LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> BMW >> 2012 >> 320i Automatic Trans >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Engine Control Systems >> Engine - Operating Fluids >> 7.0 Engine Oil Additives
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

7.0 Engine Oil Additives

The use of engine oil additives is not recommended and not necessary on BMW engines. Instead, use of BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil in 1999 model year and later BMW models is recommended and use of 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 is recommended.

Today's modern oils and fluids for engines are already formulated by the manufacturer and/or BMW NA with sophisticated additive packages designed to reduce sludge build-up, keep contaminants in suspension and maintain viscosity of the oil. Additional additives can compromise the manufacturer's or BMW NA's developed formulation.

BMW NA does not endorse or recommend the use of engine oil beyond the additives already included in the operating fluid manufacturer's additive package.

The use of engine crankcase flushing detergent chemicals and/or automated crankcase flushing machines is not a BMW recommended procedure.

Since the inclusion of such additional additives may lead to component damage or compromise the longevity or function of BMW components, warranty coverage may be affected on any component where the failure is caused by inappropriate oil or operating fluids or the use of add-on additives.