What Type of Oil Does the BMW 328i Use?

The BMW 328i uses full-synthetic, BMW-approved engine oil that meets BMW Longlife specifications (most commonly BMW Longlife-01 or Longlife-01 FE for gasoline models), typically in a 5W-30 or 0W-40 viscosity, depending on model year, engine, and climate. Choosing oil that matches these specs—and not just the viscosity grade—is crucial for engine longevity and warranty compliance.

Understanding the BMW 328i and Its Engine Variants

The “328i” badge has been used on several generations of the BMW 3 Series, and each generation may require slightly different oil specifications depending on the engine code, year, and market. While the basic rule—BMW-approved, full-synthetic oil—remains consistent, the exact BMW Longlife standard and preferred viscosity can vary.

Key BMW 328i Generations and Engines (U.S. and Similar Markets)

The following engines are the most common in 328i models and broadly shape what oil BMW recommends for each car.

• E46 328i (late 1990s–2000): Typically equipped with the M52TU inline‑six engine.
• E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (2007–2013 approx.): Mostly powered by the naturally aspirated N52 or N51 inline‑six engines.
• F30/F31 328i (2012–2016 approx.): Uses the turbocharged four‑cylinder N20 engine.

Across these generations, BMW’s move from older oil standards to modern Longlife specifications and from six‑cylinder to turbocharged four‑cylinder engines has progressively tightened oil requirements, placing more emphasis on high-quality synthetics and exact specification matching.

Official Oil Specifications for the BMW 328i

BMW does not just specify an oil viscosity like 5W-30; it also requires that the oil meet an internal quality standard known as “BMW Longlife.” This is critical: an oil can have the right viscosity but still not be suitable for your engine if it doesn’t carry the correct approval.

BMW Longlife Standards Most Relevant to the 328i

These are the primary BMW Longlife specifications you’ll see recommended or printed in the owner’s manual for a 328i, depending on engine and year.

• BMW Longlife‑01 (LL‑01): A high‑performance, full-synthetic standard suitable for many gasoline BMW engines, including older inline‑six engines like the N52 and some earlier models. Common in North America and Europe.
• BMW Longlife‑01 FE (LL‑01 FE): A “fuel economy” version of LL‑01, also fully synthetic, particularly associated with newer turbocharged engines such as the N20. Often comes in lower viscosity oils, like certain 0W-30 or lighter 5W-30 formulations.
• BMW Longlife‑04 (LL‑04): More common in Europe, especially for engines paired with diesel particulate filters and low-SAPS requirements. In some regions, LL‑04 may be acceptable for gasoline engines, but in North America BMW typically emphasizes LL‑01/LL‑01 FE for gasoline 328i models.

While you may encounter various Longlife labels, the most reliable approach is to check your exact model year’s owner’s manual and then confirm that any oil you buy explicitly lists the matching BMW Longlife approval on the label—not just “recommended for” but “approved to BMW Longlife‑XX.”

Typical Viscosity Grades for the BMW 328i

Viscosity describes how thick or thin the oil is at cold and operating temperatures. BMW approves several viscosities, but two are particularly common in 328i maintenance: 5W-30 and 0W-40, with some variants using 0W-30 depending on climate and efficiency requirements.

Commonly Recommended Viscosities

These viscosity grades are often specified for different BMW 328i generations, always assuming the oil also meets a BMW Longlife standard.

• 5W-30 (full synthetic, BMW LL‑01 or LL‑01 FE): Widely used across many 328i model years and climates; a standard default choice for North American service centers.
• 0W-40 (full synthetic, BMW LL‑01): Frequently recommended and commonly available from major brands; offers extra protection in high‑temperature driving while still flowing well in cold climates.
• 0W-30 (full synthetic, BMW LL‑01 FE or LL‑04 in some regions): Sometimes specified for newer, efficiency‑tuned engines and colder climates, particularly outside North America.

When in doubt, 5W-30 or 0W-40 that explicitly carries a BMW Longlife‑01 approval will be correct for most gasoline 328i engines in North America, but the final authority should always be the owner’s manual or BMW’s official digital service information for your specific VIN.

What Oil Should You Use for Specific 328i Generations?

Because BMW reused the 328i badge on different platforms and engines, it’s useful to break down oil recommendations roughly by generation and motor. This helps owners and buyers understand why some 328i models share oil types and others do not.

E46 328i (Around 1999–2000, M52TU Engine)

The E46 328i, equipped with the M52TU inline‑six, was produced before BMW fully standardized modern Longlife oils but can be safely run on current BMW-approved synthetics. In practice, most BMW specialists and dealers today will fill these cars with oils that meet LL‑01 specs.

For an E46 328i, a typical modern recommendation would be:

• Full-synthetic oil meeting BMW LL‑01.
• Viscosity such as 5W-30 or 0W-40, chosen according to climate (0W-40 in very cold-plus-hot mixed usage, 5W-30 in milder climates).

Even though original printed manuals may mention older oil standards, modern LL‑01 oils generally exceed those specs and are considered safe and beneficial for these engines when paired with appropriate change intervals.

E90/E91/E92/E93 328i (Approx. 2007–2013, N52/N51 Engines)

These naturally aspirated inline‑six engines (N52 and SULEV N51) are common and well-regarded, and they are firmly in the LL‑01 era for gasoline engines.

Typical current recommendations for these models are:

• Full-synthetic engine oil with BMW Longlife‑01 approval.
• Viscosity most often 5W-30, with 0W-40 LL‑01 also commonly used, especially where winters are cold or driving is spirited.

Many BMW dealers in North America historically used a 5W-30 LL‑01 synthetic as the standard fill for these engines, and the aftermarket has widely adopted the same approach with brands offering “European Car Formula” oils carrying LL‑01 certification.

F30/F31 328i (Approx. 2012–2016, N20 Turbocharged Engine)

The F30/F31 328i uses the N20 turbocharged four‑cylinder, which places higher thermal and mechanical stress on the oil than the earlier naturally aspirated six‑cylinders. For that reason, BMW’s specification details and oil quality become even more important.

Typical recommendations for the N20-powered 328i are:

• Full-synthetic engine oil with BMW Longlife‑01 or BMW Longlife‑01 FE approval (depending on region and exact manual guidance).
• Common viscosity: 5W-30 (LL‑01 or LL‑01 FE), though in some regions 0W-30 with LL‑01 FE approval may be specified for fuel‑efficiency and cold‑climate performance.

Because the N20 is known to be sensitive to oil quality and maintenance—especially given turbocharger demands—using a genuine BMW-approved oil and maintaining reasonable change intervals is widely regarded as essential to long‑term reliability.

Factory-Branded and Aftermarket Oil Options

BMW sells its own branded oil, but owners are not limited to buying directly from dealers. Many high‑quality aftermarket oils are fully approved for BMW Longlife standards, often at lower cost or greater convenience.

BMW-Branded Engine Oil

BMW’s own oil (sometimes labeled “BMW TwinPower Turbo” or similar) is typically a full-synthetic oil blended to meet BMW Longlife requirements. Depending on your region, bottles will usually specify the relevant standard (LL‑01, LL‑01 FE, or LL‑04) and a viscosity like 0W-30, 5W-30, or 0W-40.

Owners who prefer to follow BMW’s recommendations as closely as possible—especially while under warranty—often stick with BMW-branded products or oils explicitly listed on BMW’s official approvals list.

Major Aftermarket Brands That Offer BMW-Approved Oils

Many well-known oil manufacturers produce full-synthetic oils with official BMW Longlife approvals; these can be used without sacrificing warranty coverage when they meet the correct standard.

• Castrol: Often offers “Edge” or “Edge Euro Car” variants labeled with BMW LL‑01 or LL‑04 approval.
• Mobil 1: Some “European Car Formula” or “ESP” lines meet LL‑01 or LL‑04 specifications—check the label for explicit BMW approval.
• Liqui Moly: A popular choice among European car owners; produces several oils carrying BMW Longlife approvals.
• Shell / Pennzoil Euro: Many “Euro” line oils list BMW LL‑01 or LL‑04 on the container.

Regardless of brand, always confirm that the oil label explicitly states the relevant BMW Longlife approval for your model year, not merely that it’s “suitable for” BMW; official approval is what matters for both performance and warranty considerations.

Oil Change Intervals and Practical Recommendations

Oil type is only half of the equation; how often you change it is just as important for engine health. BMW has sometimes promoted long oil change intervals, but many independent specialists recommend shorter intervals, especially once the car is out of warranty or driven in challenging conditions.

Factory vs. Real‑World Oil Change Intervals

BMW’s official service systems for 328i models—especially newer ones—often set oil change intervals around 10,000–15,000 miles (or roughly 15,000–25,000 km) or every 12 months, whichever comes first. These intervals are designed around efficiency and fleet-wide maintenance cost, not necessarily ideal long-term longevity for individual owners.

Independent BMW technicians and enthusiasts often recommend the following:

• Every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 km): for engines like the N52, N51, and N20 when using high-quality LL‑01 / LL‑01 FE oils.
• More frequent changes if the vehicle sees a lot of short trips, stop‑and‑go traffic, very hot climates, or spirited driving.
• Follow time limits: even if mileage is low, change oil at least once a year to deal with condensation, fuel dilution, and additive degradation.

Using the correct BMW-approved oil and pairing it with a more conservative change interval than the maximum factory recommendation is widely viewed as an effective way to extend engine life, especially on turbocharged models like the N20.

How to Confirm the Correct Oil for Your Specific 328i

While generation‑level guidance is helpful, differences in production date, region, and engine can alter the exact BMW Longlife spec or viscosity recommendation. To be absolutely sure you’re using the correct oil, you should check the information sources specific to your car.

Steps to Verify the Right Oil

These steps will help you confirm the precise oil type recommended for your individual BMW 328i.

1. Consult the owner’s manual: Look under “Engine Oil” or “Specifications” to find approved BMW Longlife standards and recommended viscosities.
2. Check the oil filler cap and under‑hood stickers: Some vehicles have labels showing viscosity or specifying “BMW Longlife‑01” or similar.
3. Use your VIN on BMW’s official site or dealer systems: A BMW dealer can look up your car’s exact build data and regional specification to confirm the correct standard.
4. Match the label on the oil bottle: Ensure it explicitly states “Approved for BMW Longlife‑01” (or LL‑01 FE / LL‑04 as your manual requires), not just “meets the requirements of.”
5. Ask a BMW‑specialized workshop: Independent BMW shops often have up‑to‑date data and practical experience on what works best for each engine.

Taking a few minutes to verify the exact spec for your VIN and region can prevent costly mistakes, especially on models with sensitive, turbocharged engines and strict emissions systems.

Risks of Using the Wrong Oil

Using an oil that doesn’t meet BMW’s Longlife specification—even if the viscosity seems correct—can lead to gradual or even accelerated damage, particularly in modern engines with tight tolerances and turbochargers.

Potential Consequences of Incorrect Oil Choice

The impact of using non‑approved or low‑quality oil may not be immediate, but the cumulative effects can be significant.

• Increased engine wear: Inadequate film strength and poor high‑temperature stability can accelerate wear on bearings, camshafts, and turbochargers.
• Sludge and deposits: Inferior detergents and additive packages can lead to varnish and sludge buildup, affecting variable valve timing systems (such as VANOS) and oil passages.
• Turbocharger problems (on N20 328i): Turbochargers demand high‑quality oil for both cooling and lubrication; poor oil can contribute to premature turbo failures.
• Emissions system issues: Oils that are not low‑ash where required (for LL‑04 regions or specific configurations) can damage catalytic converters and particulate filters.
• Warranty implications: During warranty periods, using non‑approved oil can complicate claims if engine problems arise and fluid history is scrutinized.

Given the relatively small cost difference between approved and unapproved oils relative to potential repair bills, using a correct BMW Longlife‑approved full-synthetic oil is one of the simplest forms of preventive maintenance you can perform.

Summary

The BMW 328i, regardless of generation, is designed to run on high-quality, full-synthetic engine oil that meets BMW’s Longlife standards—most commonly BMW Longlife‑01 or Longlife‑01 FE for gasoline models, with 5W-30 or 0W-40 viscosity frequently recommended. While earlier 328i models (like the E46 and E90 series) and later F30 cars share a general reliance on LL‑01‑type oils, the exact specification and viscosity can vary by engine, model year, and region.

To choose correctly, owners should consult the owner’s manual, confirm the BMW Longlife approval printed on the oil bottle, and consider more conservative oil change intervals than the longest factory schedule—particularly for the turbocharged N20 engine. Using a properly approved oil, at the right viscosity and with regular changes, is essential to preserving the performance, efficiency, and longevity of any BMW 328i.

What kind of oil does a BMW 3 series take?

The correct BMW 3 Series oil type depends on your specific model and year, so you must check the owner’s manual. However, many recent models use full synthetic oils with a thickness of 0W-20 or 0W-30 and a BMW Longlife-14 FE+ or Longlife-01 FE rating, while older models might require 5W-30 synthetic oil. It is best to use full synthetic oil for optimal engine protection and performance.
 
For recent BMW 3 Series models (e.g., 2017-2023 4-cyl Turbo Engines) 

• Oil: Full synthetic 
• 0W-20: Weight: is often recommended for fuel economy and cold starts, but 0W-30 may be better for sporty driving.
• Rating: BMW Longlife-14 FE+ or BMW Longlife-17 FE+ 

For some older BMW 328i and other models

• Oil: Full synthetic
• 5W-30: Weight: is frequently recommended.
• Rating: Often a BMW Longlife-01 rating is required, but always check the manual for specifics. 

General recommendations

• Always check your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle’s requirements. 
• Use full synthetic: It provides the best lubrication, temperature stability, and engine protection. 
• Follow the BMW longlife rating: Ensure the oil you choose meets the specific BMW Longlife specification for your model. 
• Consider your driving habits: For frequent high-speed or spirited driving, a slightly thicker oil like 0W-30 may be a better choice over 0W-20. 
• Consult a professional: If you are unsure, have a BMW-certified technician or dealer recommend the right oil for your vehicle. 

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What is BMW recommended engine oil?

BMW recommends a high-quality synthetic oil that meets specific BMW Longlife (LL) standards, such as LL-01, LL-04, or LL-17 FE+, with common recommendations including 5W-30 or 0W-20. The exact type and weight depend on the specific model and year, so you should always check the owner’s manual or consult a certified BMW technician. Reputable brands like Mobil 1 and Castrol also produce oils that meet these specifications.
 
Key recommendations

• Check your owner’s manual: This is the most important step, as the specific requirements vary by model and engine. 
• BMW-specific oils: BMW offers its own line of oils, such as the BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils, which are specifically designed for BMW engines. 
• Common viscosities:
  • 5W-30: A very common recommendation for many modern BMW gasoline engines, including turbocharged ones. 
  • 0W-20: Often recommended for the newest models, especially in certain regions. 
  • 0W-40: Another versatile synthetic oil that works well for many BMW engines. 
  • 10W-60: Used in some older ///M high-performance models, so check your manual carefully. 
• Approved brands: While BMW’s own brand is a safe bet, many other brands make oils that meet BMW specifications. Some are: 
  • Mobil 1 (e.g., Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30)
  • Castrol Edge (e.g., Castrol Edge 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+)) 
  • Valvoline
  • Shell / Pennzoil 
• Use synthetic oil: BMW recommends synthetic oil for its superior performance and longevity. 

Important note

• Diesel engines: Diesel BMWs will have specific requirements, often using a diesel-specific oil like Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30. 
• High-performance engines: Older ///M cars may require a heavier weight like 10W-60, which is different from standard models. 
• Regional differences: Oil specifications can vary by region due to differences in fuel and climate. The oils used in the US, for example, have specific requirements related to high sulfur content in fuel. 

What kind of oil does a BMW 328i need?

The recommended oil for a BMW 328i is full synthetic 5W-30, though the exact type can vary by model year and engine. Some models may also call for 0W-20 or 5W-40 full synthetic oil, so it is crucial to check your specific owner’s manual to confirm the correct viscosity and specifications (like BMW Longlife-01).
 
Oil type by model and engine

• For most models: Full synthetic 5W-30 is a widely recommended and common choice. 
• For some N20 engines: Some versions of the N20 engine may specify 0W-20 or 0W-30 oil. 
• For some 3.0L inline-6 engines (2007-2013): These models may require 5W-40 full synthetic oil that meets the BMW LL-01 specification. 
• For N20/N26 engines (2016+): Some sources suggest 5W-40 is suitable, but always verify with your owner’s manual. 

Important considerations

• Always consult your owner’s manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle’s oil requirements, ensuring you use the correct grade and any necessary BMW-specific certifications. 
• Use full synthetic: Using full synthetic oil is essential for protecting your engine, maintaining performance, and ensuring longevity. 
• Look for BMW specifications: Some oils are formulated to meet specific BMW requirements, such as the BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) specification, which is important for certain models. 
• Consider your climate: If you live in a region with extremely cold winters, a lower viscosity oil like 0W-20 or 0W-30 might be beneficial for cold starts, but again, confirm compatibility with your owner’s manual. 

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What does a BMW 328i take?

The proper oil for the BMW 328i is synthetic oil with a grade of 5W-30 for most models.