Is a BMW's oil temperature of 120°C on the highway normal?
2 Answers
An oil temperature of 120°C in a BMW on the highway is normal. However, if the coolant temperature reaches 120°C, it is abnormal, and the vehicle should be stopped and turned off immediately to allow it to cool down naturally. Otherwise, it may affect the normal operation of the vehicle. When a car is in motion, fuel and the air-fuel mixture burn inside the engine cylinders, causing the oil temperature to rise. Engine oil plays a cooling role in the engine, and a temperature around 120°C is considered normal. BMW (short for Bayerische Motoren Werke) is a German automotive brand under the BMW Group, primarily producing luxury sedans, sports cars, SUVs, and motorcycles. Taking the BMW X5 as an example, its exterior design follows the family traits of BMW SUVs, showcasing BMW's design elements throughout. Features like the panoramic sunroof and "Angel Eyes" headlights are outstanding, while the interior is simple and elegant, though slightly lacking in refinement.
I've been driving for over 20 years and have experienced all kinds of situations. A BMW's oil temperature reaching 120°C on the highway is a bit high—the standard healthy range should be between 90 to 110°C. At 120°C, it suggests the cooling system might be struggling, possibly due to an aging fan or a clogged radiator. On the highway, if the airflow is good, it might be manageable, but prolonged high temperatures can cause premature oil oxidation and damage the engine. Once, while driving my BMW on the highway, I noticed the oil temperature was high, so I immediately slowed down, pulled over, and checked the coolant level. It was a bit low, and after topping it up, everything returned to normal. I recommend keeping an eye on the gauges regularly and having the cooling components checked during routine maintenance. Don't wait until a serious failure occurs to fix it, as the repair costs can be hefty. Safe driving is more important than speed.
