potential wear and tear in the most extreme driving conditions.
- Improves fuel economy
- Can endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees F and as high as 500 degrees F.
Mobil 1 motor oil is designed to efficiently clean dirty engines while preventing further accumulation of engine deposits and sludge to extend the engine life. It also provides your car engine with excellent lubrication protecting your engines from wear in any extreme driving conditions while delivering a smoother and quieter running engine.
Due to the oil’s heightened frictional properties reducing friction between engine parts your BMW gives you increased mileage reducing your fuel costs and thus improving your overall fuel economy.
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40 Specification
- Viscosity 0W40
- Type Full Synthetic
- OEM Meets or exceeds the latest OEM and industry approvals
- ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4
- Excellent low temperature capabilities
- Suitable for the most extreme driving conditions
- Package dimensions 10 x 8 x 9 inches
- Weight 11.2 pounds
- Maximum oil change interval of 5,000 miles
- Keeps engine clean by preventing any sludge formation
- Increases fuel economy through increased mileage
- Excellent viscosity control delivers instant start-up in all temperatures
- Provides cleaning power for dirty engines
- Criticisms from customers of getting only 4.3 quarts of oil in the 5-quart container
- Many customers have complained of the faulty container with a damaged cap
- Advanced premium full synthetic motor oil to offer strength under extreme pressure
- Titanium strong for maximum engine performance
- Reduces metal-to-metal contact across a range of different driving speeds
- Protects the engine for the entire drain interval even under extreme pressure
- Decreases engine deposit formation to help maximize engine response
Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Castrol oil offers extended engine performance that allows you to save money that would have been spent on buying new oil or engine. With this highly affordable oil, you can run your engine for up to 15,000 miles without having to change the oil again.
Key Features
Another awesome quality of Castrol is its recyclability i.e. after removing the impurities and deposits by draining the oil, you can reuse it, as synthetic oils like Castrol do not contain impurities like in crude oils making Castrol cost-effective and environment friendly.
All Castrol motor oils are distilled and refined thus keeping you safe from potential respiratory conditions from any fumes or smell emitted from the oil. Castrol 03057 being synthetic oil benefits in reduction of engine wear extending its life attributed to the frictional additives it contains that diminishes the friction between engine parts allowing it to move fluently in the engine.
- Cleansing agent
- Keeps engine cool
- Odor and smell free
- Synthetic
The oil comes with a thickness of 5W inhibiting its escape into the air through evaporation and can endure long vigorous operation preventing any possible leakage.
Although Castrol oil is comparatively expensive than conventional motor oils, it saves you money in the long run by cutting back on your fuel expenses by keeping the engine cool and reducing friction between engine parts and thus increasing the mileage on your vehicle.
The forte of Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 engine oil is that it is formulated considerably different from other synthetic motor oils with molecules that are especially generated to adhere to your important engine parts in all driving conditions.
The protective layer of the Castrol 03057 engine oil on your engine parts ultimately leaves them about 4 times smoother than it usually is resulting in reduced friction and consequent minimal engine wear.
Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Specification
- Viscosity 5W30
- Type Full Synthetic
- OEM Meets or exceeds the latest OEM and industry approvals
- ACEA API SN and ACEA A1/A5 certified
- Reduces engine wear
- 0W-20, 5W-20 and 5W-30 grades meets GM-dexos1 requirements
- Package dimensions 9.6 x 4.6 x 12 inches
- Weight 9.35 pounds
- Heat and cold resistant
- Leakage free
- Recyclable
- Excellent viscosity control delivers instant start-up in all temperatures
- Provides cleaning power for dirty engines
- Might be not ideal for tough winter
- Innovative anti-wear additives provide 50% more wear protection than industry standards as tested in the industry Sequence IVA wear test
- Full synthetic formula for exceptional high and low temperature protection
- Extra detergents help fight sludge and deposits
- Superior antioxidants resist motor oil breakdown in extreme conditions
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Valvoline oil is great for complete protection from all extreme weather conditions creating a perfect balance to withstand both heat and cold. Come winter, every car owner has the same issue i.e. difficulty starting up your car engine.
This problem is easily solved using Valvoline oil that has been formulated to endure freezing cold and still remain light.
Key Features
Even in days of excessively high temperatures, Valvoline resists evaporation from the heat and you will have no complains of leakage while on this product. On the other hand, high temperatures can cause the oil to break down and leak out.
In fact, the oil cannot evaporate when heat builds up in the chamber. The oil is recommended for cars that use gasoline and is not suitable for diesel engines.
While your engine is on Valvoline there will be a reduction in overall fuel consumption because the oil increases your engine’s combustion rate. While being an excellent lubricant, Valvoline oil also acts as a cooling agent by absorbing all the heat from the engine.
- Light
- Packaged in 4.73 liter gallon
- Made for gasoline engines
- Synthetic oil
Even though your engine is kept idle for months, if you have Valvoline oil in it, your car will be protected from rust for a long duration as the oil inhibits any form of corrosion.
As it is prepared in the lab with extensive refining by distillation, it is free of all crude impurities and thus removes any deposits in your car by constantly circulating inside. The affordable price, 4 litter gallon packaging, and recyclability makes it an excellent choice for your BMW.
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Valvoline SynPower 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil Specification
- Viscosity 5W30
- Type Full Synthetic
- Fulfills the latest standards of leading engine manufacturers
- Suitable for extra-long drain oil change intervals
- Reduces engine wear
- Package dimensions 9 x 5 x 13 inches
- Weight 9.02 pounds
- Withstands cold and hot weather
- Prevents corrosion and friction
- Recyclable
- Can’t be used on diesel engines
- Possible increased oil consumption
- Innovative anti-wear additives provide 50% more wear protection than industry standards as tested in the industry Sequence IVA wear test
- Full synthetic formula for exceptional high and low temperature protection
- Extra detergents help fight sludge and deposits
- Superior antioxidants resist motor oil breakdown in extreme conditions
Last update on 2021-09-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
BMW Twinpower 5W30 Synthetic is specifically designed for BMW latest turbo engine models providing the latest engine-protection technology with improved performance.
The outcomes of using this oil on BMW were immediate enhanced acceleration with improved fuel economy. It also meets the standards for BMW’s extended service intervals.
Key Features
BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils has been endorsed by BMW as the greatest choice to preserve your engine in the best possible condition and were explicitly formulated to improve cold starting and assure consistent functioning from BMW engines in all temperatures.
Its active Cleansing Technology provides optimum protection from corrosion and wear, guaranteeing excellent engine performance while keeping critical engine parts clean, lubricated and protected.
BMW has formulated its own exclusive motor oil that boasts stable performance over highly variable temperature ranges from extreme heat to freezing cold. It can bear great engine loads with claims of superior protection and performance in both turbocharges and non-turbocharged engines.
- Exclusively formulated for BMW engines by BMW
- Long Life 12FE Certified
- Stability of performance over a wide range of operating temperatures and engine loads
- Superior protection and performance in both turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines
The patented technology of active treatment protects against the formation of deposits and corrosion, thus prolonging the life of the engines
Its patented active cleansing technology provides protection against deposits formation and development of corrosions consequently elongating the life of your engine.
BMW Twinpower 5W30 Motor Oil Specification
- Viscosity 5W30
- Type Full Synthetic
- Protects from corrosion and deposits
- Suitable for extra-long drain oil change intervals
- Reduces friction and evaporation loss
- Package dimensions 12 x 7 x 4 inches
- Weight 15.8 pounds
- Withstands cold and hot weather
- Exclusively designed for BMW engines by BMW § Active cleansing Technology
- Relatively expensive
- Reportedly increased oil consumption
Buyer’s Guide: Deciding the Best Oil for your BMW
There are numerous other synthetic motor oil brands that could be used in your BMW. Above, I have reviewed five of the top-rated and widely used brands in the market that are recommended for use as BMW motor oil.
These five brands included Pennzoil, Mobil, Castrol, Valvoline and BMW. In conclusion, synthetic oils perform much better than conventional regular oil brands.
However, there are many things you need to consider while purchasing synthetic oil. Next, I will go in depth to explain the considerations required while selecting motor oil for your BMW.
Contents:
BMW Engine Oil Approvals
BMW reviews and revises their oil formulations every few years on the basis of existing engine design, mileage and emissions necessities, fuel type and quality, region, and marketing (service plans). Each new spec is coded by year and approximately matches new generations of BMW engines.
There can be numerous oil viscosities for the same rating. These ratings are just a guide so that the suitable oil is used for your engine design.
BMW Longlife-98 (BMW LL-98)
Special long-life engine oil, approved by BMW. Also meets ACEA A3/B3, API SJ/CD, EC SAE 5W-40. Generally required for BMWs manufactured before MY 2002. Obsolete since 2009. BMW no longer produces oil in this specification but LL-98 alternatives exist (Red Line 5W40). LL-98 oils are compatible with LL-01 oils. Anything with this rating has also been approved for older model BMWs.
BMW Longlife-01 (BMW LL-01)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Product meets ACEA A3/B3 and API: SJ/CD EC-II. Generally required for BMWs built after MY 2002. Can also be used where BMW Longlife-98 oil is recommended.
The first revision with detergents and additives brought in to work with the ridiculous 15,000-mile oil change interval that BMW endorsed at the time and certain sections of the formula were removed or reduced. Nevertheless, once cars and engines were out of guarantee and mileage added the adverse effects of prolonged oil, changes were realized (i.e. oil sludge).
In 2016, BMW revealed new 0W30 to replace the 5W30. 0W30 carries the same LL-01 approval with a FE label, making it backward fitting but also resulting in newer models v=becoming more fuel-efficient.
BMW Longlife-01 FE (BMW LL-01 FE)
Fully synthetic long-life oil with fuel economy properties. Oils that meet these specifications have a low HTHS viscosity to meet the producer’s fuel economy requirements. These oils are only appropriate for the following engines: N1x, N2x, N54, N55, N63, N74.
BMW Longlife-04 (BMW LL-04)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Viscosities are SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 and 5W-40. Generally required for BMWs equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Can also be used where BMW Longlife-98 or BMW Longlife-01 oil is suggested.
The LL-04 oils have been significantly misunderstood in the past but this is now in increased demand. Most LL-04 oils are intended for Diesels, while it was also approved for gas engines in other world markets. Engine builders have long valued Diesel oil and tuners because of its higher levels of ZDDP and higher HTHS ratings, both are brilliant indicators of engine protection at higher temperatures.
LL-04 also has a lower SAPS value, which is great news for direct-injection engines.
BMW Longlife-12 (BMW LL-12)
Special motor oil for certain approved gasoline engines and these diesel engines only: Nx7K1, Nx7U1, Nx7O1 from model year 2013. Not suitable for engines with 2 or 3 turbo.
BMW Longlife-14+ (BMW LL-14+)
Special motor oil for the gasoline engines: N20, Bx8 from model year 2014. Not allowed for diesel engines. Formulated for certain gasoline BMW engines from the 2014 model year, including the N20 four cylinder engine and all new modular B-series engines.
The rationality for the N20 is unpublished but may have to do with making N20 models more fuel efficient and evading gas-guzzler and CAFE penalties. LL-14 oils have significantly lower friction levels than all other BMW oils.
BMW Longlife-17+ (BMW LL-17+)
ACEA C5. SAE 0W20. Replaces the LL-14 spec for N20, B38, B46, B48, and B58 engines. BMW will likely stop offering a LL-14 in the US. This appears to be a slight update to the LL-14 formula and devised for enhanced emissions. However, it is not well suited as performance oil.
Motor Oil for BMW FAQ
Most BMW owners are perpetually confused and have many questions regarding the best engine oil for each BMW series. Below, I have listed the most frequently asked questions from customers.
What oil to put in a BMW 5 Series?
The best engine oil for BMW 5 Series is 5W30 synthetic grade oil owing to its viscosity and BMW recommendations.
What engine oil to use for BMW 3 Series?
The BMW 3 Series is obtainable in both petrol and diesel forms. The recommended engine oil for the petrol version is 5W30 synthetic and 5W40 synthetic for the diesel model.
What oil to use for BMW 1 Series?
5W-30 fully synthetic oil that has been approved by BMW as Longlife-04 oil is recommended for use in petrol and diesel engines.
Can you put 5w40 in a 5w30 engine?
5w40 and 5w30 have variable thickness in cold temperatures with 5w30 being the thinner of the two. For this reason, it’s recommended to use it instead of 5w40 for vehicles operating in cold climates.
Can I use 5w30 instead of 10w30?
10w30 is higher viscosity oil and will flow slower at low temperatures compared to lower viscosity oil like 5w30. A higher viscosity or thicker oil will seal better than low viscosity oil. Hence, I suggest you to use 5w30 instead of 10w30 for vehicles operating in cold climates.
How many quarts of oil do you need for BMW engine oil change?
Most BMW engines need between 5 and 8 quarts of oil, varying on the engine size. The smaller the engine, the lesser the oil is necessary to be changed. Nevertheless, you should always refer the Owner’s manual to check the actual volume of engine oil necessary for oil change.
All newer model BMWs use synthetic motor oil as guided by the owner’s manual and BMW approved oils fall in the 5w40 and 5w30 viscosities. Before 2015, BMW recommended the Castrol motor oil brand and it is written so on the oil filler cap of all older model BMW cars.
BMW Recommendations Changes
Recently, BMW has changed two of their major recommendations:
- Number one: was to change the recommended oil changing duration from 15,000 miles to 10,000 miles which meant you would have to change your oil more earlier than before however there is no doubt that this changed recommendation brought some significant improvement in the car engine’s longevity.
- The second: major change was on the year 2015, when BMW recommended Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil from Shell Brand. Beginning in 2015, BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil.
Initially BMW recommended on their website: BMW Genuine Oil SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Oil is recommended for scheduled oil changes and oil changes should only be performed by an authorized BMW center and if you need to add oil and don’t have BMW Genuine Oil SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Oil, you need to go to an authorized BMW center to have it topped off.
Before this change, BMW had a list of approved synthetic oils that listed several brands, classifying all of them as oils with a “BMW long-life rating of LL-01 The BMW LL-01 specification oil options listed were:
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0w-30 (rumor has it that this is the oil BMW relabels to sell as BMW Genuine Oil SAE 5w-30 Synthetic Oil)
- Mobil 1 SAE 0w-40
- Penzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5w-30
- Valvoline SynPower SAE 5w-30
The verdict: Best Engine Oil for your BMW
If I had to personally recommend the best oil for your BMW car, I would go with Mobil 1 as it is very affordable, safe for both gasoline and diesel fuel engines, improves long term fuel economy and it can withstand extreme temperature being equally durable in extremely hot or freezing cold weather.
It is designed to efficiently clean dirty engines while preventing further accumulation of engine deposits and sludge to extend the engines life.
It also provides your car engine with excellent lubrication protecting your engines from wear in any extreme driving conditions while delivering a smoother and quieter running engine.
Dear Expert,
I have BMW M6 2014 and was wondering if you could please help me out on choosing the best engine oil for it (brand and type). I have one bought BMW original oil for twine turbo engines 5W-30. I live in a very hot weather (Abu Dhabi, UAE)
Hi There,
If you live in very hot weather, the best engine oil for your BMW M6 2014 would be Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 Motor Oil. It works very well at very high temperatures. It has been tested with turbochargers and catalytic converters for performance. It hardly emits any pollutants and saves fuel.
If you’re unable to find it at local stores, you can order the engine oil online or check with your BMW dealership. Many BMW owners who’re a part of the At Full Drive community have been using this for more than a decade now, and their car is stilling running strong.
You can also try Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Engine Oil, although it is more expensive than other motor oils for BMW M6 2014.
Dear Bobby,
i have the 7 series 2011 model and has clocked about 105,000 kms.
i live in Dubai as well and it gets to about 45 degrees C in the summer.
Can you pls advise which oil i should use ?
Can i go to the local petrol station for the oil service ?
they are selling this oil …Havoline ProDS V SAE 5w30 and Havoline ProDS M SAE 5w30….
i have read that 5w30 would be the best composition for bmw 7 series in our region but is there any other specifications or ratings to comply with ?
thanks
Thank you for all of your info. What is the best oil for 2016 340i with the B58 engine? California weather ranges from around 20 deg Fahrenheit in winter to around 110 degrees in summer.
This was a very informative and helpful article. I have a 2014 BMW X1 with 43k miles. I was using Castro’s European 0W-40 exclusively but decided to give Royal Purple European 0W-40 a try. For the life of me this vehicle appears to run and idle smoother with the RP. However, it doesn’t have BMW’s seal of approval.
If need be, I’ll switch to Liqui Molly. I should note, I live in SW Florida (always hot), and self change my oil every 5k-7k miles. I’m old school and can’t fathom a 10k mike oil change, especially in this sweltering heat. Also, my driving is roughly 80% highway.
Thoughts and advice?
Best,
David
Lol. I came here looking for any info on Liqui Moly Special Tec LL 5W-30 Motor oil and wahdahyah know, the very 1st comment not only mentions it but also recommends it. I do not have an M sport but I do have a BMW (2006 530xi) and live in a rather hot climate (Hawaii) like Al B. The guy at the auto store recommended this oil. It’s not that I don’t trust his recommendation but before I do use it I would l like a second opinion.
Best oil for bmw 2016 m235i?
My BMW X5 still drives practically like brand new after 8 years of dally use. I changed to Mobil1 oil from Castrol about 3 years ago and the performance gain was not marginal but huge. Mobil1 is the best engine oil I have ever used in 10+ years.
I have a 2016 BMW 428i Twinpower Turbo engine. I wanna know what’s your recommend for engine oil type for my car.
I used BMW 5w30 but I can hear my car lifers noise.
Castrol magnatec runs quiet
Hi, I had a service done on my 2011 x1 2.0d and the tech used BMW twin power sae 5w30 longlife 01, is this suitable for the diesel engine, or should he have used longlife 04
I have a 2015 BMW 740 LD with xDrive. I currently have oil changed performed at the dealership as I am unsure of the proper aftermarket oil to use. Can you make a recommendation as I would like to change oil myself?
hi i have bmw x5 2007 3.0si petrol, what oil should i use LL-01 or LL04?
Great site, thanks for the help considering the manual does not provide much information on oil. We have a 2016 328 xi, manual recommends Castrol oil.
Irv Gordon had his Volvo go over 3,000,000 miles using only Castrol GTX motor oil. Google Irv Gordan and his Volvo. Great story about man and his car.
Hi,
For 2014 BMW 528i Xdrive do you recommend Castrol Extended Performance or A3/B4? I don’t know the difference other than price. Thank you.
Hello can you tell me if pure zone synthetic 5W-40 would be a good oil for BMW as well as I can get good pricing on it? Thanks
Hello can you tell me if pure zone synthetic 5W-40 would be a good oil for BMW as well as I can get good pricing on it? Thanks 2017 BMW X5 35i