What Kind of Oil a 2016 BMW 340i Takes

The 2016 BMW 340i is designed to use full-synthetic engine oil that meets BMW’s LL-01 (or LL-01 FE, where specified) specification, most commonly 0W-30, 5W-30, or sometimes 0W-40, depending on climate and labeling—but the safest rule is to use a quality full-synthetic oil clearly marked as approved for BMW Longlife-01 and matched to your owner’s manual.

Contents

Understanding the 2016 BMW 340i’s Oil Requirements
Recommended Oil Viscosity for a 2016 BMW 340i
Examples of Suitable Oil Brands and Products
Oil Capacity, Change Interval, and Service Tips
How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Car
Summary

Understanding the 2016 BMW 340i’s Oil Requirements

The 2016 BMW 340i, powered by the turbocharged 3.0-liter B58 inline-six, operates under high temperature and pressure, which demands high-quality synthetic oil. While many drivers default to a viscosity like 5W-30, BMW’s real requirement is not just thickness—it is that the oil meets the BMW Longlife (LL) standard specified for this generation of engines.

BMW Longlife Specifications: The Key Requirement

The most important factor when choosing oil for a 2016 BMW 340i is compliance with BMW’s own oil standards, not just the viscosity printed on the bottle.

This list outlines the main BMW oil specifications relevant to a 2016 BMW 340i and how they apply to typical driving conditions.

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01): The primary and most common spec for the 2016 340i, suitable for most climates and driving styles. You will see this printed as “BMW LL-01” or “BMW Longlife-01” on the label.

BMW Longlife-01 FE (LL-01 FE): A “fuel economy” variant for newer BMW engines, using lower-friction formulations. Some oils are dual-rated LL-01 and LL-01 FE and are safe if listed in BMW documentation.

BMW Longlife-04 (LL-04): Primarily for low-sulfur fuel markets and often associated with diesel and some European gasoline applications. In North America, LL-04 is generally not preferred for gasoline engines unless explicitly specified in the manual.

BMW Longlife-17 FE+ / 14 FE+: Newer-spec, low-viscosity oils mainly for later-generation BMW engines; typically not the standard recommendation for the 2016 340i unless an updated BMW bulletin or dealer guidance explicitly allows it.

In practice, the safest and most widely supported choice for a 2016 BMW 340i is an oil labeled full-synthetic and explicitly approved to BMW LL-01, matching what BMW and most dealers recommend for this model year.

Recommended Oil Viscosity for a 2016 BMW 340i

BMW’s published guidance for the 2016 340i covers a range of viscosities suitable for different climates, all under the umbrella of the proper Longlife specification. The exact recommendation can vary by region and temperature extremes.

Common Viscosity Grades

The following viscosities are commonly recommended or used in 2016 BMW 340i models when they meet BMW LL-01 (or LL-01 FE where authorized) specifications.

This list shows common viscosity options you are likely to encounter for the 2016 340i and the conditions where they typically make sense.

0W-30: Often favored for colder climates and year-round use; excellent cold-start performance while still providing adequate protection when hot, assuming LL-01 approval.

5W-30: A very common dealer and aftermarket choice in moderate to warm climates if LL-01 approved; balances protection, fuel economy, and availability.

0W-40: Sometimes used in hotter climates or for spirited driving where slightly higher high-temperature viscosity is desired, again only if LL-01 approved.

5W-40: Less commonly specified by BMW for this exact model year in some regions but still compatible if it clearly carries BMW LL-01 approval and is listed in your regional documentation.

Any of these grades can be appropriate, provided they carry a clear BMW Longlife-01 approval and align with the environmental temperature range shown in your owner’s manual or oil-cap chart.

Examples of Suitable Oil Brands and Products

Several major oil brands make BMW-approved oils that meet LL-01 specs and are suitable for a 2016 BMW 340i. Availability can vary by country, so always verify the approval on the bottle or the manufacturer’s website.

Commonly Used LL-01 Oils

The following examples illustrate widely available oils that typically meet BMW LL-01 or LL-01 FE standards; always confirm the exact certification on the packaging, as formulations can change.

This list provides recognizable products many owners and service shops use in the 2016 BMW 340i, assuming the correct BMW approval appears on the label.

BMW-branded TwinPower Turbo 0W-30 or 5W-30: Often sold at BMW dealers, formulated specifically to BMW specs, usually LL-01 or LL-01 FE depending on the batch and market.

Castrol EDGE 0W-30 / 5W-30 (European formula): Certain variants are explicitly labeled “BMW LL-01 approved”; check for the exact “BMW Longlife-01” wording.

Mobil 1 0W-40 FS European Car Formula: Frequently carries BMW LL-01 approval and is a popular choice in performance-oriented and warmer-climate use.

Liqui Moly Top Tec or Leichtlauf series (e.g., 4200/4600 where LL-01): Several Liqui Moly oils are LL-01 approved; the label or product sheet will specify compatibility.

Shell/Pennzoil “Euro” formulations: Some Euro L or Euro 0W-30/5W-30/0W-40 products carry BMW LL-01 approval; always refer to the approval list on the back label.

These examples are not exhaustive but illustrate the kind of full-synthetic, European-spec oils that fit the 2016 340i when they list BMW LL-01 (or LL-01 FE, if authorized) on the bottle.

Oil Capacity, Change Interval, and Service Tips

Knowing the right oil is only part of maintaining a 2016 BMW 340i; drivers should also consider how much oil the engine holds, how often it should be changed, and some best practices to protect the turbocharged B58 engine.

Oil Capacity and Filter

The B58 engine in the 2016 BMW 340i takes roughly 6.5 to 6.9 quarts (about 6.2–6.5 liters) of oil when changing both oil and filter, depending on drain time and residual oil. Always use a quality filter meeting BMW specs—either OEM BMW or a reputable brand that lists compatibility with the B58 engine.

Recommended Change Intervals

BMW’s factory guidance for this era often allowed oil-change intervals up to approximately 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or around 12 months, whichever comes first, based on condition-based service. Many enthusiasts and independent BMW technicians, however, advocate shorter intervals to extend engine and turbocharger life.

This list summarizes common interval strategies and how they relate to different driving profiles for a 2016 BMW 340i.

Factory interval (up to ~10,000 miles / 16,000 km): Official BMW recommendation for typical mixed driving with approved LL-01 oil.

Enthusiast/independent recommendation (~5,000–7,500 miles / 8,000–12,000 km): Often used by owners who drive hard, see frequent short trips, or plan to keep the car long term.

Severe conditions (short trips, heavy city traffic, track use): Some owners reduce intervals further, especially if the engine is tuned or frequently driven at high load.

Time-based interval: Even with low mileage, changing oil at least once a year is widely advised to mitigate moisture and fuel dilution effects.

While the BMW on-board system can guide timing, adopting a somewhat more conservative interval than the maximum recommended by the factory is a common practice for preserving the B58’s long-term reliability.

How to Verify the Correct Oil for Your Specific Car

There can be regional differences in recommendations, plus running changes and service bulletins, so the most accurate guidance always comes from documentation specific to your VIN and market.

Where to Look for Official Guidance

Before purchasing oil, it is wise to cross-check BMW’s official resources and documentation, especially if you see conflicting advice online or on forums.

This list explains the best sources of official and near-official information you can use to confirm oil requirements for a 2016 BMW 340i.

Owner’s manual: The primary source, listing approved oil specifications, viscosity ranges, and sometimes sample products.

BMW dealer service department: Can confirm the latest BMW-approved oil spec and any updated recommendations for your specific VIN.

BMW online technical documentation or regional BMW websites: Some regions provide downloadable oil spec sheets and updated Longlife approvals.

Oil manufacturer approval lists: Reputable brands publish PDF or web lists showing which of their oils are BMW LL-01 approved for gasoline engines.

Label on the oil bottle: The final check—look specifically for “BMW Longlife-01” or “BMW LL-01” clearly printed among the OEM approvals.

By cross-referencing your owner’s manual, BMW’s official guidance, and the approval text on the bottle, you can be confident you are using oil that truly meets the 2016 340i’s requirements.

Summary

The 2016 BMW 340i requires full-synthetic engine oil that meets BMW’s Longlife-01 specification (or LL-01 FE where explicitly allowed), with common viscosities such as 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40 depending on climate and documentation. Capacity is roughly 6.5–6.9 quarts with filter, and while BMW permits extended change intervals of up to about 10,000 miles, many owners opt for 5,000–7,500-mile intervals to better protect the turbocharged B58 engine. To ensure the best match, drivers should confirm the BMW LL-01 approval on the bottle and cross-check recommendations against the owner’s manual and dealership or official BMW resources for their specific region and VIN.

What kind of oil does a BMW 340i take?

The recommended oil for a BMW 340i is a full synthetic 0W-20 or 0W-30, meeting BMW’s specifications like Longlife-17 FE+ or Longlife-01. Some owners use 5W-30 or 5W-40, but this is generally not recommended unless specified for your particular model or if you have tuned the engine and experience high oil temperatures, as it can impact fuel efficiency and lubrication. Always check your owner’s manual to confirm the correct oil grade and specifications for your specific vehicle.
Recommended oil types

0W-20: This is the standard, fuel-efficient oil recommended for most newer 340i models with the B58 engine, as it meets BMW specifications like Longlife-17 FE+.
0W-30: A viable option, particularly for those with older models or who prefer it for mixed driving conditions. This weight meets BMW Longlife-01 specifications.

Other considerations

5W-30 or 5W-40: While some owners use these, they may reduce fuel economy and aren’t typically recommended by BMW for standard models. They can be considered for heavily tuned cars or track use if you monitor oil temperatures.
Check your owner’s manual: It is critical to consult your owner’s manual for the specific oil type and specifications that BMW recommends for your vehicle’s year and model.

Can I use any 5W-30 oil in my BMW?

If you look in the manual, it’ll tell you exactly what to use. 0w30, 5w30, 0w40, and 5w40 are perfectly okay. 0w30 and 5w30 are the exact same viscosity at operating temperature.

What oil is best for a B58 engine?

The best oil for a B58 engine is one that meets the specific BMW Long Life (LL) specification, usually LL-14 FE+ (0W-20) or LL-01 (0W-30 or 5W-30), as indicated in your owner’s manual. While many B58 owners switch to a thicker oil like 5W-30 or 5W-40 to reduce oil consumption, you should choose a product that is certified for your specific engine to ensure proper lubrication and protection, and be aware of the potential impact on fuel efficiency and other engine components.
Recommended specifications

Check your owner’s manual: Always verify the exact required specification (e.g., LL-14 FE+ or LL-01) and viscosity (e.g., 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-30) in your car’s manual, as it can vary by model year and region.
LL-14 FE+ (0W-20): This is the factory-recommended oil for many B58 engines.
LL-01 (0W-30 or 5W-30): This is an alternative specification, often used in warmer climates or when 0W-20 is not available.
5W-40: Some owners use this, particularly for tuned or higher-mileage engines, but it’s not the factory recommendation and could affect fuel efficiency and pump performance.

Important considerations

Oil consumption: Some B58 engines are known to consume oil, especially when new. Many owners switch to a 5W-30 or 5W-40 to help reduce this, but it may not solve the underlying issue of a potential leak.
Engine clearances: The B58 has tight internal clearances, which is why following BMW’s oil specifications is important.
Emissions: Be aware that switching to a different oil specification might affect emissions systems, as the different additives can have different effects.
Tuning: If your engine is tuned, stick with the manufacturer’s recommended oil but consider more frequent oil changes, and consult with the tuner for their specific recommendations.
Blackstone Labs: For highly modified engines, some owners recommend sending a sample of their used oil to a lab like Blackstone Labs for analysis to determine the best oil for your specific needs.

What oil does a 2016 BMW 340i take?

The correct oil for a 2016 BMW 340i is a full synthetic oil with a viscosity of either 0W-20 or 0W-30, and it must meet specific BMW Long Life specifications like LL-14 FE+ or LL-01 FE. Always check your owner’s manual for the precise specifications recommended for your vehicle and region to ensure proper engine protection.
Recommended oil

Viscosity: 0W-20 or 0W-30
Type: Full synthetic
Specifications: BMW Long Life-14 FE+ or Long Life-01 FE
Why these specifications:
- BMW uses these specifications to ensure the oil is formulated with the correct additives to meet the engine’s stringent demands, including its modern tolerances and emission systems.
- The LL-14 FE+ and LL-01 FE specifications can vary by region, so it’s essential to confirm the correct one for your specific vehicle.