Which is better for BMW 5 Series: 5W30 or 0W40?
2 Answers
When choosing the engine oil model for BMW 5 Series, you can consider various factors such as your driving habits and driving environment, and then select the appropriate engine oil. In most regions of China, using 5W30 engine oil is sufficient, unless in some particularly cold areas like Harbin in the north, where 0W40 engine oil is required. The following are the differences between 5W30 and 0W40: 1. Low-temperature performance: There are two suitable engine oil models for BMW X5, which are 5W30 and 0W40. These two have different high and low-temperature performance. 0W40 has better low-temperature fluidity, with a lower applicable minimum temperature, allowing driving in environments as cold as -35°C. 2. Fuel consumption: 0W40 engine oil has higher viscosity, better high-temperature protection performance, and sealing, but it also leads to increased fuel consumption. In other words, 0W40 can be used in a wider range of temperature environments.
I've thought about whether to use 5W30 or 0W40 engine oil for my BMW 5 Series, as I'm an experienced driver of this car. From my personal experience, 5W30 is more fuel-efficient for regular city driving because the thinner oil allows the engine to run smoother with less fuel consumption, especially in stop-and-go traffic. However, 0W40 provides better protection during high-speed driving or in hot summer conditions—the thicker oil resists breakdown better, which is important for BMW's precision engines under high temperatures. The key is to check the owner's manual recommendations. BMW usually suggests low-viscosity synthetic oils like 5W30 or 0W30, but newer turbocharged models tend to prefer 0W40. Don’t choose randomly—using the wrong oil can wear out engine components. Once, I followed someone’s advice and used the wrong oil, which caused unstable idling, so I had to rush to the dealership to replace it. Regular maintenance and checking the oil are crucial, and adjustments should be made based on driving conditions and mileage.
