Approved Engine Oils

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 104 other vehicles, including the 2010 BMW Z4, 2010 BMW X6 M, 2010 BMW X6, 2010 BMW X5 M, and 2010 BMW X5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

For BMW gasoline engines with two valves per cylinder, all reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed the API classification of SH. (Combination with diesel oil specifications CD or CE quality classifications are also permitted, e.g. SH/CE etc.)
For BMW gasoline engines with four valves per cylinder, only reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed the API classification of SH. (Combination with diesel oil specifications CD or CE quality classifications are also permitted, e.g. SH/CE etc.)
For BMW turbocharged diesel engines, all reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed the API classification CD/CE.

*Engine oil may be mineral or synthetic based.

Special Oils category has been replaced by BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (5W-30). It eliminates the need for seasonal oil changes since it covers all ambient temperature ranges.

BMW of North America has introduced a line of exclusively formulated High Performance Engine Oils which exceed existing international quality specifications (SAE/CCMC) for motor oils. BMW part numbers are:

ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

SAE 5W-30 (SJ/CF) BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil	1 quart	Part No. 07 51 0 017 866
SAE 15W-40 (SJ/CF) BMW High Performance Mineral Oil	1 quart	Part No. 07 51 0 017 868

Motorsport Engines

E46 M3 / S54E36 M roadster, M coupe / S54 from start of production

E39 M5 / S62 Up to 3/2000

E52 Z8 / S62 Up to 3/2000

E60 M5 / S85 From start of production

E63 M6 From start of production

E64 M6 From start of production

E85 Z4 M Coupe / Z4 M Roadster From start of production

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil Part No. 07 51 0 009 420 (1quart)

E39 M5 / S62 From 3/2000

E52 Z8 / S62 From 3/2000

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil SAE 5W-30 Part No. 07 51 0 017 866 Or BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil Part No. 07 51 0 009 420 (1quart)

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 5W-30 and 10W-60 offer several benefits over conventional mineral based oils.