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 engines require oil meeting the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification—a standard more demanding than standard API ratings[1].
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.
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].
| 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].
| 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.
| 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 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].
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].
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.
| 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].
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