What brand of engine oil does BMW use?
2 Answers
The dedicated engine oil for BMW vehicles is Castrol's Edge series with a viscosity rating of 5W30. For later maintenance, you may consider switching to Shell, Mobil, or other brands. BMW typically uses engine oil models such as 5W30, and BMW 4S stores also provide 5W40, 0W40, and 0W30 models. The original BMW engine oil is LongLife-01, a product developed in collaboration with Shell, featuring Shell's unique PurePlus technology. The BMW 5 Series generally uses 5W30 engine oil; for models like the BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 3 Series, and X1, the official recommendation is SAE-5W-30 and higher-grade SAE-0W-40. As long as the oil meets BMW's Longlife certification (common certifications include BMW-Longlife-98, BMW-Longlife-01, and BMW-Longlife-04), it can be used. Generally, meeting BMW-Longlife-01 is sufficient. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention is needed to its performance under low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity, with 5W representing the ability to withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother cold starts. The latter number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C, with higher values indicating better viscosity retention at high temperatures, which can be interpreted as superior lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing engine oil in BMW vehicles is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Loosen the oil drain plug with a wrench and collect the old oil in a container until no more oil flows out. Start the engine for about 30 seconds to allow oil in the main oil passages to drain; Remove the oil filter with a specialized wrench; Apply oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, typically filling up to three-quarters of the oil container; Run the engine for 5 minutes and check for leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the oil dipstick to ensure the oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving a BMW 3 Series and always pay attention to oil selection during maintenance. BMW officially recommends using engine oil that meets the Longlife specification. Common brands include Shell or Castrol, and the Shell Helix Ultra I use works great—it protects the engine and reduces wear. Different models may have variations; for example, the diesel version recommends Castrol Edge Diesel. Based on my experience, don’t skimp by using off-brand oils, as it could shorten the engine’s lifespan. It’s best to check the oil level every 5,000 km and have it changed at an authorized service center to ensure the correct specification is used. Also, remember to replace the oil filter regularly—this saves money, ensures safety, and extends the car’s service life.
