BMW Operating Fluids - Engine (11 07.16)

BMW OPERATING FLUIDS - ENGINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE

Fluids and sealers that are described in this Operating Fluids manual are recommended by BMW.

1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION

Use of engine oil that meets the specifications for a vehicle is important for the operation and service life of an engine.

Engine oil requirements will depend on the engine design, operating conditions, oil change intervals and, in the case of diesel engines, the fuel grade.

A modern engine oil provides more than just a lubrication function. The following qualities are required:

Good Wear Protection and Friction Reduction 

Frictional losses will lead to a reduction of engine power and efficiency. An appropriate engine oil will minimize frictional losses. Excessive wear can lead to a reduction in service life (e.g. wear of bearings, piston rings, cam lobes) or to mechanical failure.

Limited Tendency to Produce Combustion Residue 

During engine operation, a limited amount of oil enters the combustion chamber, where it is burned. Combustion residues or deposits, which build up in the combustion chamber, lead to unwanted increases in compression and promote surface ignition ("pinging"). An appropriate engine oil will help prevent such a condition.

Favorable Viscosity Temperature Behavior 

Viscosity is the tendency of oil to resist flowing. Engine oil, when cold, should be thin enough so that the engine can be cranked over. Hot oil should be thick enough to maintain proper lubrication.

Anti-Foaming 

The oil is forcefully mixed with air during engine operation. Heavy foaming will lead to impaired lubrication and reduction in oil flow rate. To prevent foaming, antifoaming additives are mixed with the oil.

Good Corrosion Inhibition 

The engine oil must prevent corrosion on engine components under all circumstances. Corrosion and rust inhibitors are added to displace water and acids from metal surfaces so that oil coats them.

Mixing Ability/Compatibility 

It must be possible to mix all engine oils with each other, even synthetic with mineral oils, without causing any incompatibility problems. A further requirement is the compatibility with all materials contacted by oil, in particular oil seals, hoses and paint.

Good Thermal Conductivity/Good Cooling Property 

Engine oil makes an important contribution to the cooling of an engine. It must transfer heat from friction surfaces, and combustion heat away from affected areas. The oil absorbed heat is carried back to the oil pan where it is transferred to the surrounding air.

Good Dispersant/Detergent Qualities 

To limit or slow down the formation of combustion deposits and acidic components, together with abrasive particles and dirt from the intake air, good engine oils contain a detergent additive. Deposits of carbon and dirt are loosened and suspended in the oil, being drained away at the next oil change.

Oxidation Inhibitors and Aging Stability 

Oxidation can be described as the oxygen absorption of hydrocarbons formed in the oil. The results of oxidation have a negative impact on viscosity causing corrosion on certain metals and the formation of sludge. Inhibitors are added to prevent oxidation from occurring. A good engine oil must maintain its stability during the required oil change intervals.

Good Lubricating Oil Must:

1. Lubricate moving parts to minimize wear.
2. Lubricate moving parts to minimize loss from friction.
3. Remove heat from engine parts by acting as a cooling agent.
4. Absorb shocks between bearings and other engine parts, reducing engine noise and extending engine life.
5. Form a good seal between piston rings and cylinder walls.
6. Act as a cleaning agent.

2.0 GRADING OF OILS

3.0 ENGINE OIL CHANGE INTERVALS

With the introduction of the 1999 Model Year vehicles BMW has introduced an extended oil change interval of approximately 15,000 miles (depending on engine operating conditions) on most models.

To coincide with the increased oil change interval, BMW introduced "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil" which is recommended for use on all 1999 Model Year vehicles (except E36 318ti, 323is/iC, 328is/iC, M3, M Roadster and M Coupe models) whenever a service is necessary.

Additional information can be obtained from the BMW website (www.bmwusa.com) and toll free number (1-800-831-1117).

BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil may also be used on Model Year 1999 E36 (3-Series and M models) as well has Model Year 1998 and earlier BMW models.

The oil change intervals should not be extended due to the greater durability of a fully synthetic engine oil. The engine oil and filter should always be changed as per the vehicle's Service Interval 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. 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 Engine Oil Temperature/Viscosity Table below.

Other Oil Changes For Cars Without Service Indicator: 

Model Year(s)	Mileage
1980 and later	7,500
1975 thru 1979	6,500
1974 or earlier	4,000

Including oil filter. However, at least twice annually, preferably before and after the winter season.

Under severe driving conditions it is recommended to increase the number of oil services.

4.0 CONDITION BASED SERVICE

Condition Based Service measures, monitors, and determines the required maintenance of several service items independent from each other. This technology prompts the customer to bring the vehicle for service whenever one of the CBS items requires maintenance or replacement. CBS strikes a compromise between too frequent maintenance and too rigid service intervals that call for the replacement of service items which may still have substantial remaining useful life. CBS also details the recommended, due, and overdue required maintenance during and after the BMW Vehicle Maintenance Program Agreement. Thus, CBS allows BMW customers to experience a technology that makes service more convenient, transparent and structured.

Refer to applicable New Vehicle Preparation and Maintenance Requirements Service Information Bulletins in TIS.

5.0 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.

6.0 BREAK-IN INSTRUCTIONS

During the break-in period of a new engine or parts of a reconditioned engine (new bearings, crankshaft, pistons, etc.) BMW engines do not require special break-in oils.

A multiple grade engine oil that conforms with BMW specifications can be used for this purpose.

7.0 NG6 FRONT AND REAR RADIAL SEAL SEALANT

When replacing the front or rear radial crankshaft seals on new generation 6 cylinder engines, use of a special Loctite® sealant is recommended to fill the seal grooves at the bedplate seam. Follow the appropriate repair instruction in TIS:

1. RA 11 14 005 - Front radial crankshaft seal replacement
2. RA 11 14 151 - Replacing crankshaft radial seal (rear)

All special tools required to perform these repairs have been sent out through the automatic tool shipment program and are listed in S.I. Bulletin 04 01 06 .

Recommended Materials:

1. P/N 83 19 7 536 051 - Loctite® 128357 sealant compound\
2. P/N 83 19 7 515 683 - Loctite® 171000 primer
3. P/N 83 19 7 515 684 - Stamp

8.0 LUBRICANT FOR OXYGEN SENSOR

Application of Bostik NEVER-SEEZ® (Part No. NSBT-16) to threads of oxygen sensor is recommended.

9.0 OIL CONSUMPTION

All engines normally consume a certain amount of engine oil. This is necessary in order to properly lubricate the cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings, valves and turbocharger(s), if equipped.

In addition, engines with less than 6,000 miles will generally consume additional engine oil because the internal engine components are not fully seated (break-in). Therefore, engine oil consumption complaints received prior to 6,000 miles cannot be considered.

Once a new or remanufactured engine has accumulated 6,000 miles, oil consumption can be considered if there is a drastic change in the engine oil consumption rate (e.g., the engine oil consumption rate triples) under similar driving conditions.

Engines equipped with a turbocharger(s) will consume more engine oil than normally aspirated engines (non-turbocharged). The additional oil that is consumed in a turbocharged engine is mainly due to the turbocharger lubrication requirements. Some of the engine oil normally migrates past the turbocharger turbine bearing seals and will enter the intake tract of the engine. All turbocharged engines also require a complex crankcase ventilation system. The crankcase ventilation system needs to maintain a small vacuum on the crankcase and not allow the crankcase to be pressurized.

Pressurizing the engine crankcase can lead to external engine oil leaks and increased engine oil consumption via the piston rings and valve seals. When the load and the boost level of a turbocharged engine is varied, the path of the crankcase pressure is changed. During the crankcase ventilation path transition, a small amount of engine oil will pass through the crankcase ventilation system and is additionally consumed. The additional engine oil consumption of a turbocharged engine, as compared to a normally aspirated engine, is normal and not a defect.

10.0 BMW ENGINE OIL PART NUMBER TRANSITION AND MODEL YEAR 2016 ENGINE OILS

11.0 ENGINE OIL CAPACITY

Engine oil capacity quick reference chart for all engines.