What type of engine oil should be used for the BMW X3?
2 Answers
According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the BMW X3 uses engine oil with a specification of 5W-30. The user manual recommends 0W-20 and 0W-30 engine oil, but the 4S dealership actually provides 5W-30. The BMW X3 can use the built-in iDrive system to check the engine oil level. In the operating system, open the vehicle status and select the oil condition. The second method is to start the engine and lightly press the time button on the dashboard. This will automatically check the engine oil level. When the oil level is low, it will display '+1.0L'; when the oil level is appropriate, it will show 'OK'. When replacing the engine oil, it is necessary to change the oil filter at the same time. The oil filter is used to filter out impurities, metal shavings, sludge, and other contaminants in the engine oil. Only filtered oil can remain clean, which can extend the service life of both the oil and the engine. If the oil filter is not replaced when changing the oil, the contaminants retained in the filter paper will contaminate the new oil, causing it to turn black quickly. Additionally, if the oil filter is not replaced for a long time, its filtering efficiency will significantly decrease, and it will mostly fail to achieve the desired filtering effect. Long-term driving under such conditions can rapidly damage the internal components of the engine, and in severe cases, it may lead to oil burning. It is recommended to replace the oil filter when changing the engine oil. Do not save a small amount of money only to spend a lot more on car repairs later. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention must be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, and the smoother the cold start of the car will be. The second number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher this number, the better the oil can maintain its viscosity at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. When selecting engine oil, the following points should be noted: Choose engine oil based on the engine's requirements. There is no need to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements. Multigrade oil should be preferred. Multigrade oil is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to the characteristics of multigrade oil, it may turn black prematurely and exhibit lower oil pressure compared to conventional oil during use, both of which are normal phenomena.
I've been driving a BMW X3 for several years, and based on my experience, it's best to use full synthetic oil. The recommended viscosities are 5W-30 or 0W-40, both of which are officially suggested by BMW, especially for newer models that meet the BMW Longlife-01 standard. When choosing oil, the key factor is engine compatibility: the X3's engine is precision-designed and requires synthetic oil for extra lubrication, reducing startup wear and extending lifespan. Avoid using conventional mineral oil, as it performs poorly and tends to cause carbon buildup. During each maintenance session, I check the oil grade and insist on changing it every 7,500 kilometers to ensure the oil remains fresh. Additionally, climate affects the choice: 5W-30 is more stable in hot summer temperatures, while 0W-40 offers better flow in cold winter conditions. According to the materials I received from the dealership, regular maintenance is crucial to avoid major repairs, saving money and providing peace of mind.