The S62, S54, S65, and S85 M engines from BMW were equipped with extremely thick 10W60 oil in the 2000s. None of the numerous BMW/OEM 10W60 oils are inherently flawed, therefore we might suggest them above other oils (especially if your 3rd party warranty has explicit terms). It could make sense for you to to use BMW-approved oil with your Genuine BMW bearings given the numerous complaints about rod bearings (including a manufacturer recall on the S54). But if you disregard warranty issues, Red Line is our top pick. The 15W50 is our best choice since, despite having an SAE 15W grade, it has a thinner viscosity and lower pour point than the stock BMW 10W60. Because the oil has a lower viscosity when cold, it can enter key clearances and bearing surfaces more readily. Despite being rated as a 50 vs. 60, the Red Line formula has comparable evaporation and higher shear resistance in hot conditions than factory oil. Reduced drag (more power), less friction, and less heat are all effects of thinner hot viscosity. Simply put, The Red Line uses a better base stock and formula. Red Line also produces a 10W60, however it should only be used in very hot regions or on tracks because it has a thicker viscosity than any other 10W60s.
It is imperative that you fully warm the engine up before subjecting it to high throttle angles and high RPM, as with any engine but especially with M engines. Before driving rapidly, let the car warm up. The ideal oil temperature is between 210 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure your oil is “climate proper” as well; in cold locations, a thinner oil may be preferred, so getting the best oil is even more important.
The 10W60 oil is not magical, according to BimmerWorld. Just an SAE viscosity grade, really. We won’t steer you away from using 10W60 oil with the BMW brand because it’s not a poor oil. However, there is so much more going on underneath the surface that we can ignore the viscosity and suggest an oil that is just superior in every way. The Red Line goods have higher shear strength, lower evaporation, and higher ZDDP on tracked M engines (E46 M3, E9X M3). With the Red Line 15W50, which reaches tight tolerances more quickly and warms up to temperature, we can get all of that. The factory-branded 10W60 by BMW will be sufficient for street cars, though Red Line will be preferable.
We decided to use 15W50 after considering the results of the laboratory experiments on oil viscosity shown in the chart below. Although this information is easily accessible online, BMW does not publish oil specs (except in a MSDS document). As it is thought that the BMW oil is based on this formula (albeit probably modified for BMW’s requirements), we included Shell Helix 10W60. You can see that the Red Line 50 weight is less thick at the higher temperature, but it makes up for this lack of viscosity with better shear strength.
In This Article...
Which motor oil is suggested for a BMW?
The majority of BMW engines ship from the factory with a 5W-30. Additionally, BMW advises an oil change every 15,000 miles.
Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage, Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40, Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30, or Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 are the brands that BMW utilizes. Since 2015, BMW has advised using Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as its aftermarket oil.
There is a sizable aftermarket performance modifying community for BMWs. If you read the conversations on forums or Facebook groups, you’ll notice that owners of tuned BMWs frequently praise Liqui Moly 5w-40.
Take the climate into account In warmer climates, consumers frequently choose the 5W-40 oil kind. You should choose the 0W-40 oil type if you live somewhere with a cooler environment. In comparison to 5W-40, which takes a few minutes to warm up to the ideal lubricating temperature, 0W-40 lubricates the bearings better upon beginning.
What kind of oil is recommended for a BMW 3 Series?
A synthetic, high-performance SAE 5W-30 engine oil is recommended for a BMW 328i. Brands like Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage and 5W-30 Pento are suggested. Superior Performance
Will any oil work for a BMW?
You don’t have to use BMW-specific oil in your car. Many other brands will function even though this oil will be compatible with your engine.
Make sure the oil you select complies with BMW Longlife requirements. You may find the required oil rating in your owner’s manual.
Since 2009, BMW Longlife-98 oils are no longer in use. For vehicles produced prior to the model year 2002, this oil is advised, although Longlife-01 products can be used in its place.
All vehicles produced after the model year 2002 must have BMW Longlife-01. It is entirely artificial.
Due to their low HTHS viscosity, BMW Longlife-01 FE oils have characteristics that improve fuel economy. Only the N54, N63, N1x, N55, N74, and N2x engines can use this oil grade.
The BMW Longlife-04 is appropriate for cars with diesel particulate filters. As an alternative to BMW Longlife-98 or Longlife-01, you can use this product.
Some gasoline engines, as well as the 2013 model-year Nx701, Nx7k1, and Nx7U1 diesel engines, are compatible with the BMW Longlife-12. Engines with two to three turbos are ineligible for the usage of this oil.
N20 and Bx8 gasoline engines from the model year 2014 are compatible with BMW Longlife-14+.
You can find these requirements in a ton of oil brands, so don’t feel compelled to use solely BMW goods.
Does BMW require particular oil?
You shouldn’t skimp on the quality or type of motor oil you put in your BMW because it’s the second-most crucial fluid after fuel in your car. Because of this, BMW advises using only synthetic motor oils in all BMW engines.
Any 5W30 oil will work in my BMW, right?
I’m here. When it comes to the oil(s) they suggest using, BMW is one of the most restricted. There is a predetermined list of oil kinds and brands that are safe to use in BMW automobiles. Your choice of oil may depend on the type of car you drive, its year, and the climate where you reside. BMWas require oil with an API rating of SM or higher; the recommended SAE grade* varies depending on the climate. Some of the suggested lubricants for your 2007 BMW include Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30 and Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40. The usage of 0W-40 is recommended if you reside in a chilly area. The 5W-30 Valvolline SynPower is recommended for those who reside in warmer areas.
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Can I use 10w 40 oil on a BMW?
Any recommendations for the oil I should use when I change my car’s oil? BMW Castrol 5W30 and Mobil1 10W40 are strongly suggested lubricants for the 1 series, according to the Warranty booklet’s page 6. Other oils or weights are not listed.
Of course, reading the owner’s manual (page 117) would reveal that only BMW 5W30 is advised. It also advises using 5W30 or 5W40 weight since they are temperature-neutral.
I believe the Mobil1 10W40 is the best oil to use because I reside in California and there is no danger of experiencing temperatures below freezing. But because this is my first turbo engine, I’m not sure what oil weight is best for them. Any opinions on which of the two “authorized” oils would be best given where I live and the fact that the car will participate in some autoxing and perhaps a few track schools?
German Castrol and Mobil 1 should work just fine. I personally utilized GC and M1 0W40 on my Audi because they are designed for German automakers and have received extremely good evaluations for their oil analysis.
For $53.10, you can have the dealer’s oil change kit—which includes the same oil and filter the dealer uses—delivered right to your door.
The warranty booklet states that only BMW 5W30 and Mobil1 10W40 are advised. I’m not clear why Mobil1 is 10W40 instead than 5W30 in terms of weight.
Measurements of viscosity presumably differ slightly between producers and oil kinds. Apparently, the German Castrol 0-30 behaves more like a 5-40 than it does.
According to my memory, the Mobil 1 10w 40 formulation satisfies BMW’s requirements, however the Mobil 1 5w30 formulation does not.
Does Castrol Edge 5w30 work well with BMW?
The use of EDGE 5W-30 in current BMW and Mercedes gasoline and diesel engines, including those with DPFs and requiring BMW Longlife -04 or MB-Approval 229.51 requirements, is also authorized. The strictest VW motor oil tests are passed by Castrol EDGE 5W-30, protecting every component of your engine.
Can Castrol be used on a BMW?
Since BMW began supporting Castrol in the early 1990s, I can honestly tell that utilizing Castrol has never failed to deliver. I believe it to be a fantastic oil, and BMWs appear to respond well to it. You can buy it pretty much anywhere for a fair price. Stick with it if you like it and use it.
Better oil to use: 0W30 or 5W-30?
The engine oil that is chosen for the air temperature and is ideal for the vehicle is the best engine oil. Temperature has an impact on an engine’s viscosity, which might be problematic for the car.
Due to the motor engine oil’s viscosity at low temperatures, the vehicle’s engines do not start quickly.
To find the best motor oil for a given car, the specifications and grades of motor oils are documented.
The best oil for your car in the winter is 0W30, especially if you reside in a region with extremely low temperatures. For a wide range of temperatures, 5W30 is excellent.
Can I substitute 5W-30 with 0W30 BMW?
My 2006 BMW 330i alerted me to add an additional quart of engine oil, so I went to the store to purchase them. However, the parts clerk gave me 0W-30 rather than the standard 5W-30. Is it acceptable to combine/fill where 5w-30 was used?
You can find specific instructions for use in the manual. The values 0w30, 5w30, 0w40, and 5w40 are all good. At working temperature, the viscosity of 0w30 and 5w30 are same.
Castrol is ambiguous in that the 0W30 oil provides both the protection of -30 and the flow benefit of 0W when it is cold. Which IMV is another way to say what was just said.
5W30 or 5W40 oil is thicker, which is it?
In cold weather, both have the same viscosity rating, however in warmer weather, 5W-40 is thicker than 5W-30. It’s important to note that 5W-40 is the recommended oil for the majority of diesel applications. Vehicle manufacturers almost never advise using 5W-40 oil in a gas-powered engine.
What is the purpose of 5w40 oil?
In American diesel pickup trucks and European cars with gasoline engines, the 5W-40 viscosity is frequently advised for performance engines.
Consider Mobil SuperTM Synthetic Euro or Mobil 1TM Formula M if you drive a contemporary European vehicle. Below, compare these two oils. They can be applied to both diesel and gasoline engines.
Choose between Mobil 1TM Turbo Diesel Truck or Mobil Delvac 1TM ESP if your diesel engine needs an oil that complies with CK-4 requirements. Notably, we do not contrast motor oils designed for gasoline-powered vehicles with those for diesel engines.
Why are there different numbers in 5W-40? The figures represent the oil’s weight and thickness, or viscosity. When it’s cold, motor oil thickens; when it’s hot, it thins. The first value represents the oil’s viscosity when it is cold, while the second number represents the viscosity when it is operating temperature.
Choose the product that best suits your needs by comparing the many degrees of protection that each one of these offers.
Is 5W-40 oil suitable for hot climates?
The viscosity of an oil determines how easily it flows. Your engine won’t run smoothly if the oil is too thick. Moving parts won’t be shielded from deterioration by oil that is too thin. As the temperature changes, the viscosity rises and falls, respectively.
Performance and protection are trade-offs you have to make when choosing a certain quality of motor oil. While your engine is operating, an oil that is more viscous will protect engine parts better. On the other hand, an oil that is overly thick will somewhat hinder engine performance. It is crucial to speak with the engine manufacturer to determine the precise oil quality that is required.
The choice between 5w40 motor oil and a substitute like 10w40 relies on how cold it gets in your area during the winter. Because it flows more smoothly at low temperatures, 5w40 is preferable for starting your engine. High viscosities of 5w40 and 10w40 when the engine is hot and running make them both equally effective in preventing engine wear.