What brand of engine oil should be used for BMW M4?
3 Answers
BMW M4 uses Castrol original equipment manufacturer (OEM) engine oil. Precautions for changing engine oil: 1. Pay attention to the timing of oil changes. The interval for oil changes is generally determined by mileage and time: conventional mineral oil should be changed every 5,000 kilometers or six months; semi-synthetic oil every 7,500 kilometers; and full-synthetic oil every 10,000 kilometers. 2. Be mindful of the amount of oil added. The oil level should be slightly below the mark on the dipstick and not overfilled. Engine oil is crucial for engine operation as it serves the dual functions of lubrication and heat dissipation. Therefore, the engine must never run without oil. However, excessive oil can increase the rotational resistance of the crankshaft, reduce engine output power, and cause the excess oil to enter the combustion chamber, leading to oil burning, blue smoke emissions, and increased fuel consumption. 3. Choose the right engine oil. In terms of types, the most common engine oils on the market today are semi-synthetic and full-synthetic oils. This is because modern car engines are increasingly advanced, requiring higher-quality engine oil. Comparatively, full-synthetic oil is of higher quality.
As a long-time M4 owner, I'd recommend prioritizing BMW-approved 0W-30 or 5W-30 engine oil. The brand actually matters less than ensuring the certification shows BMW Longlife-01/04. Over the years, I've tried Shell Helix Ultra, Mobil 1, and Castrol Edge - the differences were negligible as long as they carried the BMW blue label. Last week, I completed five laps on the track using regular 0W-30, with engine temperature steadily maintained at 105°C. Never experiment with obscure brands - my mechanic has seen cylinder wall scoring cases from wrong oil choices, where repair costs could cover a decade's worth of oil changes. For daily driving, change every 8,000km; reduce to 5,000km after track days.
A seasoned driver who has owned three M4s tells you that choosing engine oil depends on the usage scenario. For daily commuting, Mobil ESP 5W-30 is sufficient, offering high cost performance and fuel efficiency; for track use, opt for Shell Track Edition 0W-40, which provides better high-temperature protection. Pay close attention to the BMW LL-04 certification on the oil can—it's a hard requirement. Last year, I tried a trendy brand, only to hear the engine rattling during cold starts, so I immediately switched back to Castrol. Nowadays, I bring my own oil to the shop for maintenance—the so-called 'special oil' at 4S stores is actually OEM-produced by these major brands. Remember to regularly check the oil level; the S55 engine tends to consume some oil, so keeping a 1L bottle in the trunk is essential.
