2026 BMW m340i 0W-12 Only?

[jackal2001]

Hello, For the past week I've been scouring the web looking for answers for the oils which can be used in my 2026 m340i in North America. I've seen that sheet from back in 2023/24 stating the oil brand and weights, but that is a few years old. It may also be from before BMW introduced the B58TU2 or Gen3 engine.

Anyway, I started a thread over at reddit and someone said to look for @edyvw here as well. Here is the thread:

Without re-hashing that entire thread, here is a quick summary of questions.
1. The owners manual states that only 0W-12 is suitable for the 40i engines. Only adding an additional 1 qt can use other specs.
2. Various threads trying to decipher what changed from the B58TU to B58TU2 may be the reason for 0W-12.
3. Is 0W-12 only for fuel economy and the use of hybrid tech in these engines along with start/stop?

I've also read every article I can come across such as:
https://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/bmw-0w-12-engine-oil-what-technicians-need-to-know/

What is safe to run in the B58TU2 North American cars? I don't care about fuel economy. I'd rather have my engine last as long as possible.

 

[JavierH19]

If it can use 12 grade it can use 20 and 30. If you want it to last a long time don't chance it and change frequently at every 3-5k oil is still cheap even with the price increases and metal is still expensive most likely even more expensive with the price increases now.

M1 esp 0w-20 and 0w-30 don't spec LL but are blended to meet it so you can use them if you want but most go to regular ll-01 and have no problem. You won't have a warranty issue in regards to what the oil takes care of if you take care of it and service it frequently.

 

[jackal2001]

Where did you get that from where it states the alternative viscosity? No where is that printed or stated for me. Not in the manual or any sticker.

 

[stevestroke08]

I bought a new 2024 X5 with the B58TU2 engine and it called for the 0W12 or the manual said you could run LL01-FE. I changed the oil at 500 miles to BMW branded 0W30 LL01-FE I purchased from a BMW dealer online for $45 per 5 liter jug at the time. I threw caution to wind when I changed my oil again at 5,000 miles and used Mobil 1 0W40 with the LL01 spec and have used it at every oil change since doing 5,000 miles intervals and just hit 30,000 miles.

If you want to stick to LL01-17 or FE spec there are plenty of options out there in 0W20 & 0W30 besides BMW branded oil.

 

[jackal2001]

I bought a new 2024 X5 with the B58TU2 engine and it called for the 0W12 or the manual said you could run LL01-FE. I changed the oil at 500 miles to BMW branded 0W30 LL01-FE I purchased from a BMW dealer online for $45 per 5 liter jug at the time. I threw caution to wind when I changed my oil again at 5,000 miles and used Mobil 1 0W40 with the LL01 spec and have used it at every oil change since doing 5,000 miles intervals and just hit 30,000 miles.

If you want to stick to LL01-17 or FE spec there are plenty of options out there in 0W20 & 0W30 besides BMW branded oil.

My point is there no where does it say to use anything other than 0W-12 in any of my manuals or on the sticker. Makes me wonder if they are just trying to ram 0W-12 down our throats or if there actually is some reason for it.

 

[edyvw]

Hello, For the past week I've been scouring the web looking for answers for the oils which can be used in my 2026 m340i in North America. I've seen that sheet from back in 2023/24 stating the oil brand and weights, but that is a few years old. It may also be from before BMW introduced the B58TU2 or Gen3 engine.

Anyway, I started a thread over at reddit and someone said to look for @edyvw here as well. Here is the thread:

Without re-hashing that entire thread, here is a quick summary of questions.
1. The owners manual states that only 0W-12 is suitable for the 40i engines. Only adding an additional 1 qt can use other specs.
2. Various threads trying to decipher what changed from the B58TU to B58TU2 may be the reason for 0W-12.
3. Is 0W-12 only for fuel economy and the use of hybrid tech in these engines along with start/stop?

I've also read every article I can come across such as:
https://www.tomorrowstechnician.com/bmw-0w-12-engine-oil-what-technicians-need-to-know/

What is safe to run in the B58TU2 North American cars? I don't care about fuel economy. I'd rather have my engine last as long as possible.

Hey,
Welcome to BITOG.
1. You have to think about warranty. The chances of BMW checking what oil you use are small, but they are there. In case something happens, they might ask for receipts etc. I personally would change oil at BMW during warranty every 10k. In between, I would do my own oil changes every 5K. I personally would never run such oil, BUT warranty is warranty.
2. You have GPF I think. That means you must run something that is low/mid SAPS, preferably approved for LL04. BMWs have a very stringent timing chain test. While Mobil 1 ESP 0W30 is exceptional stuff, and I use it, I would go Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 since it is LL04. That is after warranty. But if you don't care about warranty, that is the oil I would go with if you are going with over the shelf stuff.
3. If you are going with something boutique, check HPL Euro stuff that meets LL04 in 0W30 and 5W30 flavor, or Amsoil 5W30 AEL. Redline has Euro 5W30 that also meets LL04.

With this engine, the VANOS is not using oil pressure, but it is electronically controlled. However, keep in mind that your engine, when cold, runs much, MUCH thicker oil and it survives. Running thicker oil than recommended is never an issue. Running thinner oil is. Now, since it is a mild hybrid, there is an argument that thinner oil is better. But again, that system also works when the oil is thicker during warming up. I personally would stick to 30 grade (not 40) in LL04 flavor. If it doesn't have GPF, then we can talk LL01 options.

Also, that link you provided. Is absolutely useless. When I read this sentence: "Thinner oil flows faster at startup, reduces pumping losses, and allows BMW to run tighter bearing clearances without sacrificing hydrodynamic lubrication," I knew where this is going. 0W is 0W. It does not matter is it 0W12, 20, 30 or 40, it has to meet certain requirements when it comes to dynamic viscosity to be 0W. He confuses cold cranking performance (measured in CCS and MRV) with HTHS. Absolutely useless article.

 

[chris719]

If the car has an OPF, I would probably run the LL-17FE 0W-20 because LL-12FE and LL-04 in 0W-30 is very rare in North America. M1 ESP 5W-30 is the only readily available 30 grade LL-04 I think at retail.

 

[kschachn]

An oft asked question, here a but a few of the previous discussions.

The technical answer to your question is that you can use any BMW approval.

S

Thread 'BMW 0W-12'

Mar 13, 2024

Just got a 2024 BMW X5 40i with the B58 engine and the required oil weight for the current B58 engine design in the X5 is 0W12 per BMW spec LL-22 FE++. Just curious of your all thoughts on this oil? Seems it is only available in BMW branded oil at this time.

• stevestroke08
• Replies: 121
• Forum: European and Import Motor Oils

P

Thread 'BMW B58 gen3 - Limited engine oil choices?'

May 16, 2026

B58 gen3.
I found Castro Euro is LL17FE+ in the 0w-20 variant but it’s essentially out of stock everywhere.

Is there anything else other than LM/Motul/BMW oil that’s less expensive but still carries the approvals?

• ps2cho
• Replies: 45
• Forum: European and Import Motor Oils

H

Thread 'BMW B58 0W-12?'

Oct 17, 2022

So the manual for my new 2023 X7 (B58) shows this spec for the oil:

But under the hood there is this sticker????

Any ideas as to what is going on?

• haggis444
• Replies: 101
• Forum: European and Import Motor Oils

A

Thread 'BMW B58 Engine Oil Recommendation'

Jan 30, 2021

I posted this previously (will not mention car, warranty concerns ect). I'm just inquiring an unbiased oil suggestion for a B58 that is tuned (450 hp 550tq). FL climate. Didn't get a clear decision on what oil to run but wanted to give it another go.


Thanks

• afree
• Replies: 563
• Forum: European and Import Motor Oils

• 

 

[edyvw]

If the car has an OPF, I would probably run the LL-17FE 0W-20 because LL-12FE and LL-04 in 0W-30 is very rare in North America. M1 ESP 5W-30 is the only readily available 30 grade LL-04 I think at retail.

Castrol Edge 0W30 Euro now comes with LL04 too, but not readily available. I think in Walmart you can get Castrol Edge 5W30 K, but ESP would be a better oil. Good oil, cheap!

 

[kschachn]

Castrol Edge 0W30 Euro now comes with LL04 too, but not readily available. I think in Walmart you can get Castrol Edge 5W30 K, but ESP would be a better oil. Good oil, cheap!

Back when Walmart started selling ESP at the same price as the other M1 variants that was a good day.

 

[jackal2001]

Hey,
Welcome to BITOG.
1. You have to think about warranty. The chances of BMW checking what oil you use are small, but they are there. In case something happens, they might ask for receipts etc. I personally would change oil at BMW during warranty every 10k. In between, I would do my own oil changes every 5K. I personally would never run such oil, BUT warranty is warranty.
2. You have GPF I think. That means you must run something that is low/mid SAPS, preferably approved for LL04. BMWs have a very stringent timing chain test. While Mobil 1 ESP 0W30 is exceptional stuff, and I use it, I would go Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 since it is LL04. That is after warranty. But if you don't care about warranty, that is the oil I would go with if you are going with over the shelf stuff.
3. If you are going with something boutique, check HPL Euro stuff that meets LL04 in 0W30 and 5W30 flavor, or Amsoil 5W30 AEL. Redline has Euro 5W30 that also meets LL04.

With this engine, the VANOS is not using oil pressure, but it is electronically controlled. However, keep in mind that your engine, when cold, runs much, MUCH thicker oil and it survives. Running thicker oil than recommended is never an issue. Running thinner oil is. Now, since it is a mild hybrid, there is an argument that thinner oil is better. But again, that system also works when the oil is thicker during warming up. I personally would stick to 30 grade (not 40) in LL04 flavor. If it doesn't have GPF, then we can talk LL01 options.

Also, that link you provided. Is absolutely useless. When I read this sentence: "Thinner oil flows faster at startup, reduces pumping losses, and allows BMW to run tighter bearing clearances without sacrificing hydrodynamic lubrication," I knew where this is going. 0W is 0W. It does not matter is it 0W12, 20, 30 or 40, it has to meet certain requirements when it comes to dynamic viscosity to be 0W. He confuses cold cranking performance (measured in CCS and MRV) with HTHS. Absolutely useless article.

I only plan on using either 0W-12 LL-22++ or 0W-20 LL-17+. Nothing beyond this as the cars is brand new. Yes I do oil changes even before 5k miles or annually whichever comes first. For my first oil changes which are covered by the dealer, I'm sure they won't care what gets put in. I can ask for something but who knows if they will listen to me. For example use the 0w-20.
For this topic I'm not considering other oils. I will most likely stick with BMW oil. I'm just curious why there is nothing anywhere in my manuals or on the sticker that says alternate weights can be used.
I don't track the car and I'm not planning on doing launches either at least not anytime soon. I want to keep this one lasting 200k miles.
The components of the gen3 motors are all in question. Does the mild hybrid require 0W-12? Who knows. Maybe it is easier with start/stop and the hybrid functionality. I have no clue.

 

[edyvw]

Back when Walmart started selling ESP at the same price as the other M1 variants that was a good day.

I think it still is. In my local wal mart it is usually few bucks cheaper than EP.

 

[edyvw]

I only plan on using either 0W-12 LL-22++ or 0W-20 LL-17+. Nothing beyond this as the cars is brand new. Yes I do oil changes even before 5k miles or annually whichever comes first. For my first oil changes which are covered by the dealer, I'm sure they won't care what gets put in. I can ask for something but who knows if they will listen to me. For example use the 0w-20.
For this topic I'm not considering other oils. I will most likely stick with BMW oil. I'm just curious why there is nothing anywhere in my manuals or on the sticker that says alternate weights can be used.
I don't track the car and I'm not planning on doing launches either at least not anytime soon. I want to keep this one lasting 200k miles.
The components of the gen3 motors are all in question. Does the mild hybrid require 0W-12? Who knows. Maybe it is easier with start/stop and the hybrid functionality. I have no clue.

BMW has very confusing oil recommendations. Also, EPA does not allow language where users would steer away from the recommended grade that could affect CAFE. Toyota did that, but they actually had to also change recommendations and just stick to 0W8, 16 or 20.

 

[kschachn]

BMW has very confusing oil recommendations. Also, EPA does not allow language where users would steer away from the recommended grade that could affect CAFE. Toyota did that, but they actually had to also change recommendations and just stick to 0W8, 16 or 20.

Exactly. People then mistake this for some sort of mechanical requirement which it isn’t.

The truth is all those grades could be replaced by ESP or any Longlife-04 from Walmart for half the price of BMW oil. And do the engine a favor.

 

[jackal2001]

Exactly. People then mistake this for some sort of mechanical requirement which it isn’t.

The truth is all those grades could be replaced by ESP or any Longlife-04 from Walmart for half the price of BMW oil. And do the engine a favor.

That is what I was thinking. It is a mechanical requirement due to the mild hybrid, cylinder deactivation, electronic vanos pump, etc. That is why I'm thinking only 0w-12 is allowed due to these changes in the gen3 b58.
It seems.like bmw is intensionally hiding other oil viscosities just to keep the epa happy and keep the mpg numbers.

 

[Astro14]

That is what I was thinking. It is a mechanical requirement due to the mild hybrid, cylinder deactivation, electronic vanos pump, etc. That is why I'm thinking only 0w-12 is allowed due to these changes in the gen3 b58.
It seems.like bmw is intensionally hiding other oil viscosities just to keep the epa happy and keep the mpg numbers.

It simply cannot be a mechanical requirement of all that stuff - or the engine would fail to function properly when it was cold, and the oil was a hundred times thicker than it is at operating temperature.

 

[scrllock]

That is what I was thinking. It is a mechanical requirement due to the mild hybrid, cylinder deactivation, electronic vanos pump, etc. That is why I'm thinking only 0w-12 is allowed due to these changes in the gen3 b58.
It seems.like bmw is intensionally hiding other oil viscosities just to keep the epa happy and keep the mpg numbers.

All manufacturers have done this for decades in US engine bay stickers/manuals. Short of extreme edge-cases like an extreme mono-grade in cold temps, a thicker oil will do nothing but decrease wear at the cost of 1-2% mpg. Thus in other countries you will very frequently see other thicker viscosities listed as options.

GPF is expensive, I would definitely run a mid-SAPS 30 or 40 grade aside from warranty concerns. There are various ways to work around actually filling the engine with a 0w12. I would see if you can find any way to buy it locally without involving a dealer, keep copies of receipts, then return it unopened. Fraudulent, perhaps, but no one is hurt other than your time spent creating a receipt trail for a slim chance you ever need it.

Not super familiar with the gen3 but typically the manufacturer is just building extra safeguards to build up pressure earlier or handle MOFT loss. Quicker-spinning oil pumps and bearing coatings is generally what they'll do to make start-stop safer.

Of course, if you tune the engine, it's not under warranty and you should bump viscosity regardless.

 

[edyvw]

That is what I was thinking. It is a mechanical requirement due to the mild hybrid, cylinder deactivation, electronic vanos pump, etc. That is why I'm thinking only 0w-12 is allowed due to these changes in the gen3 b58.
It seems.like bmw is intensionally hiding other oil viscosities just to keep the epa happy and keep the mpg numbers.

Yes. EPA won’t assign certain mpg if BMW puts 0W12 but tells you then to use LL04.
Also, these engines already use on track 15W50 and God knows what.

 

[kschachn]

That is what I was thinking. It is a mechanical requirement due to the mild hybrid, cylinder deactivation, electronic vanos pump, etc. That is why I'm thinking only 0w-12 is allowed due to these changes in the gen3 b58.
It seems.like bmw is intensionally hiding other oil viscosities just to keep the epa happy and keep the mpg numbers.

They’re not hiding anything. They are bound by the EPA award and obligated to strenuously dissuade the consumer from using any grade which wasn’t used for the fuel consumption testing. If you think that is hyperbole then read one of the EPA letters to the manufacturer.

None of the mechanical stuff you list has anything to do with it. That engine will operate just fine on a 50-grade as @edyvw noted.

 

[kschachn]

It simply cannot be a mechanical requirement of all that stuff - or the engine would fail to function properly when it was cold, and the oil was a hundred times thicker than it is at operating temperature.

And here in the great white north many engines never reach normal operating temperature on shorter runs during the winter. That viscosity difference is much greater than the grade difference. Vehicles would be littering the road if true, and it would constitute a terrible design by the manufacturer.