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The BMW 328i requires BMW LL-01 (Longlife-01) approved full synthetic motor oil in either 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40 viscosity depending on the engine and climate[1]. The F30 328i (2012-2016) with N20 engine requires 5.0-5.3 quarts of oil, while the E90 328i (2007-2011) with N52 engine requires 6.5-7.0 quarts[2]. Approved retail brands include Castrol Edge Euro 0W-30, Mobil 1 0W-40, and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-30[3].
BMW LL-01 Oil Specifications
BMW engines require oil meeting the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification—a standard more demanding than standard API ratings[1].
What Makes LL-01 Different
BMW LL-01 oils must meet specific requirements[4]:
| Specification | LL-01 Requirement | Standard Synthetic |
|---|---|---|
| HTHS Viscosity | ≥3.5 cP | ≥2.9 cP |
| Oxidation Resistance | High | Standard |
| Shear Stability | Extended | Standard |
| Sulfated Ash | Low (≤1.5%) | Higher allowed |
| BMW Testing | Required | Not required |
The High Temperature High Shear (HTHS) rating is particularly important for BMW engines, which operate at higher temperatures than many competitors[4]. Standard synthetic oils may thin excessively under these conditions.
LL-01 vs LL-01 FE
BMW offers two versions of the LL-01 specification[5]:
| Specification | HTHS Rating | Typical Viscosity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LL-01 | ≥3.5 cP[4] | 5W-30, 5W-40, 0W-40 | Maximum protection |
| LL-01 FE | ≥3.0 cP[4] | 0W-30, 0W-20 | Fuel economy |
The “FE” (Fuel Economy) version provides slightly better gas mileage but less engine protection under extreme conditions[4]. Many BMW owners outside warranty choose standard LL-01 oils for improved durability[5].
Oil by BMW 328i Generation
F30 328i (2012-2016) – N20/N26 Engine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved Standards | LL-01, LL-01 FE, LL-17 FE+[5] |
| Primary Viscosity | 0W-30 (LL-01 FE) or 5W-30 (LL-01)[1] |
| Alternative Viscosity | 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+ only)[5] |
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 5.0-5.3 quarts (4.8-5.0 liters)[6] |
| Drain Plug Torque | 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)[2] |
The N20 turbocharged four-cylinder engine is more sensitive to oil quality than the naturally aspirated N52[1]. Many N20 owners report reduced oil consumption when using standard LL-01 oils (5W-30 or 5W-40) versus the factory-fill LL-01 FE 0W-30[5].
E90 328i (2007-2011) – N52 Engine
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Approved Standards | LL-01, LL-01 FE[5] |
| Primary Viscosity | 5W-30[2] |
| Alternative Viscosity | 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-40[3] |
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 6.9 quarts (6.5 liters)[2] |
| Drain Plug Torque | 18 lb-ft (25 Nm)[2] |
The N52 naturally aspirated inline-six is less demanding on oil than turbocharged engines but still requires LL-01 approved oil for proper valve train protection[1].
For more BMW engine information, see our BMW 328i engine guide.
BMW-Approved Oil Brands
Available at Retail Stores
| Brand | Product | Viscosity | Approval | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Castrol | Edge Euro[3] | 0W-30 | LL-01 FE | $28-35/5qt |
| Castrol | Edge Euro[7] | 5W-40 | LL-01 | $25-30/5qt |
| Pennzoil | Platinum Euro[3] | 5W-30 | LL-01 | $28-35/5qt |
| Pennzoil | Platinum Euro L[4] | 5W-30 | LL-04 | $28-35/5qt |
| Mobil 1 | ESP[8] | 5W-30 | LL-04 | $30-38/5qt |
| Liqui Moly | Top Tec 4200[8] | 5W-30 | LL-01 | $40-50/5L |
Note: Mobil 1 0W-40 was previously BMW LL-01 approved but has been removed from the approved list in recent years[9]. Always verify current approvals on the bottle.
BMW Dealer Oil
BMW dealers use two branded oils[7]:
| Product | Supplier | Viscosity | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW High Performance Full Synthetic | Castrol (reportedly)[7] | 5W-30 | $12-15/qt |
| BMW TwinPower Turbo | Pennzoil (reportedly)[7] | 0W-30 | $12-15/qt |
Both meet LL-01 specifications and are functionally equivalent to aftermarket LL-01 approved oils at 2-3x the cost[7].
Oil Change Intervals
BMW Recommended Intervals
BMW’s Condition Based Service (CBS) system recommends oil changes every 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months depending on driving conditions[1].
Real-World Recommendations
Many BMW technicians and enthusiasts recommend shorter intervals[10]:
| Driving Conditions | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Normal driving | 7,500 miles[10] |
| Severe driving (stop-and-go, short trips) | 5,000 miles[10] |
| Track/spirited driving | 3,000-5,000 miles[2] |
| N20 engines with oil consumption | 5,000 miles[5] |
The N20 engine in particular benefits from shorter oil change intervals due to its turbocharger and documented oil consumption issues[5].
For more BMW maintenance information, see our BMW maintenance cost guide.
Oil Change Cost Comparison
| Service Location | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BMW Dealership | $177-220[11] | OEM parts, multi-point inspection |
| Independent BMW Specialist | $85-150[12] | Quality service, lower overhead |
| DIY | $45-70[13] | Parts cost only |
DIY oil changes are straightforward on the 328i and can save $100+ per service[13]. The E90 requires approximately 7 quarts; the F30 requires approximately 5.5 quarts including filter[2].
Key Takeaways
- BMW 328i requires BMW LL-01 approved full synthetic oil—standard synthetic oil is not acceptable even if it meets API SN+ specifications
- The F30 328i (N20 engine) takes 5.0-5.3 quarts; the E90 328i (N52 engine) takes 6.5-7.0 quarts of oil with filter change
- Approved retail brands include Castrol Edge Euro, Pennzoil Platinum Euro, and Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200—all provide equivalent protection to dealer oil at lower cost
- Consider using standard LL-01 (5W-30 or 5W-40) rather than LL-01 FE (0W-30) for better protection, especially in N20 engines with oil consumption issues
- Real-world oil change intervals of 5,000-7,500 miles are recommended over BMW’s extended 10,000-15,000 mile intervals for maximum engine longevity
Common Oil-Related Questions
Can I use regular synthetic oil in my BMW 328i?
Regular synthetic oil not meeting BMW LL-01 specifications should be avoided[9]. Standard synthetic oils may lack the HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) rating required for BMW engines, potentially causing accelerated wear to the valve train and turbocharger (N20). Using non-approved oil may also void warranty coverage[1].
Why does my N20 328i burn oil?
The N20 engine has documented oil consumption up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles, which BMW considers within acceptable limits[5]. High oil consumption is often attributed to turbocharger seal seepage and piston ring design. Some owners report reduced consumption when switching from 0W-30 LL-01 FE to 5W-30 or 5W-40 LL-01 oils[5].
Should I use 0W-30 or 5W-30 in my BMW 328i?
Both viscosities are acceptable for most climates[1]. Use 0W-30 for best cold-start protection in temperatures below 0°F. Use 5W-30 or 5W-40 for hot climates, spirited driving, or if experiencing oil consumption issues. The “0W” vs “5W” difference affects cold-flow properties; both oils perform identically at operating temperature if they share the same LL-01 approval[4].
How do I check oil level on a BMW 328i without a dipstick?
The BMW 328i uses an electronic oil level sensor accessed through iDrive[2]. Navigate to Vehicle Info > Vehicle Status > Engine Oil Level. The car must be on level ground, engine off, and at operating temperature for an accurate reading. Allow 10-15 minutes after driving for oil to settle before checking[2].
Is BMW dealer oil worth the extra cost?
BMW dealer oil is functionally identical to aftermarket LL-01 approved oils[7]. The BMW TwinPower Turbo oil is reportedly manufactured by Pennzoil, while the older BMW High Performance Full Synthetic is reportedly made by Castrol[7]. Aftermarket options like Castrol Edge Euro or Pennzoil Platinum Euro offer equivalent protection at 40-60% lower cost.
References
- Heavy Vehicle Inspection. (2025). Best Motor Oil for BMW 328i: Complete 2025 Buying Guide. https://heavyvehicleinspection.com/blog/post/best-motor-oil-bmw-328i-guide
- YouTube – 1A Auto. (2022). How to Change Oil and Filter BMW 328i 2007-2011. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gvZ14RQqrM8
- BimmerFile. (2009). BMW LL-01/LL-01 FE Recommended Synthetic Oils. https://www.bimmerfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/bmw-ll-01_ll-01-fe-recommended-synthetic-oils.pdf
- G30 Bimmerpost Forums. (2024). What oil should I use? LL-01 FE 0W-30, or LL-01 5W-30? https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2090221
- X3 XBimmers Forums. (2019). Oil consumption on N20 and what to fill with? https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1676611
- Reddit r/F30. (2025). Oil capacity question discussion. https://www.reddit.com/r/F30/comments/1id3inw/oil_capacity_question/
- Bob Is The Oil Guy Forums. (2025). 5W-30 BMW LL-01, three oils tested. https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/5w-30-bmw-ll-01-three-oils-tested.265133/
- Reddit r/BmwTech. (2023). Is Mobil-1 synthetic oil better to use than the BMW twin power turbo? https://www.reddit.com/r/BmwTech/comments/17scbn4/is_mobil1_synthetic_oil_better_to_use_than_the/
- E90Post Forums. (2018). What exactly is BMW LL-01? Is regular full synthetic ok? https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1410171
- YouTube – KIES Motorsports. (2018). BMW F30 328i Oil Change DIY! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r23ZMaB1N-E
- Kelley Blue Book. (2024). 2018 BMW 3 Series Oil Change Prices & Cost Estimates. https://www.kbb.com/bmw/3-series/2018/oil-change/
- BMW Blog. (2020). How Much is an Oil Change for a BMW? https://www.bmwblog.com/2020/08/21/how-much-bmw-oil-change/
- Reddit r/BMW. (2023). Paying for an oil change discussion. https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comments/17rhhuo/paying_for_an_oil_change/
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
