Engine Oil: Application and ID

BMW ENGINE OILS:

Starting with the introduction of the 1999 3 Series (E46), BMW introduced an extended oil change interval of approximately 15,000 miles depending on engine operating conditions.

The engine oil change interval of approximately 15,000 miles has been carried over to all 2000 BMW models except the M coupe and M roadster.

To coincide with the increased oil change interval, BMW also introduced "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil" (originally named "Longlife").

BMW recommends the use of this oil on all 2000 models (except M5 produced to 3/00- see M5 and Z8 oil specifications below) whenever a service is necessary to avoid engine damage.

Note: Only if a customer needs to top up oil between oil changes is it permissible to use synthetic low viscosity engine oils which conform to the API classification SH or higher.

Synthetic Engine Oil Benefits:

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 5W-30 offers several benefits over conventional mineral based oils.

This oil has been durability tested on BMW engines and supplies superior lubrication under all operating conditions and over the extended BMW oil change intervals.

•Superior thermal stability:

The synthetic based oil resists thickening at very low ambient temperatures providing improved flow, lubrication and less internal engine resistance during cold starts.

Under high heat conditions, the oil resists thermal breakdown/shearing which causes a loss of lubrication quality with conventional oils.

Using BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil eliminates the need for seasonal oil changes since it covers all ambient temperature ranges.

•Superior lubrication throughout the life of the oil:

Compared to conventional engine oils, BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is better able to keep engine combustion contaminants in suspense and is less susceptible to the harmful effects of oxidation.

The oil resists sludge build up thus allowing extended oil change intervals. Synthetic based oils also have a lower volatility which makes them less susceptible to evaporation thereby reducing oil consumption.

1999 Model Year and Later Oil Recommendation:

BMW High Performance Synthetic oil must be used on all 1999 and later BMW vehicles which have oil change intervals of approximately 15,000 miles (except M5 produced up to 3/00) as stated in the owners manual. In addition, there is a label affixed to the engine cover which states the oil specifications and refers to the BMW website (www.bmwusa.com) and toll free number (1-800-831-1117) for additional information.

M5 and Z8 Oil Recommendation:

M5 (S62 engine) produced up to 3/00:

- The M5 up to 3/00 production requires a specially formulated synthetic engine oil - Castrol Formula RS 1OW-60 and is the only approved oil for this engine.

- Castrol Formula RS 10W-60 Synthetic Oil must be used on M5 models produced up to 3/00 whenever a service is necessary to avoid engine damage and is available under BMW part number 07 51 0 009 420 (1 liter bottle).

Note: Only if a customer needs to top up oil between oil changes and Castrol Formula RS 10-W60 Synthetic Oil is not available is it permissible to use synthetic engine oils with a lower viscosity which conform to the API classification SH or higher.

However engine oil consumption will increase when Castrol Formula RS 10-W60 Synthetic Oil is diluted (topped up with other low viscosity synthetic engine oils).

M5 (S62 engine) produced from 3/00 and all Z8:

- The S62 engine incorporates redesigned piston rings from 3/00 which permit the use of BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30.

- The recommended engine oil for all Z8 vehicles and M5 vehicles (produced from 3/00) is BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30.

Note: Although the Castrol Formula RS 1OW-60 Synthetic Oil is also approved for use on M5 S62 vehicles produced from 3/00, the BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil 5W-30 MUST NOT be used on M5 S62 vehicles produced up to 3/00.

M5 and Z8 Engine Oil Level Checking Procedure:

The S62 engine requires a different procedure than conventional practice to check the oil level, which must be followed accurately to give a true indication of the fill level:

- the engine must be at operating temperature

- let the engine idle for at least 15 seconds

- turn the engine off

- wait at least 1 minute for the oil to drain down into the sump

- check the level using the dipstick

1998 Model Year and Earlier Oil Recommendation:

BMW High Performance Synthetic engine oil may also be used on earlier BMW models.

BMW High Performance Synthetic engine oil is included and may be claimed on all vehicles covered under the BMW Maintenance Plan.

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil will replace BMW approved Special Oils.

The oil change intervals should not be extended due to the greater durability of fully synthetic engine oil. The engine oil and filter should always be changed as per the vehicle's Service Indicator when the "Oil Service" or the "Inspection" display appears regardless of the type of oil being used.

BMW mineral based High Performance engine oil is also offered for model year 1998 and earlier BMW models. However, for reliable engine performance in all temperature ranges mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the temperature range at which the vehicle will be operated. See the Temperature - Viscosity chart in the Owners Manual or Operating Fluids Manual for further information.

Engine Oil Additives:

The use of engine oil additives is not recommended and not necessary on BMW engines. Instead, it is mandatory to use BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil in 1999 model year and later BMW models, Castrol Formula RS 1OW-60 Synthetic Oil in M5 S62 models and recommended to use either BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, BMW High Performance Mineral Oil or one of today's highly advanced brand name lubricating oils conforming to API classification SH or higher in 1998 and earlier BMW models.

As part of the BMW global alliance with CASTROL we are changing our private label engine oil supplier for both mineral and synthetic engine oils. As part of this change, the synthetic engine oil will now be a 5W-30 oil which covers the same temperature range as the 5W-40 synthetic engine oil.

BMW engine oils are available under the following part numbers:

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 5W-30
P/N 07 51 0 017 866 (1 quart bottle)

Castrol Formula RS 1OW-60 Synthetic Oil
P/N 07 51 0 009 420 (1 liter bottle)

BMW High Performance Mineral Base Oil 15W-40
P/N 07 51 0 017 868 (1 quart bottle)