BMW Engine Oil Certifications
BMW periodically updates its oil compositions in accordance with current engine designs, mileage and emissions standards, fuel types and quality, geographical considerations, servicing protocols, and marketing strategies. Each new specification is designated by year and approximately aligns with new generations of BMW engines. This differs from oil viscosity, because several oil viscosities may exist for the same approval type. These categories serve just as a reference to ensure the correct oil is used for your engine configuration.
LL-98 (1998). API SJ, ACEA A3/B3. SAE 5W-30, 5W-40. The most ancient accessible standard. Any item with this classification is sanctioned for older BMW models, including any chassis prior to the E46 and engines before the M54. BMW has ceased production of oil in this specification; nevertheless, alternatives such as Red Line 5W40 are available. LL-98 oils are compatible with LL-01 oils.
LL-01 (2001 and 2018). API SJ/SL. ACEA A3/B3. SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-60. The first upgrade included detergents and additives to address the impractical 15,000-mile oil change interval advocated by BMW at that time. However, as vehicles and engines exceeded their warranty period and accrued miles, the detrimental consequences of prolonged oil change intervals became evident (i.e. oil sludge). This marked the start of the reduction in ZDDP levels, as other chemicals were introduced to replace it. LL-01 is compatible with engines authorized for LL-98. LL-01 remains highly esteemed as the premier variant of the "old" oil, exhibiting optimal compatibility with the sulfur content of US gasoline. Revised requirements were implemented in 2018 to enable contemporary engines to achieve the LL-01 grade.
LL-04 (2005). API SM/SN. ACEA C3 (analogous to A3). SAE 5W-30, 5W-40. The LL-04 oils have been significantly misinterpreted before, although their demand has suddenly increased. Most LL-04 lubricants are designed for diesel engines, however they have also received approval for gasoline engines in Europe and other global markets. BMW has not approved LL-04 for the United States. Diesel oil has always been esteemed by engine manufacturers and tuners due to its elevated ZDDP concentration. LL-04 has a reduced SAPS value, which is advantageous for direct-injection engines, namely all BMW turbo engines manufactured from 2007. Genuine BMW LL-04 is unavailable here; nevertheless, Red Line Euro-Series oil and Pentosin SP III conform to this specification.
BMW did not certify LL-04 for the US market because to a) the limited availability of diesel vehicles, and b) its incompatibility with the elevated levels of sulfur and ethanol present in US fuel. Since 2014, our gasoline has more closely aligned with European sulfur levels, and since 2017, it has been lower than previous European norms. Oil analysis may provide more insight into the interaction between your local fuel and the oil. LL-04 and LL-01 are interchangeable; however, LL-04 is favored for BMW turbo engines due to its elevated ZDDP content and low SAPS levels. The official BMW Motorsport oil suggestion for the M4 GT4 racing vehicle is an LL-04 specification oil. Our racing squad has used Red Line Euro Series 5W40.
LL-12 (2012). Revised standards for diesel engines in the European market.
LL-14 (2014). API SN, ACEA A1/B1, SAE 0W-20. Designed for certain gasoline BMW engines from the 2014 model year, including the N20 four-cylinder engine and all new modular B-series engines. The rationale behind the N20 remains undisclosed, however it may pertain to enhancing the fuel efficiency of N20 vehicles and circumventing gas guzzler and CAFE fines. LL-14 oils have significantly reduced friction levels compared to all other BMW lubricants. The HTHS value is 2.6 cP, rendering it inappropriate as a performance oil.
LL-17 (2018). API SN/SP; ACEA C5; SAE 0W-20. Supersedes the LL-14 specification for N20, B38, B46, B48, and B58 engines. This seems to be a modest revision of the LL-14 formula aimed at enhancing emissions performance.
