In the mid-1990s BMW created and instituted its own internal engine oil quality standard and specification system to ensure optimal engine reliability and longevity. They were put into place to ensure a higher quality level of engine oil would be used in their engines, instead of solely relying upon and specifying the broader and more general SAE (Society of American Engineers), API (American Petroleum Institute), or ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) oil quality standards and specifications. According to our research, there are currently 8 different BMW engine oil quality specifications that have been established for BMW engines since the mid-1990s. Each BMW oil quality specification denoted by letters and numbers signifies the necessary oil profile and chemical properties needed for the oil to archive the performance level required for a specific BMW engine application. BMW engines that experience mechanical issues or failures can many times be linked to consumers using low to mid-quality grade engine oils for a prolonged period because they are not in accordance with the high-quality level standard BMW recommends. Using the correct BMW motor oil specification will offer the best possible performance, protection, and longevity for your engine. Below you will find a brief overview and explanation of the BMW engine oil types, and the basic engine application they coincide with.
There have been increased requirements for vehicle manufacturers worldwide to reduce emissions, minimize their carbon footprint, and improve fuel economy. Consequently, the development of new advanced internal combustion engine designs being engineered to meet these emission requirements and fuel mileage demands. Motor oil plays a crucial key role in meeting these requirements. Thus, new advanced cutting-edge BMW synthetic motor oil formulations were created. BMW has created very specific recommended oil formulas for their engines and around the mid-1990s - onward BMW models require a motor oil that meets a specific BMW motor oil quality standard or specification.
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Should I Use Engine Oil That Does Not Have BMW-Approved Engine Oil Quality Standards?
No, it's not recommended. When changing your BMW oil, it's important to use the recommended BMW oil type for your specific engine application. Old petroleum-based motor oils are a thing of the past. BMW engine designs are too technologically advanced. All modern BMW engines are designed, engineered, and manufactured to exact tolerances using unique materials (alloys) to meet target performance requirements. Newer models also use advanced fuel injection and valvetrain systems that are lubricated using specific motor oil formulations to ensure optimal system reliability. These advanced engines and fuel injection systems must meet stringent emission requirements focusing on improving fuel economy without compromising engine performance. Therefore, exact BMW motor oil specifications were designed, are required, and should be used in your engine.
It's also important to consider that many BMW oil change intervals are from 10,000 - 15,000 miles. Throughout these BMW oil change intervals, the motor oil must provide maximum lubrication and performance. Providing stable long-term lubrication protection for extended BMW oil change intervals can only be achieved when the designed and designated BMW motor oil quality specification is used.
Using conventional motor oil that does not meet your needed BMW oil quality standard is very risky. Using the wrong motor oils will likely damage internal engine components, reduce fuel mileage, increase emissions, and can void applicable vehicle warranties. Consequently, it's important to use the proper BMW oil that states that it has been approved or meets your corresponding BMW oil quality standard.
OEM Approved BMW oil is key to ensuring engine reliability, optimal fuel economy, and the demands of meeting today's emission standards.
How to Confirm Which BMW Oil Specification Is Right for Your Engine
Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your exact BMW engine application. The recommended BMW oil, specifications, quality standards, and oil viscosity weight are specified in your owner's manual. These specifications can typically be referenced in the owner's manual index under engine oil or operating fluids. If you have lost your owner's manual and are having difficulty determining what type of BMW oil to use, you may wish to refer to our BLAU® Oil Change Kits for your BMW model. Our oil change kits conveniently include the correct BMW engine oil, amount of oil, oil filter, and hardware for each specific model and engine type.
PAGE DISCLAIMER: The BMW motor oil information on this page should not be used as a substitute for what your vehicle owner's manual, factory service manual, or authorized BMW dealer recommends. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of BMW oil that is to be used for your specific BMW model. The BMW oil specifications referenced in the article are used internationally. However, the BMW engine and year applications referenced apply only to BMW SUV models available in the USA.
Recommended BMW Oil Types and Specifications
BMW Special Oil Spec
The BMW Special Oil specification was formulated for older BMW engines from around 1992 until 1997. Typically this BMW formulation is a semi-synthetic SAE 10W-40 viscosity.
RAVENOL TSI 10W-40
Meets BMW Special Oil Specification
- Performance low friction semi-synthetic based oil with exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Quality hydrocrack and PAO base oils with good corrosion protection, cold start characteristics, and flow.
- Good abrasion resistance, oxidation stability, and cold start characteristics.
- Good detergent, dispersant properties for good engine cleanliness.
BMW Longlife-98 Oil Spec
BMW's first long-life engine oil. The BMW Longlife-98 oil specification is also referred to by many as BMW LL98, Longlife 98, or LL-98. However, the correct and proper identification for this oil quality standard is BMW Longlife-98. Usually required for BMW's gasoline engines manufactured before the year 2002. Since then BMW has discontinued this option for motor oil and has superseded the BMW Longlife-98 spec with the Longlife-01 oil specification. However, some motor oil manufacturers still offer the BMW Longlife-98 formulation for those who still desire it.
BMW Longlife-98 oil specification has been superseded and replaced by BMW Longlife-01 oil quality specification. See the list below.
BMW Longlife-01 Oil Spec
BMW Longlife-01 was originally formulated around the year 2002 for BMW gasoline engines. The BMW Longlife-01 oil specification is also referred to by many as BMW LL01, Longlife 01, or LL-01. However, the correct and proper identification for this oil quality standard is BMW Longlife-01. This formulation is a fully synthetic long-life motor oil and can also be used where a BMW Longlife-98 oil is recommended. This formula is always a fully synthetic engine oil with a variety of viscosity options such as SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, and 5W-40.
RAVENOL SSL 0W-40
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-01 Oil Specification
ACEA A3/B4
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
Eurol Syndura 5W-40
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-01 Oil Specification
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the preferred choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil technology provides excellent high-temperature shear load stability and film strength.
- Excellent quick lubricating film strength during cold engine starts and the warm-up phase.
- Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.
RAVENOL VST 5W-40
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-01 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- High abrasion resistance, oxidation stability, and excellent cold start characteristics.
- Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.
BMW Longlife-04 Oil Spec
The BMW Longlife-04 oil quality specification was formulated around 2004 for BMW diesel engines equipped with diesel particulate filter (DPF) exhaust systems. The BMW Longlife-04 oil specification is also referred to by many as BMW LL04, Longlife 04, or LL-04. However, the correct and proper identification for this oil quality standard is BMW Longlife-04. This formula is always a fully synthetic long-life oil with a variety of viscosity options available such as SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, and 5W-40. The BMW Longlife-04 oil type can be used in place of BMW Longlife-12FE if not available in your region or when an SAE 5W30 BMW diesel oil viscosity is preferred over 0W30.
Eurol Syntence FS 0W-30
Meets BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- Developed with Eurol OPT additive technology, containing less phosphorus, sulfur, and sulfated ash.
- Fully synthetic oil developed especially for European vehicles.
- Designed for use on vehicles equipped with soot filters.
- Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.
Eurol Syntence 5W-30
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the preferred choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil developed especially for European vehicles.
- Designed for use on vehicles equipped with soot filters.
- Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.
RAVENOL VMP 5W-30
Meets BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil and exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval.
- Meets stringent EURO VI, EURO V, and EURO IV emission standards.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
- Extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
Eurol Fluence DXS 5W-30
Meets BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the preferred choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil developed especially for European vehicles.
- Designed for use on vehicles equipped with soot filters.
- Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.
RAVENOL HLS 5W-30
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- Performance synthetic base oil and exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Special MID SAPS low ash oil characteristics.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Supports diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
- Excellent cold start characteristics, shear stability, and fuel economy improvement.
Eurol Fluence 5W40
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic oil developed for excellent shear load stability during the entire extended oil change interval.
- Reduction in engine friction-induced heat and wear.
- Very low evaporation loss, extending the life of expensive diesel emission system components.
- Formulation properties reduce friction, wear, and significantly improve fuel mileage.
RAVENOL VMO 5W-40
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-04 Oil Specification
- High-performance synthetic with exclusive CleanCynto technology additive formula.
- Special MID SAPS low ash oil characteristics.
- Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by the manufacturer.
- Meets stringent EURO IV and EURO V emission standards.
- Noticeable fuel economy improvement.
BMW Longlife-12FE Oil Spec
This BMW motor oil specification was formulated around 2013 for both BMW diesel engines equipped with diesel particulate filter (DPF) exhaust systems and also some gasoline engines. The BMW Longlife-12 oil specification can also be referred to by many as BMW LL12, Longlife 12, or LL-12. However, the correct and proper identification for this oil quality standard is BMW Longlife-12FE. This oil specification is typically associated closely with ACEA C2 or API SP (RC-Resouce Conserving) specifications. It is recommended for BMW diesel engines from 2014 onward. Its also recommended for BMW gasoline with three-cylinder, four-cylinder, and six-cylinder engines with one or no turbocharger. The BMW Longlife-12FE formulation is always a fully synthetic long-life oil and always a viscosity of SAE 0W-30. The BMW Longlife-12FE motor oil should not be used in gasoline engines with multi-turbo systems. If BMW Longlife-12FE is not available in your region the BMW Longlife-04 diesel oil spec can be used in place of BMW Longlife-12FE. BMW Longlife-04 can also be used in place of BMW Longlife-12FE when an SAE 5W30 is preferred over SAE 0W30.
RAVENOL FES 0W-30
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-12 FE Oil Specification
- Fully synthetic PAO-based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- No shear losses during an entire change interval, utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the surface structure of the motor, reducing friction and wear and significantly improving mechanical efficiency.
- Supports cleaner emission standards, improved fuel economy, and modern emission system cleanliness and longevity.
BMW Longlife-14FE Oil Spec
Replaced by BMW Longlife-17FE+
BMW Longlife-17FE+ Oil Spec
The BMW Longlife-17FE oil specification was introduced around 2017. The BMW Longlife-17FE oil quality standard requires a viscosity of SAE 0W-20 and is typically accompanied by an ACEA C5 or API SN Plus specification. It also requires a PAO group VI base oil (polyalphaolefines). This engine oil formulation is considered a low SAPS, Low sulphated Ash, and Low Phosphorus sulfur additive oil formulation for both BMW gasoline and diesel engines. The BMW Longlife-17FE oil specification is prescribed for all 2016 and newer BMW B36, B38, B46, B48, B58, N20, and N26 engines. The BMW Longlife-17FE is also an updated version and a replacement to the BMW Longlife-14FE for improved emissions and fuel injection LSPI issues. BMW Longlife-17FE spec oils are also known as OE part numbers 83212461990, 83212365954, and 83212461988.
Eurol Ultrance ECO 0W-20
OEM Approved BMW Longlife-17 FE+ Oil Specification
- Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the preferred choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
- Fully synthetic oil developed especially for BMW vehicles.
- Fuel efficient longlife oil based on mid-SAPS technology.
- Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.
BMW 10W-60 M Series Oil Spec
The BMW M Series oil quality standard is a formulation specifically for the BMW S85, S65, S62, and S54 M engines. It is formulated with racing technology to offer these high revving BMW M engines superior protection under the most demanding conditions and is always an SAE 10W-60 viscosity.
Eurol Maxence RC 10W-60
Fully synthetic
Developed with a special additive package for motorsport applications
Meets API SN/CF and ACEA A3/B4 oil quality specifications
- Ultra-modern fully synthetic motor oil formulation with special properties and additives suitable for racing, rally, autocross, and performance street applications.
- Quick and stable lubricant film strength, protecting all moving parts against wear, even under the heaviest operating conditions.
- Fully synthetic oil formulation properties provide stable shear during entire oil change interval, reducing engine friction-induced heat and wear.
RAVENOL RSS 10W-60
Developed and tested on Germanys Nurburgring and Hockenheimring
ADAC GT masters partner
FIA F3 EUROPEAN Championship partner
Recommended by Ralf Schumacher
- Special fully synthetic group V and PAO base oils with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
- Extreme high temp shear stability with no shear losses during an entire oil change interval.
- Utilizes the positive properties of molybdenum and tungsten to smooth the surface structure of the motor, reduce friction and wear, and improve mechanical efficiency.
- High resistance to abrasion, foaming, coking, oxidation, and excellent cold temp flow.
Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?
BLAU® oil change kits use high-quality, synthetic* engine oils. The engine oils we offer are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less oil changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions.
*For most kits, check the product description.
Technical Advantages:
- Convenient BLAU® oil change kits with the correct spec oil and quantities for your specific vehicle make and model
- Oils feature factory OEM approvals or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific oil specification requirements
- Sustainable motor oils that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions
- High-quality oil allows for longer oil change intervals and extended service life that conserve the Earth's resources
- Motor oils using the latest advanced oil technologies with improved lubricating properties
- High-performance oils with better HTHS, Noak, and TBN performance levels
- Motor oils with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints
- Better engine protection against sludging, coking, and varnish in the piston ring and valve train areas
- Long-life OEM oil filters for extended oil change intervals
Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your application. Always follow the vehicle manufacturer's recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts and Ravenol are not affiliated with BMW Group, BMW AG, BMW Motorrad, BMW of North America, Mini, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, its affiliated companies, its licensors, or any other vehicle manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing are displayed for identification purposes only. They are not intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.
