For BMW cars, you must use engine oil that meets the API: SM, SN, SP, and ACEA: A3 / B3, A3 / B4 or C2, C3 specifications for diesel vehicles (DPF).
When choosing an oil, please note that the oil meets the BMW Longlife approval. The viscosity of the engine oil depends on the engine design and the climate in which the vehicle is used. We recommend using 0W-20, 0W-30, and OW-40 engine oil for new BMW vehicles.
Engine oil for BMW best choice:
Best choice
Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40
Mobil 1 0W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is engineered for the latest gasoline and diesel (without Diesel Particulate Filters or DPFs) engine technology delivering excellent all-round performance. It provides exceptional cleaning power, wear protection, and overall performance.
- 4,9 Rating
- Specifications: API: SP / CF, ACEA: A3/B3, A3/B4
- Approvals: Ford WSS-M2C937-A, FIAT 9.55535-M2, MB 229.3, 229.5, VW 502 00, 505 00, 503 01
Top 3 oil for BMW
What should I know when choosing oil for BMW engines? Which oil is suitable for a particular engine? These are the two questions that are of most concern to BMW owners who are undecided about their oil selection as they approach the scheduled oil change. First, it should be remembered that engine oils for BMW engines are divided into certified (approved) and special (Special Oil).
According to the car manufacturer’s specifications, for BMW 1,3,4,5,6,7 series gasoline modifications only engine oils that have passed special tests and received BMW approval are allowed. For diesel versions of the same models, it is allowed to use universal engine oils, provided that their requirements of documentation for each car model (according to ACEA classification) are met. Engine oils of approved BMW must have the appropriate tolerance on the packaging. Its absence indicates the lack of BMW certification, respectively, its use is not recommended.
Motor oil for BMW
The best engine oils for BMW cover the internal parts of the engine with a layer of lubricant and retain their strength even under high temperatures and loads, which corresponds to the properties of a quality engine oil. BMW revises its oil formulations every few years based on current engine design, mileage and emissions requirements, fuel type and quality, region, and marketing (service plans). Each new specification is coded by year and roughly corresponds to new generations of BMW engines. There can be multiple oil viscosity for the same approval.
Best motor oil for BMW
1. Original BMW Twin Power Turbo Ll-01 SAE 0W-30
2. Castrol EDGE C3 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
3. Liqui Moly Special Tec LL Motor Oil 5W-30
4. Ravenol Motor Oil SAE 5W-30
5. Motul 8100 X-Clean EFE Synthetic oil 5W-30
6. Total Quartz INEO MC3 ACEA/API Engine Oil 5W-30
7. TRIAX Ester Full Synthetic Euro Ultra VX 5W-30
8. Castrol EDGE A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-30
9. Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40
10. BMW M Twin Power Turbo Engine Oil SAE 0W-40
11. Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil 5W-40
BMW Engine Oil
Best rated oil for BMW
BMW vehicles are designed to require less frequent maintenance than other brands. Therefore, you have more time on the road and less time in the workshop. Bimmer drivers can avoid the 3,000-mile oil change and instead only need an oil service every 7,500 miles for their oil change and oil and safety service appointments.
BMW Oil For Sale
1. Original BMW Twin Power Turbo Ll-01 SAE 0W-30
Buy Original BMW Twin Power Turbo Ll-01 SAE 0W-30
Engine oil BMW TwinPower Turbo Longlife-01 SAE 0W-30 was developed based on GTL technology. This protects the engine at a level that exceeds the industry standard. This engine oil preserves the optimum purity of BMW engines and exploits their full potential. Compared to conventional engine oils, it is characterized by improved viscosity-temperature behavior, thus ensuring high fuel efficiency. The new Original BMW Engine Oil allows you to exploit the full potential of BMW engines. This engine oil has been thoroughly tested and approved for use in BMW engines at all temperatures.
Pros:
- Stable performance over a wide range of operating temperatures and engine loads.
- Safe engine starting at low temperatures.
- Excellent protection against wear.
- Patented active treatment technology protects against deposits and corrosion, extending engine life.
Cons:
- Not the best one for older models
2. Castrol EDGE C3 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
Buy Castrol EDGE C3 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30
Castrol EDGE 5W-30 C3 with Fluid TITANIUM Technology, provides superior engine oil strength for diesel engines that work harder due to higher engine pressure, and helps your vehicle to maximize performance. Castrol EDGE C3 is a full synthetic diesel oil suitable for use in automotive diesel engines where the manufacturer requires a 5W-30 oil. Castrol EDGE is Castrol’s most advanced engine oil. It is a premium full synthetic oil designed for consumers who demand the best performance from their vehicles. Castrol EDGE is recommended by leading car manufacturers. Castrol EDGE has been developed using Fluid Titanium technology, which physically alters the way the oil behaves under pressure.
Because of increased demand for performance and fuel economy, the pressure in today’s engines has almost doubled over the last three decades. Higher pressure means more stress on the oil and the potential for more friction. As the metal-to-metal contact increases, this leads to wear and reduces performance. Under the hood, the pressure can be as high as 10 tons per square centimeter. This is like five cars resting on high heels and relying only on a micro-thin layer of oil for protection. Therefore, you need a strong oil to reduce friction and to increase performance and fuel economy.
Pros:
- Advanced premium fully synthetic engine oil for high strength under extreme pressure conditions
- Strong titanium for maximum engine performance
- Reduces metal-to-metal contact over a range of different travel speeds
- Protects the motor during the entire draining interval, even under extreme pressure
- Reduces the formation of engine deposits to maximize engine response
- The best fully synthetic money you can buy
Cons:
- None
3. Liqui Moly Special Tec LL Motor Oil 5W-30
Buy Liqui Moly Special Tec LL Motor Oil 5W-30
Every experienced mechanic knows the value of Liqui Moly grease when it comes to keeping your car’s body and suspension running smoothly, and their synthetic 5W30 offers similarly high performance when it comes to keeping your engine running at peak efficiency even under the most extreme conditions.
High performance designers such as Porsche, BMW and other German car manufacturers recommend Liqui Moly for use in their vehicles because of its superior performance under the extreme load of high performance engines in some of the fastest and technically best cars in the world.
It may be slightly more expensive, but it definitely provides the high-quality mud and varnish protection that a high-end performance engine demands over time, whether you regularly push it to the limit or not.
It is also a must for fans of German turbo or compressor engines, especially as they take the multi-valve engine designs of modern German cars to the extreme.
Pros:
- Full synthetic oil
- Developed in Germany
- Synthetic oil of the highest quality
Cons:
- The costs are higher than for a high performance product
- May require a run-in period while the motor rinses out any deposits.
4. Ravenol Motor Oil SAE 5W-30
Buy Ravenol Motor Oil SAE 5W-30
RAVENOL HLS SAE 5W-30 is a full synthetic MID SAPS fuel-efficient engine oil with CleanSynto technology for gasoline and diesel passenger car engines with and without turbocharging and direct injection. Minimization of friction, abrasion and fuel consumption, excellent cold start properties. Extended oil change intervals according to manufacturer recommendations. The excellent cold start properties ensure optimum lubricant safety in the cold running phase. Due to the noticeable fuel savings, RAVENOL HLS SAE 5W-30 helps to reduce pollutant emissions and protect the environment. RAVENOL HLS SAE 5W-30 is a Mid SAPS oil, which effectively prevents the diesel soot particle filter from resetting.
RAVENOL HLS SAE 5W-30 is a high performance fuel economy engine oil for demanding engines. It is recommended for all modern passenger car petrol and diesel engines, including turbo versions and direct injection. It is also recommended for all operating conditions. Specially formulated to General Motors OPEL and GM DEXOS2 specifications. RAVENOL HLS SAE 5W-30 is recommended for use in vehicles with diesel particulate filters. Always consult your service manual to confirm the oil required for your engine.
Pros:
- Designed for extended oil change intervals with large cold start lubrication, low evaporation tendency, oxidation stability and better fuel economy
- Provides excellent detergent and dispersing properties while preventing sludge formation, resulting in an improved cleaning engine
Cons:
- None
5. Motul 8100 X-Clean EFE Synthetic oil 5W-30
Buy Motul 8100 X-Clean EFE Synthetic oil 5W-30
Motul 8100 X-clean EFE (Extra Fuel Economy) is a genuine 100% synthetic oil that offers increased engine protection and at the same time increases fuel consumption. This product has synthetic base stocks combined with specific friction modifier molecules and Mid SAPS levels that create an excellent oil film resistance to reduce friction in the engine. 8100 X-clean has approvals from some of the leading automotive OEMs, including BMW, Mercedes, GM and VW. Specially blended for engines requiring ACEA C2 / C3 and API SN standards.
Engines that meet the Euro 4, 5 and 6 exhaust regulations are equipped with sensitive exhaust aftertreatment systems. Sulphur and phosphorus inhibit catalyst operation, which leads to inefficient exhaust aftertreatment. In addition, sulphated ash clogging the DPF leads to shorter regeneration cycles, faster oil ageing, higher fuel consumption and loss of engine performance.
The ACEA C3 standard requires the lubricant to have significant oil film resistance and low emission performance when used in high performance engines. The ACEA C2 standard requires a significant reduction of friction to ensure energy savings and thus fuel economy benefits.
MOTUL 8100 X-CLEAN EFE 5W-30 has synthetic base stocks coupled with specific friction modifier molecules and special SAPS levels that create excellent oil film resistance reduce friction in the engine and ensure compatibility of aftertreatment equipment. MOTUL 8100 X-CLEAN EFE 5W-30 offers high lubrication properties such as wear protection and high temperature resistance for better-controlled oil consumption. ACEA C2 and C3 lubricants achieve extended oil change intervals controlled by the vehicle’s on-board computer.
Pros:
- Meets the high oil requirements of OEM manufacturers
- Synthetic oil with wear protection and high temperature resistance
- Recommendations from Honda, Kia, Toyota, Hyundai, Subaru and Nissan
- Extra Fuel Economy (EFE) lubricant, perfect balance between efficiency and protection
Cons:
- None
6. Total Quartz INEO MC3 ACEA/API Engine Oil 5W-30
Buy Total Quartz INEO MC3 ACEA/API Engine Oil 5W-30
This very high performance synthetic Low SAPS engine oil was developed with TOTAL’s Synthetic Technology. It has been developed for both petrol and diesel engines and is specially designed to optimize the function of diesel particulate filters. Quartz INEO MC3 meets or exceeds the recommendations of most domestic, European and Asian manufacturers and has received approval from European manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi. Always check your owner’s manual before using an engine oil.
Pros:
- Quartz INEO MC3 meets or exceeds the recommendations of most domestic, European and Asian manufacturers and has received approval from European manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Volkswagen and Audi
- Applies: MERCEDES-BENZ: MB-release 229.51 and downward compatible 229.31; BMW: LL-04; VOLKSWAGEN: 502.00/505.01; HYUNDAI-KIA: Approved by Hyundai Kia and recommended in after sales
Cons:
- It is for the older TDI’s. NOT the common rail TDI
7. TRIAX Ester Full Synthetic Euro Ultra VX 5W-30
Buy TRIAX Ester Full Synthetic Euro Ultra VX 5W-30
TRIAX EURO ULTRA VX 5W-30 is the most advanced full synthetic European car engine oil and is designed to exceed OEM specifications for European gasoline and diesel engines with high efficiency. This product complies with the most advanced European engine specification, the Audi VW 507.00 / 504.00 Longlife III spec TRIAX EURO ULTRA VX 5W-30 is a state-of-the-art product with improved fluid shear prevention, viscosity reduction and excellent wear reduction properties in virtually all European engine types.
TRIAX EURO ULTRA VX 5W-30 exceeds the specification requirements for a very wide range of European cars and is fully compatible with all BMW, VW, Audi, Mercedes Benz, Land Rover high performance, high-speed petrol and diesel engines.
Pros:
- Exceeds VW / Audi Longlife III – 2 years, 20,000 miles expiration. VW / Audi 507.00 / 504.00, BMW Longlife 4, Mercedes Benz 229.51, 229.5, Porsche C30 for petrol & diesel
- This is a premium PAO/ester engine oil designed for extreme thermal stability, drain intervals, soot control and unsurpassed protection.
- Contains built-in friction enhancers and viscosity/oxidation stabilizers for superior wear protection. HIGH TBN for exceptional corrosion protection.
- 70% LESS VISCOSITY INCREASE – as OEM Commercial Grade engine oil for VW / AUDI TFSI Engine requirements for 507,00 / 504,00
- Significantly increased protection against thermal degradation and oxidation viscosity increase in high performance engines
Cons:
- Difficult to find in the store
8. Castrol EDGE A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-30
Buy Castrol EDGE A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-30
Castrol 06244 EDGE A3/B4 0W-30 is an advanced premium full synthetic motor oil designed to give strength to the engine of your vehicle and to operate under extreme pressure. We have already mentioned that Castrol oil is one of the leading oils as it is three times stronger than other synthetic and conventional oils, and the titanium technology means that it allows you to get the most out of your engine performance even under extreme pressure and increase fuel economy. In addition, the technology is reused and minimizes friction between parts of the engine through a double layer of film, as anti-wear and keep your engine trap minimal deposit of contaminants. With Advanced Premium, the oil offers your engine good performance even under different pressures. The technology contained in the oil, i.e. titanium, improves engine performance by reducing friction, by lubricating it properly and preventing metals from coming into contact with each other, resulting in a lower amount of dirt deposits, increasing the engine’s responsiveness in different climatic conditions and maximizing mileage and durability.
Pros:
- Advanced premium full synthetic engine oil for high strength under extreme pressure conditions
- Strong titanium for maximum engine performance
- Reduces metal-to-metal contact over a range of different travel speeds
- Protects the motor during the entire draining interval, even under extreme pressure
- Reduces the formation of engine deposits to maximize engine response
- The best fully synthetic money you can buy
Cons:
- Difficult to find in the store
9. Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40
Buy Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40
Mobil 1 0W-40 European Car Formula (North America) or Protection Formula (rest of the world) Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil is designed for gasoline and diesel engines (without diesel particulate filters or DPFs) and offers excellent all-round performance. It offers exceptional cleaning power, wear protection and overall performance. Mobil 1 0W-40 keeps your engine like new in all driving conditions.
Thanks to extensive development cooperation with major manufacturers and the use of advanced lubrication technology, Mobil 1 0W-40 is recommended for many modern vehicle types where it contributes to unsurpassed performance even in the most demanding driving conditions.
Pros:
- Mobil 1 0W-40 is an advanced, full synthetic engine oil designed for exceptional cleaning power, wear protection and overall performance.
- Mobil 1 0W-40 keeps the engine like new in all driving conditions
- Through creativity, productivity and innovation – this brand continues to develop the finest car accessories
Cons:
- Once the sticker is removed, this is not a safe storage container for the remaining oil; the oil will leak if stored on the side.
10. BMW M Twin Power Turbo Engine Oil SAE 0W-40
Buy BMW M Twin Power Turbo Engine Oil SAE 0W-40
The engine oil BMW M Twin Power Turbo Longlife-01 SAE 0W-40 is specially designed for the new generation of BMW M engines. By using innovative technology, the GTL base oil protects the engine at a level that exceeds the industry standard. This engine oil preserves the optimum purity of the new generation BMW M engines and exploits their full potential. The engine oil has passed difficult tests and is approved for use in the new generation BMW M engines. This engine oil may be used in BMW M engines at all temperatures.
Pros:
- Offers exceptional dynamic characteristics of the engines BMW M.
- Confident engine start at low temperatures.
- Excellent protection against wear and tear.
- Patented active treatment technology protects against deposits and corrosion, thus extending the service life of the engines.
Cons:
- Price is slightly too high
11. Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil 5W-40
Buy Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech Engine Oil 5W-40
Modern, full synthetic, low-friction engine oil of the highest quality for all-year use in gasoline and diesel engines without diesel particulate filter (DPF). Depending on the manufacturer’s instructions, oil change intervals of up to 25,000 miles (40,000 km) are possible.
With around 4,000 articles, LIQUI MOLY offers a wide range of automotive chemicals that is unique in the world: motor oils and additives, greases and pastes, sprays and car care products, adhesives and sealants. Founded in 1957, LIQUI MOLY develops and produces exclusively in Germany. There it is the undisputed market leader for additives and is repeatedly voted the best oil brand.
Pros:
- Fast oil delivery at low temperatures, high lubrication reliability at high and low temperatures
- Long engine life due to high wear protection, miscible and compatible with commercially available engine oils
- Excellent engine cleanliness, catalytically tested and proven with turbochargers
- Saves fuel and reduces pollutant emissions; optimum oil pressure at all speeds, high shear and ageing stability
Cons:
- None
How does oil for BMW cars differ from oil used in other brands?
While many car brands may use natural oils, BMWs require synthetic engine oils, with some models having different requirements than others. Synthetic oils are synthesized with chemical compounds in a controlled process to eliminate impurities. Natural oils are refined from crude oils and may contain impurities that have passed through the refining process.
Synthetic oils, while more expensive than natural oils, allow for greater mileage between oil changes, offer better performance at lower and higher temperatures, and are designed to help clean your engine and protect it from deposits.



Are there special oils recommended for BMWs?
BMW has a list of oil brands and types that can be safely used in their vehicles. The class and year of your vehicle as well as the climate in which you live can influence which type of oil you should use. The best thing to do is to have your Bimmer serviced at a specialist BMW dealer.
BMW Recommended Oil
Oil for BMWs must have an API rating of SM or higher; your recommended SAE rating will vary depending on the climate. When servicing your BMW, make sure you use one of the following oils recommended by BMW and corresponding to the BMW Longlife classification:
Oil for most BMW passenger cars and SUVs:
- BMW TwinPower Turbo engine oils – oils developed by BMW for BMW vehicles.
- Mobile 1 SAE 0W-40
- Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
- From 2015 BMW recommends Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as a retrofit oil.
Oil for BMW M-Series vehicles with S54, S62, S65 or S85 engines:
- Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 synthetic engine oil
- Castrol Formula RS SAE 10W-60 Synthetic engine oil
Oil for BMW B7 ALPINA:
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Oil
- BMW high performance SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil
BMW Longlife 04 oil
BMW TwinPower Turbo Longlife-04 5W-30 engine oil is based on GTL technology. This ensures that the engine is protected at a level that exceeds industry standards. This engine oil keeps BMW engines optimally clean and allows them to use their full potential.
Best engine oil for BMW 3 series
The BMW 3 Series is available in both petrol and diesel versions. While the diesel version is equipped with a 2.0-litre 184-hp engine, the oil burner is fitted with a 2.0-litre twin turbocharged 245-hp turbo engine. The recommended engine oil for the petrol version is 5W30 synthetic and 5W40 synthetic for the diesel model.
Best engine oil for BMW 1 series
Which oil should be used for the BMW 1 Series? For use in petrol and diesel engines, the full synthetic oil 5W-30 is recommended, which has been approved by BMW as Longlife-04 oil.
Best engine oil for BMW 5 series
The best engine oil for the BMW 5 Series is 5W30 synthetic oil, but we recommend you drive the first 10,000 km with mineral engine oil.
Best engine oil for BMW 7 series
The recommended engine oil for the petrol version is 5W30 synthetic and 5W40 synthetic for the diesel model. The synthetic oil increases the life of the engine and provides a smooth driving experience.
Best engine oil for BMW x1
The best engine oil for the BMW X1 is 5W30 synthetic oil, but we recommend that you drive the first 10,000 km with mineral engine oil.
Best engine oil for BMW x3
The average cost of a BMW X3 oil change is between 136 and 165 dollars. Labor costs are estimated to be between 44 and 56 dollars, while parts cost between 92 and 109 dollars. The estimate does not include taxes and fees. BMW X3 USA Built 2013, TwinPower SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Turbo Diesel BMW Longlife 01 Motor Oil.
Best engine oil for BMW x5
The average cost of a BMW X5 oil change is between $162 and $190, labor costs are estimated to be between $35 and $45, while the price of the parts is between $127 and $145. The estimate does not include taxes and fees.
Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30. Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30. From 2015 BMW recommends Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as retrofit oil.
Best engine oil for BMW x6
What are the top oil products for the BMW X6?
- Castrol EDGE 5W-40 Full synthetic engine oil (1 quart) 4.9.
- Pentosin Pento High Performance Engine Oil 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (5 liters) 4.8. …
- Valvoline SynPower Advanced Fully synthetic 5W-30 Full synthetic engine oil, 1 quart 4.9.
Which oil is best for BMW?
Which brand and type of engine oil you choose for your BMW engine can mean the difference between a longer or shorter engine life.
Engine oil is the elixir of life of the combustion engine. It keeps the moving parts lubricated, even under extreme heat and high pressure. Under these conditions even synthetic oils can fail and clog the oil filter.
BMW lists the recommended oil viscosity, type and brand for each of its vehicle models on its website and in the operating instructions. From time to time, Long Life formulations are also created for owners of older vehicles that you may wish to research.
Modern BMW engines are designed for specially formulated synthetic engine oils, in contrast to older engines, which could use conventional engine oil. If you are wondering how to choose the best oil for BMW, we will break it down into a few key factors based on our evaluations in a buying guide.
How to choose the best oil for BMW
BMW recommends or demands synthetic engine oil for most engines of the last few years. There is much to say about the superiority of synthetic oil over conventional engine oil, but it can be more difficult to compare synthetic oil brands.
There are some different specifications to consider when choosing the oil to buy when it is time for an oil change. It is important to match the oil to the engine design of your BMW, but there are other factors such as the local climate and the way you drive.
Recommended BMW oil brands
From year to year, BMW changes the brand of motor oil, which they consider the best brand for their vehicle engines. While many BMW owners have their own preferences, the car manufacturer carries out extensive testing to decide which brand is best for their vehicles. Following this recommendation is of course optional. Modern engines can be operated with any suitable engine oil within the viscosity ranges specified by BMW.
What oil goes in a BMW?
All late BMWs use synthetic engine oil (you can find it in the manual). Approved BMW oils belong to the weight classes 5w-40 and 5w-30 (viscosity) (see owner’s manual). BMW recommends the Castrol brand of engine oil (can be found on the oil filler cap of the car).
What is the best oil for BMW 328i?
- Castrol EDGE 5W-40 full synthetic engine oil (1 quart) 4.9.
- Pentosin Pento High Performance Engine Oil 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil (5 liters) 4.8.
- Valvoline SynPower Advanced Fully synthetic 5W-30 Full synthetic engine oil, 1 quart 4.9