BMW Oil Type

What type of oil does your BMW come with?

Most BMW engine comes with a 5W-30 from the factory. BMW also recommends an oil change interval of 15,000 miles.

The brands that BMW uses are the Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage, Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40, Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30 or Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30. BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil since 2015.

The BMW aftermarket performance modding community is quite large. If you look at forums or Facebook group discussions, you’ll see those with tuned BMWs often praise Liqui Moly 5w-40.

Keep Climate Into Consideration
If you’re in warmer climates, people often elect for 5W-40 oil type. If you’re in colder climates, then opt-in for the 0W-40 oil type. 0W-40 lubricates the bearings better at startup vs. 5W-40 that takes a few minutes to warm up to optimal lubricating temperature.

1. Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage

Mobil 1 High Mileage full synthetic motor oil 5W-30 is designed for engines with over 75,000 miles to help reduce oil leaks with a boosted level of seal conditioner and extend engine life for high mileage vehicles of all ages better than conventional oil. Its uniform synthetic oil molecules reduce friction, helping to prevent deposits and sludge buildup. Providing outstanding engine wear protection for over 250,000 miles*, this technologically advanced formulation provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), and low-temperature capabilities (to -40 degrees Fahrenheit), supporting quick cold-weather starting and ultra-fast protection. Available in 1-qt. and 5-qt. bottles, Mobil 1 High Mileage full synthetic motor oil 5W-30 also helps control oxidation to prevent oil breakdown and is suitable for cars, vans, and light trucks. Mobil 1 is the world’s leading synthetic motor oil brand, recommended by more car builders, experienced mechanics, and used by more NASCAR® teams than any other brand of motor oil.** (*Total engine miles. Tested in vehicles primarily in highway driving conditions with the respective product recommended oil change intervals.) (**Based on the results of a 2016 Frost & Sullivan survey.)

• Mobil 1 High Mileage full synthetic motor oil 5W-30 is designed for engines with over 75,000 miles to help reduce leaks
• Extends engine life for over 250,000 miles* by providing better friction reduction for engine wear protection
• Helps engines last longer by working to prevent damaging deposits and sludge buildup
• Provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperatures (to -40 degrees F)
• Helps to control oxidation to prevent oil breakdown and maintain excellent viscosity for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes

Buy Mobil Full Synthetic 5W-30 High Mileage on Amazon

2. Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

Mobil 1 European Car Formula full synthetic motor oil 0W-40 is engineered for the latest gasoline and diesel engine technology. It delivers excellent all-around performance. It provides exceptional cleaning power, wear protection, and overall performance. It is made with a proprietary blend of ultra-high performance synthetic base stocks fortified with a precisely balanced component system, meeting or exceeding the latest OEM and industry approvals. This oil’s formulation has excellent low-temperature capabilities for rapid engine protection at startup and enhanced frictional properties that aid fuel economy. The low viscosity delivers fast protection for reduced engine wear and deposits, even in extreme driving conditions. Mobil 1 European Car Formula provides exceptional cleaning power for dirty engines.

• Mobil 1 European Car Formula full synthetic motor oil 0W-40 helps to extend engine life for over 250,000 miles*
• Provides outstanding engine wear protection and performance with uniform synthetic oil molecules for better friction reduction
• Helps engines last longer by working to prevent damaging deposits and sludge buildup
• Provides excellent internal engine heat protection (up to 500 degrees F) and low temperatures (up to -40 degrees F)
• Helps to control oxidation to prevent oil breakdown and maintain excellent viscosity for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes

Buy Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 on Amazon

3. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil

Keep your engine clean and protect against sludge and varnish with Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil. This oil is specially formulated to help provide maximum engine protection against heat, deposits, and wear. Its advanced formulation provides extra detergents and dispersants that provide maximum sludge and deposit protection, along with premium additives that hold up to high temperatures and friction under severe driving conditions. Additionally, this oil meets the API SN Plus classification protecting engines from LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition). Enjoy excellent engine cleanliness with Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil.

•  Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil – Superior sludge and varnish protection
• High-temperature protection under severe driving conditions
• Superior cold-temperature protection through faster oil flow at startup
• Meets the API SN Plus classification protecting engines from LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition)
• Comes in an easy-to-pour 5-qt container
• Advanced formulation

Buy Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil on Amazon

4. Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Castrol EDGE is Castrol’s most advanced engine oil. It is a premium full synthetic oil that is designed for consumers who demand the best performance from their cars. Leading car manufacturers recommend Castrol EDGE. Castrol EDGE is engineered with fluid titanium technology that physically changes the way the oil behaves under pressure.

What makes Castrol EDGE the best motor oil for your hardworking engine?

As a result of increased demand for performance and fuel economy, pressures in today’s engines have almost doubled over the last three decades. Higher pressure means more stress for the oil and the potential for more friction. As metal to metal contact increases, it causes wear and reduces performance. Underneath the hood, the pressure can reach 10 tons per square centimeter. That’s like five cars resting on a high heel relying only on a micro-thin layer of oil for protection. So you need a strong oil to reduce friction, and to help increase horsepower and fuel economy.

To combat the increased pressures faced in today’s engines, Castrol EDGE is engineered with fluid titanium technology that physically changes the way the oil behaves under pressure. Castrol’s patented titanium technology provides documented performance in friction reduction, anti-wear, and deposit control protection. The titanium-based technology ensures performance and strength.

Why is synthetic oil better for your engine?

All oils are not created the same; in fact, there is significant merit to trading up to a full synthetic motor oil. Castrol EDGE, a leading full synthetic motor oil, delivers significant performance advantages compared to conventional oils in areas such as thermal stability, volatility performance, and wear protection. Castrol EDGE enables fuel economy and ensures improved performance under the toughest of conditions.

• Advanced premium full synthetic motor oil to offer strength under extreme pressure
• Titanium strong for maximum engine performance
• Reduces metal-to-metal contact across a range of different driving speeds
• Protects the engine for the entire drain interval even under extreme pressure
• Decreases engine deposit formation to help maximize engine response

Buy Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 on Amazon

5. Liqui Moly 5W-40

The LubroMoly Synthoil High Tech 5W40 Motor Oil is a fully synthetic and energy conserving motor oil for the latest engine concepts (both gas and diesel), such as multivalve arrangements, variable cam and timing configurations, turbocharging, supercharging, intercooling, etc. The LubroMoly Synthoil High Tech 5W40 Motor Oil saves fuel and provides instant lubrication after a cold start. Good for extended oil change intervals and the highest demands

The Lubro-Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40 Motor Oil is a fully synthetic and energy conserving motor oil for the latest engine concepts (both gas and diesel) such as multi-valve arrangements variable cam and timing configurations turbocharging supercharging intercooling etc. The Lubro-Moly Synthoil High Tech 5W-40 Motor Oil saves fuel and provides instant lubrication after a cold start. Good for extended oil change intervals and the highest demands

Buy Liqui Moly 5W-40 on Amazon