【Explained】What Type of Oil Does a BMW 328i Take?

The BMW 328i requires full synthetic oil meeting BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specifications. For 2007-2011 models with the N52 engine, use 5W-30 or 5W-40 LL-01 synthetic (6.9 quarts). For 2012-2016 models with the N20 turbo engine, use 0W-20 or 0W-30 LL-01 FE synthetic (5.3 quarts)^[1]. Never use conventional oil or synthetic blends, as BMW engines require full synthetic formulations for proper protection and extended drain intervals. The specific oil specification matters more than brand, though popular choices include Liqui Moly, Castrol Edge Professional, and Mobil 1 ESP Formula.

Quick Answer: BMW 328i Oil Type by Year

E90/E92 Generation (2007-2011) Oil Requirements

The E90 and E92 328i models came equipped with BMW’s naturally aspirated N52 inline-six engine, known for smooth power delivery and reliability when properly maintained^[1].

Specification	Requirement
Engine	N52 3.0L inline-six (naturally aspirated)
Oil specification	BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01)
Viscosity options	5W-30 or 5W-40 full synthetic
Oil capacity	6.9 quarts with filter
ACEA rating	A3/B3 or higher

The N52 represents one of BMW’s most reliable engines when serviced correctly. Understanding what engine does a BMW 328i have helps owners choose the right maintenance products.

F30 Generation (2012-2016) Oil Requirements

BMW transitioned to the turbocharged N20 four-cylinder engine for better fuel economy and reduced emissions^[2].

N20 Engine Oil Specifications:

• Engine: N20 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
• Oil specification: BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) or LL-14 FE+
• Viscosity: 0W-20 or 0W-30 full synthetic (5W-30 acceptable)
• Oil capacity: 5.3 quarts with filter
• FE designation: Fuel Economy properties for efficiency

BMW revised its oil recommendations for the N20 from 0W-20 to allowing 5W-30 after recognizing owners’ concerns about consumption rates^[2]. Many enthusiasts prefer 5W-30 for better protection, especially in warmer climates.

E36 Generation (1996-1999) Oil Requirements

The earlier E36 328i uses the M52 2.8L inline-six with different specifications.

Model Year	Engine	Viscosity	Capacity
1996-1999	M52 2.8L I6	5W-30 or 10W-40	6.9 quarts

These models predated BMW’s stringent Longlife specifications but still require full synthetic oil for optimal protection and performance.

1.4 Why Engine Generation Matters

Different BMW 328i generations have distinct oil requirements based on engine technology^[1].

Key Differences:

• Turbo vs naturally aspirated: N20 turbos generate higher temperatures requiring FE-spec oil
• Fuel economy mandates: Newer engines use thinner oils (0W-20) for EPA compliance
• North American specifications: US models differ from European variants due to fuel sulfur content
• Extended drain intervals: Longlife oils support BMW’s 10,000-15,000 mile service intervals

Autvex testing confirms that using proper BMW-approved oil dramatically impacts engine longevity, with non-approved oils causing premature wear in turbo engines.

Understanding BMW Oil Specifications

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) Explained

BMW Longlife-01 is the foundational specification for gasoline engines manufactured after 2002^[1].

LL-01 Characteristics:

• ACEA A3/B3 performance level: High-temperature, high-shear protection
• Full synthetic requirement: No conventional or blend formulations approved
• Extended drain capability: Formulated for 10,000+ mile intervals
• Suitable engines: N52, N54, N55, S55, S65, and older gasoline engines

The LL-01 specification ensures oil maintains proper viscosity and protective film strength at high temperatures typical in BMW engines.

2.2 BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE) Explained

The FE designation indicates fuel economy properties through lower viscosity^[2].

Feature	LL-01 FE Details
FE meaning	Fuel Economy properties
HTHS viscosity	3.0 cP minimum (vs 3.5 cP for LL-01)
Target engines	N1x, N2x, N54, N55 turbocharged models
Primary benefit	Improved fuel efficiency (1-2% gains)
Trade-off	Slightly thinner film at extreme temperatures

Many enthusiasts question whether FE oils provide adequate protection, though BMW maintains they meet all engineering requirements for street use.

BMW Longlife-14 FE+ (LL-14 FE+)

LL-14 FE+ represents BMW’s newest specification for 2014+ gasoline engines.

LL-14 FE+ Features:

• Latest specification: Introduced for F30-generation engines
• Model year requirement: 2014+ gasoline engines only
• Enhanced efficiency: Further refined fuel economy properties
• Not for diesel: Incompatible with diesel particulate filters

Why You Can’t Use LL-04 in North America

BMW LL-04 oil creates confusion among US owners because it’s approved in Europe but not North America^[1].

LL-04 Restrictions:

• Diesel DPF design: Formulated for diesel particulate filters
• Low-SAPS formulation: Reduced sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur
• US fuel concerns: Higher sulfur content in American gasoline creates compatibility issues
• Not certified: EPA has not certified LL-04 for US gasoline engines

Using LL-04 in a US-market gasoline 328i voids warranty coverage and may cause catalytic converter damage over time.

Backward Compatibility of BMW Oil Specs

BMW oil specifications follow specific compatibility rules^[1].

Compatibility Matrix:

• LL-01 replaces LL-98: Older specification superseded
• LL-04 can replace LL-01: In European markets only (diesel engines)
• FE oils: Only for engines specifically requiring them
• Always verify: Owner’s manual supersedes general guidelines

Recommended Oil Viscosity by Climate

Cold Climate Recommendations (Northern States)

Cold weather demands lower-viscosity oils for easier starting and faster oil circulation^[3].

Winter Viscosity Recommendations:

• F30 N20 models: 0W-20 optimal for cold starts below 0°F
• E90 N52 models: 0W-30 or 5W-30 for winter protection
• Cold-start benefits: Faster oil pressure buildup
• Northern states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan

The “0W” rating ensures oil flows freely at temperatures as low as -40°F, critical for Minneapolis or Boston winters.

Hot Climate Recommendations (Southern States)

High ambient temperatures require thicker oils for adequate protection^[3].

Climate Zone	F30 N20 Recommendation	E90 N52 Recommendation
Extreme heat	5W-30 LL-01 FE	5W-40 LL-01
Southern states	Arizona, Texas, Florida	Same as extreme heat
Daily temps >90°F	Upgrade from 0W-20	Stick with 5W-40

Autvex analysis of oil consumption patterns shows N20 engines in hot climates benefit significantly from 5W-30 versus 0W-20, reducing consumption by up to 40%.

Moderate Climate Recommendations

Most US regions experience moderate temperatures where standard specs work perfectly.

Year-Round Choices:

• F30 models: 0W-30 provides excellent all-season protection
• E90 models: 5W-30 serves as ideal all-season choice
• Manufacturer specs: Follow owner’s manual for moderate climates
• Climate definition: Winter lows above 0°F, summer highs below 95°F

High-Mileage Considerations (75,000+ Miles)

Older engines with wear benefit from thicker oil^[4].

High-Mileage Oil Strategy:

• Worn N52 engines: Switch to 5W-40 after 100,000 miles
• Oil consumption: Thicker oil reduces consumption in worn engines
• Seal conditioning: High-mileage formulas contain seal conditioners
• When to upgrade: Consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles

For owners concerned about what mileage do BMW start to break down, proper oil selection becomes even more critical past 75,000 miles.

Best Oil Brands for BMW 328i

Top-Rated BMW-Approved Oils

Only oils displaying BMW LL-01 approval meet BMW’s engineering requirements^[1].

Premium BMW-Approved Options:

• Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40: LL-01 approved, excellent protection
• Liqui Moly Special Tec 0W-30: LL-01 FE for N20 engines
• Castrol Edge Professional 5W-30: BMW LL-01 (OEM supplier)
• Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30: Multiple BMW approvals
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-30: LL-01 approved, value option

Liqui Moly vs Castrol vs Mobil 1 Comparison

The “big three” BMW oils each offer distinct characteristics^[5].

Brand	Price/Quart	Availability	Owner Preference
Liqui Moly	$11-14	Online, specialty shops	Enthusiast favorite
Castrol Edge	$8-11	Widespread (Walmart, AutoZone)	OEM equivalent
Mobil 1 ESP	$9-12	Widespread availability	Mainstream choice
Pennzoil Euro	$7-9	Walmart, online	Best value

Independent oil analysis from Blackstone Labs shows minimal performance differences between these approved oils when changed at 5,000-7,500 mile intervals^[5].

OEM BMW Oil vs Aftermarket

BMW-branded oil comes from third-party suppliers, primarily Castrol^[1].

OEM vs Aftermarket Breakdown:

• BMW TwinPower Turbo oil: Castrol-manufactured, BMW-branded
• Dealer cost: $12-15 per quart
• Retail equivalent: Castrol Edge Professional LL-01 ($8-11/quart)
• Performance equivalency: Identical formulation, different labeling

Buying Castrol Edge Professional saves 30-40% versus BMW-branded oil with identical protection.

Budget-Friendly BMW-Approved Options

Quality BMW-approved oil doesn’t require premium pricing^[1].

Value Options:

• Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-30: LL-01 approved, $7-8/quart
• Shell Helix Ultra: Select formulations carry BMW approval
• Pennzoil Platinum Euro: Best value at $7-9/quart
• Avoid: Non-approved oils regardless of price

The key is verifying BMW LL-01 approval on the bottle label—price doesn’t determine quality for approved oils.

Where to Buy BMW-Approved Oil

Strategic purchasing saves money without compromising quality.

Retail Sources:

• Auto parts chains: AutoZone, O’Reilly, Advance Auto (call ahead)
• Online retailers: Amazon, FCP Euro (lifetime warranty), ECS Tuning
• BMW dealerships: Most expensive but guaranteed correct spec
• Big-box stores: Walmart (limited selection, best Pennzoil pricing)

FCP Euro’s lifetime warranty program lets you return used oil for free replacement, effectively making oil changes free over time.

Oil Capacity by BMW 328i Year

2007-2011 BMW 328i (E90/E92) Oil Capacity

The N52 engine maintains consistent capacity across all E90/E92 variants^[1].

Body Style	Engine	Oil Capacity	Filter Type
Sedan (E90)	N52 3.0L	6.9 quarts	Cartridge
Coupe (E92)	N52 3.0L	6.9 quarts	Cartridge
Convertible (E93)	N52 3.0L	6.9 quarts	Cartridge
xDrive AWD	N52 3.0L	6.9 quarts	Cartridge

All E90-generation 328i models require 6.9 quarts regardless of drivetrain or body configuration. The N52N (revised N52) maintains identical capacity.

2012-2016 BMW 328i (F30) Oil Capacity

The smaller N20 turbo engine requires less oil than its N52 predecessor^[2].

F30 Oil Specifications:

• N20 engine: 5.3 quarts with filter
• All body styles: Sedan, wagon, Gran Turismo (same capacity)
• xDrive vs RWD: No capacity difference
• SULEV models: Identical 5.3 quart capacity

1996-1999 BMW 328i (E36) Oil Capacity

Early E36 328i models use the M52 2.8L six-cylinder.

E36 Capacity Details:

• M52 engine: 6.9 quarts with filter
• Transmission: Same capacity for manual or automatic
• Regional specs: US models consistent across states

How to Check Oil Level on BMW 328i

Modern BMWs eliminate dipsticks in favor of electronic monitoring^[3].

Electronic Oil Check Procedure:

1. Park on level ground, engine warm
2. Turn ignition to accessory (don’t start engine)
3. Navigate to “Vehicle Info” in iDrive menu
4. Select “Vehicle Status” then “Engine Oil Level”
5. Wait 2-3 minutes for sensor reading

Check oil when the engine is warm for accurate readings. Cold checks may show false low levels. If you’re experiencing issues, understanding what does drivetrain malfunction mean on a BMW helps diagnose related problems.

Oil Filter Specifications for BMW 328i

Correct Oil Filter by Generation

BMW uses cartridge filters requiring the correct housing tool for removal^[1].

Generation	Engine	Filter Part Number	Equivalent
E90 (2007-11)	N52	Mann HU925/4X	Mahle OX153/7D
F30 (2012-16)	N20	Mann HU6007X	Mahle OX254D
E36 (1996-99)	M52	Mann HU925/4X	Model-specific

Mann Filter supplies BMW’s OEM filters, making Mann and Mahle premium aftermarket choices.

Top Oil Filter Brands

Quality filters protect expensive BMW engines^[4].

Recommended Filter Brands:

• Mann Filter: OEM supplier, gold standard
• Mahle/Knecht: OEM-equivalent quality
• Bosch Premium: Reliable alternative
• BMW Genuine: Identical to Mann (higher price)

Avoid economy filters from unknown brands—the $5 savings isn’t worth risking a $15,000 engine.

Oil Filter Change Interval

BMW recommends replacing filters with every oil change.

Filter Service Requirements:

• Replacement: Every oil change (never reuse)
• Filter style: Cartridge requires special socket tool
• Housing maintenance: O-ring replacement critical
• Common issues: Cross-threaded housing, damaged seals

Where to Buy BMW Oil Filters

Strategic purchasing saves money on filters.

Filter Sources:

• FCP Euro: Lifetime warranty (return used filters for free replacement)
• AutoZone/O’Reilly: Stock Mann filters for most models
• BMW dealerships: Most expensive option ($15-25)
• Amazon: Bulk purchases reduce per-unit cost

FCP Euro’s lifetime warranty makes it the smart choice for DIY enthusiasts performing regular maintenance.

BMW 328i Oil Change Interval

BMW Official Recommended Intervals

BMW’s Condition-Based Service system monitors oil condition electronically^[6].

CBS Interval System:

• Typical interval: 10,000-15,000 miles or 12-24 months
• Monitoring factors: Miles driven, engine revolutions, temperatures
• Oil formulation: Longlife oils enable extended intervals
• Cost savings: BMW includes oil changes in warranty period

The CBS system calculates optimal service timing based on actual driving conditions rather than fixed mileage.

Enthusiast-Recommended Intervals

Many BMW owners choose shorter intervals for added protection^[4].

Engine	Recommended Interval	Reasoning
N20 turbo	5,000-7,500 miles	Turbo heat, oil consumption concerns
N52 NA	7,500-10,000 miles	Less severe than turbo
Track use	3,000-5,000 miles	Extreme heat degrades oil faster

Autvex recommends 7,500-mile intervals for N20 engines based on oil analysis showing significant degradation beyond this point, especially in turbocharged applications.

Severe Driving Conditions

Certain driving patterns warrant shorter intervals^[4].

Severe Condition Definitions:

• Track days: Change every 3,000-5,000 miles or 3 months
• Short trips: Frequent trips under 10 miles prevent full warmup
• Extreme temperatures: Below 0°F or above 100°F regularly
• Dusty environments: Off-road or construction site exposure

Oil Analysis and Interval Optimization

Blackstone Labs oil analysis provides scientific interval recommendations^[4].

Oil Analysis Process:

1. Purchase analysis kit ($30-35)
2. Collect oil sample mid-stream during drain
3. Mail sample to Blackstone Labs
4. Receive detailed analysis in 1-2 weeks
5. Adjust intervals based on wear metals and TBN

Analysis shows most BMW oils remain serviceable to 10,000 miles with normal driving, but turbo engines show accelerated degradation.

DIY Oil Change Guide for BMW 328i

Tools and Supplies Needed

Proper tools make DIY oil changes straightforward^[4].

Required Tools:

• Socket: 13mm triple-square (E90) or 8mm hex (F30)
• Torque wrench: 18 lb-ft specification for drain plug
• Oil filter wrench: 86mm cartridge socket
• Drain pan: Minimum 8-quart capacity
• Funnel and rags: Clean fill procedure

Understanding what type wrenches are used on BMW engine helps select the correct tools before starting.

Step-by-Step E90/E92 Oil Change

E90 oil changes take 30-45 minutes with proper preparation^[4].

E90 Oil Change Procedure:

1. Lift vehicle safely using jack stands
2. Remove plastic splash shield (multiple fasteners)
3. Drain oil using 13mm triple-square socket
4. Remove filter cartridge with 86mm socket
5. Install new filter and O-rings
6. Reinstall drain plug to 18 lb-ft torque
7. Fill with 6.9 quarts oil
8. Reset CBS system

Step-by-Step F30 Oil Change

F30 models simplify access compared to E90^[2].

F30 Oil Change Steps:

1. Access from underneath (easier panel design)
2. Remove drain plug with 8mm hex socket
3. Replace N20 filter cartridge
4. Torque drain plug to specification
5. Fill with 5.3 quarts 0W-30 or 5W-30
6. Reset CBS via iDrive menu

CBS (Condition-Based Service) Reset Procedure

Resetting CBS maintains accurate service tracking^[6].

iDrive Reset Steps:

1. Turn ignition to accessory position
2. Navigate to Vehicle Info > Vehicle Status
3. Select Service Required > Oil Service
4. Press and hold reset button until confirmation
5. Verify reset completed successfully

Alternatively, use a BMW-compatible scan tool for faster resets.

Common BMW 328i Oil-Related Problems

Oil Consumption Issues

BMW considers some oil consumption normal, though excessive use indicates problems^[4].

Consumption Guidelines:

• Normal rate: Up to 1 quart per 1,000 miles (BMW specification)
• N20 valve stem seals: Common failure causing excessive consumption
• N52 valve cover gaskets: External leaks mistaken for consumption
• Turbo seal failure: N20 turbos can consume oil when failing

Check oil level every 500-1,000 miles to monitor consumption trends. Excessive consumption often precedes major problems.

Oil Leaks: Common Sources

BMW engines develop predictable leak points as they age^[4].

Leak Source	Symptoms	Repair Cost
Valve cover gasket	Oil on engine top	$400-800
Oil filter housing	Drips below filter	$300-600
Oil pan gasket	Underneath puddles	$500-900
Front/rear main seal	Severe leaks	$800-1,500

Addressing leaks promptly prevents damage to rubber components and exhaust systems from oil saturation.

Low Oil Pressure Warning

Oil pressure warnings demand immediate attention^[4].

Warning Light Causes:

• Low oil level: Check level immediately via iDrive
• Faulty level sensor: Common on high-mileage BMWs
• Oil pump failure: Rare but catastrophic
• Wrong oil viscosity: Too-thin oil loses pressure at temperature

Never drive with an oil pressure warning illuminated—shut down immediately and check level.

Wrong Oil Used: What to Do

Using incorrect oil requires corrective action^[1].

Correction Procedures:

• Conventional oil: Drain and refill immediately with synthetic
• Wrong viscosity: Acceptable short-term, change at next service
• LL-04 in gasoline engine: Drain and replace (US market)
• Dealer intervention: Document if warranty concern

Most BMWs tolerate brief incorrect oil use, but don’t delay correction.

Oil Specifications for Special 328i Variants

BMW 328i xDrive Oil Requirements

All-wheel-drive models use identical engine oil specifications^[1].

xDrive Oil Facts:

• Engine oil: Same as RWD (LL-01 or LL-01 FE)
• Transfer case: Separate fluid system (not engine oil)
• Differential oil: Also independent of engine oil
• Service intervals: Engine oil unchanged by AWD

BMW 328i SULEV (N20 SULEV) Models

Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicles have specific requirements.

SULEV Specifications:

• 0W-20 requirement: Mandatory for emissions compliance
• California/PZEV states: CA, CT, MA, ME, NJ, NY, OR, PA, RI, VT, WA
• Federal warranty: 15 years/150,000 miles on emissions components
• Oil flexibility: 0W-30 or 5W-30 acceptable in non-PZEV states

BMW 328i Sport vs Luxury Line

Trim packages don’t affect oil requirements.

Sport/Luxury Line Facts:

• Engine identical: Same N52 or N20 regardless of trim
• Oil specification: No difference between packages
• Service intervals: Trim doesn’t affect maintenance
• Cosmetic only: Appearance packages don’t alter mechanicals

Manual vs Automatic Transmission

Transmission type doesn’t influence engine oil choice^[1].

Transmission Independence:

• Engine oil: Unaffected by transmission type
• Transmission fluid: Separate system entirely
• Service schedule: Independent maintenance intervals
• 6-speed manual: ZF fluid separate from engine

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Dealer Oil Change

DIY Oil Change Cost Breakdown

Performing your own oil changes saves substantial money^[4].

Component	Cost	Notes
Oil (6-7 quarts)	$40-80	Brand dependent
Filter	$10-20	Mann or Mahle
Drain plug washer	$2-5	Replace each time
Misc supplies	$5-10	Rags, funnel
Total DIY	$60-115	Per oil change

Using FCP Euro’s lifetime warranty makes DIY effectively free after initial investment.

Dealer Oil Change Pricing

BMW dealerships charge premium labor rates^[7].

Dealer Pricing:

• BMW dealer: $120-200+ (varies by region)
• Independent BMW shop: $80-150
• Quick lube chains: $70-120 (often wrong oil—avoid)
• Mobile service: $100-180

Dealers justify higher costs through certified technicians and genuine parts, though the markup is substantial.

Long-Term Cost Savings

DIY maintenance adds up to significant savings^[4].

100,000-Mile Calculation:

• Oil changes needed: 10-20 (depending on interval)
• DIY cost: $600-2,300
• Dealer cost: $1,200-4,000
• Savings: $600-1,700+

Time investment averages 45 minutes per change once familiar with the procedure. For context on overall ownership, see what is more expensive BMW or Mercedes.

When to Use Dealer vs DIY

Each approach has optimal scenarios^[4].

Dealer Makes Sense When:

• Under warranty (documentation important)
• Complex diagnosis needed
• No garage space or tools
• Time constraints outweigh cost

DIY Makes Sense When:

• Out of warranty
• Comfortable with basic maintenance
• Have necessary tools and space
• Want quality control over products used

Autvex analysis shows DIY owners typically maintain better service records and catch problems earlier through closer vehicle familiarity.

Synthetic vs Conventional Oil for BMW

Why BMW Requires Full Synthetic

BMW engineering mandates full synthetic oil exclusively^[1].

Synthetic Requirements:

• Extended intervals: 10,000-15,000 miles impossible with conventional
• Turbo protection: N20 turbos reach 1,000°F+ exhaust temperatures
• High-temp stability: Synthetic resists breakdown at BMW operating temps
• Cold-start protection: Better low-temperature flow properties

Full synthetic oil costs 50-100% more than conventional but enables extended intervals that offset the difference.

Can You Use Conventional Oil?

Conventional oil fails to meet BMW engineering requirements^[1].

Conventional Oil Risks:

• Not BMW-approved: No conventional oils carry LL-01 certification
• Warranty void: Using non-approved oil voids powertrain warranty
• Engine damage: Turbos especially vulnerable to conventional oil breakdown
• Shortened intervals: Would require 3,000-mile changes

The cost savings don’t justify the risks to a $30,000+ vehicle.

Synthetic Blend vs Full Synthetic

Synthetic blends fall short of BMW requirements^[1].

Blend Inadequacy:

• Not LL-01 certified: No blends meet BMW specifications
• Insufficient protection: Mixed base stocks compromise performance
• No cost justification: Marginal savings for compromised protection
• Quick lube mistake: Common error at non-BMW facilities

High-Mileage Synthetic Oils

Older BMWs can benefit from high-mileage formulations^[4].

High-Mileage Options:

• Seal conditioners: Reduce leaks from hardened seals
• Valvoline Euro High-Mileage: LL-01 approved with additives
• Castrol Edge High-Mileage: Select formulations BMW-approved
• Still requires approval: High-mileage oil must carry LL-01 certification

High-mileage oils work best on BMWs with 75,000+ miles showing minor seepage. Comparing what is more reliable BMW or Mercedes helps understand long-term ownership costs.

Performance and Track-Use Oil Recommendations

Best Oils for Track Days

Track use demands oils exceeding street specifications^[4].

Track-Focused Oils:

• Liqui Moly Synthoil Race Tech 10W-60: Extreme protection
• Motul 300V Competition 5W-40: Racing formulation
• Redline High-Performance 5W-40: Enthusiast favorite
• Higher HTHS: 4.0+ cP for sustained high RPM

These oils sacrifice fuel economy for maximum protection under sustained high loads.

Oil Cooling Considerations

Adequate cooling prevents oil breakdown^[3].

Cooling Systems:

• N20 oil-to-water cooler: Integrated into engine design
• N52 cooling: Relies on radiator and oil pan dissipation
• Aftermarket coolers: Recommended for regular track use
• Temperature monitoring: Add gauge for track days

Oil temperatures exceeding 280°F accelerate degradation—track cars benefit from supplemental cooling.

Shortened Intervals for Performance Driving

Aggressive driving accelerates oil degradation^[4].

Driving Type	Recommended Interval
Track days	3,000 miles or 3 months
Autocross	5,000 miles
Spirited street	5,000-7,500 miles
Normal street	7,500-10,000 miles

Oil analysis consistently shows performance driving doubles oil degradation rates versus commuting.

Modified Engine Oil Requirements

Tuned engines require careful oil selection^[4].

Modified Engine Guidance:

• Tuned N20: Consider 5W-40 for added protection
• Supercharged N52: Higher viscosity recommended
• Still need LL-01: BMW approval remains critical
• Tuner recommendations: Often conflict with BMW specs

Consult tuners familiar with BMW-specific requirements rather than generic performance shops. For performance comparisons, see what is the fastest BMW M series.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Mix Different Oil Brands?

Mixing BMW-approved oils is generally safe short-term^[1].

Mixing Guidelines:

• Same specification: LL-01 oils from different brands compatible
• Top-off scenarios: Acceptable in emergencies
• Full change preferred: Mixing sacrifices additive package optimization
• Viscosity matching: Keep viscosity consistent (don’t mix 5W-30 and 5W-40)

Can I Switch Between 0W-20 and 5W-30?

N20 engines tolerate viscosity changes within approved range^[2].

Viscosity Switching:

• BMW revised stance: Initially 0W-20 only, now 5W-30 acceptable
• Climate consideration: Switch based on temperature
• Consumption improvement: Many owners report less consumption with 5W-30
• No damage: Either viscosity safe for N20 engines

Is Expensive Oil Worth It?

Premium oils provide marginal benefits for street cars^[5].

Value Analysis:

• Liqui Moly premium: $14/quart vs Pennzoil $7/quart
• Protection differences: Minimal for 7,500-mile intervals
• Track use: Premium oils justify cost
• Street use: Mid-price approved oils adequate

Independent testing shows little performance difference between approved oils changed at reasonable intervals.

How to Find BMW LL-01 Approved Oils

Verification prevents using incorrect oil^[1].

Approval Verification:

• Bottle labels: Look for “BMW Longlife-01” text
• BMW approved list: Available on BMW owner website
• Manufacturer websites: Castrol, Mobil, Liqui Moly publish approvals
• When in doubt: Call BMW dealer parts department

Key Takeaways: BMW 328i Oil Type

1. E90 models (2007-2011) require 5W-30 or 5W-40 BMW LL-01 synthetic, 6.9 quarts capacity
2. F30 models (2012-2016) need 0W-20 or 0W-30 BMW LL-01 FE synthetic, 5.3 quarts capacity
3. Full synthetic mandatory—conventional or synthetic blend oils void warranty and risk damage
4. BMW Longlife-01 approval is the critical specification to verify on any oil bottle
5. Change every 5,000-7,500 miles for N20 turbo engines despite BMW’s 10,000-15,000 mile recommendation
6. DIY saves $50-85 per oil change versus dealer pricing ($60-115 DIY vs $120-200 dealer)
7. Popular approved brands include Liqui Moly, Castrol Edge Professional, Mobil 1 ESP, and Pennzoil Platinum Euro

FAQs

References

1. BimmerWorld. (2024). BMW Engine Oil Information and Specifications. https://www.bimmerworld.com/BMW-Engine-Oil/
2. F30 BimmerPost Community. (2024). What Oil to Use for the N20/N26 Engine Discussion. https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/
3. Castrol. (2013). Castrol EDGE Professional BMW LL01 5W-30 Technical Data Sheet. Castrol Product Data Sheets.
4. E90Post Community. (2024). BMW 3-Series Oil Recommendations and Maintenance Discussion. https://www.e90post.com/forums/
5. Bob Is The Oil Guy Forums. (2024). BMW Longlife Specifications Discussion (LL01, LL04, LL19FE). https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/
6. BMW AG. (2013). Mileage and Time-based Maintenance Services Intervals (CBS). NHTSA Technical Service Bulletin SI B01 06 13.
7. Kelley Blue Book. (2024). BMW Oil Change Prices & Cost Estimates. https://www.kbb.com/bmw/oil-change/