What brand of engine oil does BMW use?
2 Answers
BMW uses Castrol engine oil. The following are the functions of engine oil: Lubrication: There is rapid relative sliding between pistons and cylinders, as well as between main shafts and bearing bushes. To prevent excessive wear of parts, an oil film needs to be established between the two sliding surfaces. A sufficiently thick oil film separates the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, thereby reducing wear. Auxiliary cooling: Engine oil has a relatively low specific heat value and is located inside the engine, so it does not inherently have a cooling effect. However, when the engine is running, the heat generated by fuel combustion can be carried back to the oil tank by the engine oil and then dissipated into the air, helping the radiator to cool the engine. The actual cooling is done by the water (or antifreeze liquid) outside the engine casing. Cleaning: Good engine oil can carry carbon deposits, sludge, and worn metal particles from engine parts back to the oil tank through circulation, and the flow of the lubricating oil washes away dirt generated on the working surfaces of the parts.
I've been driving a BMW for several years and always pay close attention to engine oil selection. The genuine BMW oil is the BMW Longlife series, which is actually produced in collaboration with Castrol. Castrol Edge is commonly available in the market. BMW dealerships directly provide this oil, which is optimized for German cars to protect the engine from wear. Other brands like Shell Helix Ultra or Mobil 1 are also acceptable, as long as they meet BMW's certification standards LL-01 or LL-04, depending on the model year. For example, my older 5 Series uses 5W-30 viscosity, while the new 3 Series recommends 0W-20. Avoid using unknown brands, as they can easily lead to increased carbon deposits, higher fuel consumption, and other issues. It's recommended to check the oil level every 5,000 kilometers. This oil ensures smooth gear shifts and a much smoother driving experience. In the long run, regular maintenance is more critical than the brand.
