BMW approvals are used when selecting motor oil for BMW, BMW i, BMW M, BMW X, DriveNow, Mini, Rolls-Royce.
BMW Approvals
The BMW Group is extremely strict about the use of motor oils in its vehicles, the company’s recommendations vary depending on the model and type of vehicle engine. And the division of oils into groups is carried out according to the results of numerous tests and laboratory tests of oils.
The BMW concern is considered one of the leaders in the automotive industry, being one of the big three German car manufacturers along with Mercedes Benz and AUDI (VAG). Sports versions of cars with the prefix M have gained particular popularity.
BMW cars are rightfully considered one of the best. Modern technologies, a large selection of cars with powerful engines from 1l. volume, the use of 2 and even 3 turbines, compliance with environmental standards, the struggle for fuel-efficiency – all of this determines the quality of a car and determines the high-performance requirements for lubricants that are used in BMW engines. All this led the giant of the car market to create its own tolerances.
According to BMW specifications, for models 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 series with gasoline engines, only lubricating oils that have passed a series of tests and approved by BMW are allowed to be used. For the same series with diesel engines, the use of oils marked according to the ACEA classification is allowed (see the operating instructions and the service book).
What is a BMW specification?
Specifications BMW are symbolic designations of engine oil properties for a certain type of car engine, which you use to select the oil for your car BMW. By choosing an oil according to the appropriate specification, you ensure that you’re using the right oil for your BMW.
BMW oil tolerances for gasoline and diesel engines – a general classification. In order to find the exact definition of tolerance for a particular engine model, we recommend that you look at the documentation for your car. BMW itself strongly recommends that only engine oils passed special tests be used for gasoline engines.
If you have a diesel engine, you can use universal engine oils, the requirements of which are met according to the engine documentation. Remember that if you choose a lubricant for your engine, and it does not have a BMW approval, this means that the oil has not passed special tests and is not recommended for use in a gasoline engine!
BMW Engine Oil Approvals
In general, the bottom line is that BMW oil tolerances must be selected based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. And the brand, interval, and viscosity should already be selected based on the specific conditions in which the car is operated.
BMW Longlife-98 (BMW LL-98)
Special long-life engine oil, approved by BMW. Also meets ACEA A3/B3, API SJ/CD, EC SAE 5W-40. Usually required for BMWs manufactured before MY 2002. Obsolete since 2009.
BMW Longlife-01 (BMW LL-01)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. The product meets ACEA A3/B3 and API: SJ/CD EC-II. Usually required for BMWs built after MY 2002. Can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 oil is recommended.
BMW Longlife-01 FE (BMW LL-01 FE)
Fully synthetic long-life oil with fuel economy properties. Oils meeting these specifications must have a low HTHS viscosity to meet the manufacturer’s fuel economy requirements. These oils are only suitable for the following engines: N1x, N2x, N54, N55, N63, N74.
BMW Longlife-04 (BMW LL-04)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Viscosities are SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 and 5W-40. Usually required for BMWs equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 or BMW Longlife-01 oil is recommended.
BMW Longlife-12 (BMW LL-12)
Special motor oil for certain approved gasoline engines and the following diesel engines only: Nx7K1, Nx7U1, Nx7O1 from the model year 2013. Not suitable for engines with 2 or 3 turbos.
BMW Longlife-14+ (BMW LL-14+)
Special motor oil for the following gasoline engines only: N20, Bx8 from the model year 2014. Not allowed for diesel engines.
BMW Longlife-17 FE (BMW LL-17 FE)
This specification requires a low SAPS, usually ACEA C5 compliant, 0W20 oil. Oils meeting this specification are usually recommended for the newest gasoline and diesel-powered BMWs. The base oil is typically from Group IV (polyalphaolefines).