When doing an oil change for your BMW, it requires using engine oils with LL-01 specification. So, what does LL 01 oil mean? What oils are LL-01?
Generally, LL-01 oil or BMW Longlife-01 is a certification of BMW for gasoline vehicles. There are some requirements from BMW that oil brands need to meet when producing oils for them.
This article explains more about the LL-01 standard. Furthermore, you will easily find the approved oil list with the named approvals for this certification.
Let’s get started!
What Does LL-01 Oil Mean?
LL-01 oil or BMW Longlife-01 is a certification of BMW for gasoline vehicles. The oils certified by BMW LL-01 must meet ACEA A3/B3 and API: SJ/CD EC-II
The viscosity is graded as SAE 0W30, 5W30, 5W40, and 10W60.
BMW first revised detergents and additives for the recommended oils, targeting to have cars cover up to 15,000 miles before service oil change. This was fine until the cars ran out of warranty and mileage. Negative effects of extended oil changes became apparent. To deal with this, levels of ZDDP were gradually lowered, and replaced with more additives. Because of its compatibility with LL-98 approved engines, and the US fuel sulfur level compatibility, LL-01 oil continues as the best choice for most people.
BMW LL-01 Approved Oils List
Below is a list of certified BMW LL-01 oils.
Type the viscosity grade in the SEARCH BOX to find the approved product. E.g. 0W40
| Product Name | Viscosity | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castrol Edge A3/B4 0W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic | 0W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-30 | 0W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Red Line 11144 0W-30 Motor Oil | 0W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Pennzoil 6PK Platinum Euro-L Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil | 5W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Red Line (15305) 5W30 Motor Oil | 5W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 | 5W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Pentosin High Performance 5W-30 | 5W30 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Valvoline 5W-40 MST SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil | 5W40 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Castrol Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil | 5W40 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Red Line Oil 5 W40 Motor Oil | 5W40 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40 | 0W40 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Liqui Moly SAE 0W-40 | 0W40 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Motul MTL104533 8101 0w40 X-Max | 0W40 | Check Price at Amazon | |
| Red Line 11124 0W40 Motor Oil | 0W40 | Check Price at Amazon |
BMW LL-01 0w30 Oil List
Castrol Edge 0W30
Valvoline European Vehicle 0W30
Red Line 11144 0W30
Castrol Edge A3/B4 0W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic
Castrol Edge is formulated to meet every driver’s expectation. Today’s engines demand high-quality oils for maximum performance. This oil protects against harmful deposits that can adversely affect the capacity of the engine. The inclusion of fluid Titanium Technology in its formation further enhances its performance, especially when the pressure is high.
Key features:
- Ability to transform and withstand high pressure and protect the engine from damage.
- Creates a film in the parts, thus reducing friction for reduced wear and tear.
- Meets BMW LL-01 standards and exceeds API SL, ACEA A3, ACEA B3, ACEA B4 requirements.
- Performs well even in low temperatures.
Castrol Edge A3/B4 0W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-30
As you drive your vehicle, your engine faces different levels of wear and tear, which can lead to fatal damages. You may also experience low performance. That’s why you need quality engine oil that can help you deal with the challenges. Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic oil offers protection to both gasoline and diesel engines. Asides from being synthetic, it has added antioxidants and detergents for enhanced engine performance.
Key features:
- Detergents that keep the engine clean from deposits that compromise performance
- Antioxidants that deter corrosion of the metal parts.
- Anti-wear additives give you a longer-lasting engine.
- Ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-30
Red Line 11144 0W-30 Motor Oil
Driving in colder environments can be extra demanding on your engine, which can significantly lower its life. Fortunately, Red Line motor oil offers a solution to counter this. It has good flow in extremely cold temperatures and has a lower evaporation level in comparison to other synthetic oils. This feature makes it stand out.
Key features:
- It is a fully synthetic ester formula, thus ideal for use by light trucks, marine applications, passenger cars, and performance vehicles
- Stability in high temperature with added antioxidants for proper lubrication and protection.
- Added detergents keep the engine clean
- High viscosity provides a thicker film for engine parts protection.
Red Line 11144 0W-30 Motor Oil
Related: BMW Brake Fluid Change Cost
BMW LL-01 5w30 Oil List
Pennzoil Platinum 5W30
Red Line 5W30
Valvoline European Vehicle 5W30
Pennzoil – 550042833-6PK Platinum Euro-L Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
The oil manufacturing process keeps evolving to keep up with the changes in engine designs. Pennzoil Platinum Euro-L oil formulation uses PurePlus Technology, which involves converting natural gas to form base oil where necessary additives are included to come up with the engine oil. From the above process, there is production of high-performance oil that offers complete protection to the engine.
Key features:
- Protecting the engine against harmful deposits, wear and tear ensure that the engine maintains its horsepower.
- Fast flow in cold temperatures and low evaporation rate during hot weather helps the engine to uphold high performance all through.
- A clean engine translates to better fuel economy as it performs optimally.
- Extra antioxidants provide superior protection against corrosion.
Pennzoil – 550042833-6PK Platinum Euro-L Full Synthetic 5W-30
Red Line (15305) 5W30 Motor Oil.
Although Red Line Motor oil is fully synthetic, the ester formula gives it high natural viscosity and multi-grade properties. The oil easily flows in the engine parts, lubricating them with a thick oil film providing high-level protection. Multi-grade properties aid in maintaining the quality of oil, and reduce the need for too many additives that often hinder proper lubricity. That’s why it has become popular among passenger cars, marine applications, and light trucks.
Key features:
- Superior stability in high temperatures with less evaporation, and proper lubrication, for a longer-lasting engine.
- A ring seal provides more power and improved fuel economy.
- High detergent levels give you a clean engine.
- Antioxidants provide advanced protection from wear and tear.
Red Line (15305) 5W30 Full Synthetic
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30
If you’re driving a car that has a European engine, this is your ideal oil. Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic oil, made in America, has all the desirable properties. It goes through advanced formulation to protect your engine. It doesn’t matter whether it is gas or diesel.
Key features:
- Extra detergent to keep your engine clean.
- Dispersants ensure that there is no formation of sludge and protects the engine from deposits.
- Premium additives that aid in heat resistance and continual smooth operation even in extreme driving conditions.
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30
Pentosin 8043206 Pento High Performance 5W-30
Pentosin is well established in the oil industry for the manufacture of premium products. Pento High-Performance oil is designed for use by the recent engines. It meets the high demands by protecting the extended service intervals. The oil is versatile and can be used for both diesel and gas engines, be they turbocharged or otherwise.
Key features:
- Friction modifiers for ultimate protection, resulting in excellent engine performance
- Ability to operate well under extreme weather conditions.
- Protect the engine from harmful deposits and sludge formation, extending its life and performance.
- Approved for first fill and refill for vehicles.
Pentosin 8043206 Pento High Performance 5W-30
Related: BMW X5 Oil Type & Oil Capacity
BMW LL-01 5w40 Oil List
Valvoline 5W-40 MST
Castrol 06249 Edge 5W-40
Red Line Oil 5W40
Valvoline 5W-40 MST SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
There are three (3) major causes of engine malfunction, and eventual failure are wear and tear, deposits, and heat. Valvoline 5W-40 MST SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil has impeccable ability to deal with these issues and ensure that your engine functions remain optimum. The oil is designed for modern engines and meets all the requirements for emission control.
Key features:
- High-quality additives that provide excellent protection and enhance performance.
- Wear protection minimizes sludge formation and harmful deposits keeping the engine clean.
- Viscosity control for stability in hot weather and easy flow during cold temperatures.
Valvoline 5W-40 MST SynPower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Castrol 06249 Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Castrol 06249 Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oils are manufactured under stringent conditions for high-quality standards. There is the use of liquid titanium technology; therefore, the oil can withstand pressure. When temperatures are high, it transforms by increasing film strength to avoid breakdown. In low temperatures, the oil retains a great flow to the engine to avoid hard starts.
Key features:
- Suitable for both gas and diesel engines.
- Protects the engine against oxidation, wear and tear
- It exceeds most of the certification requirements in the oil production industry
Castrol 06249 Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Red Line Oil 5W40 Motor Oil
Like all the Redline oils, the ester formula is incorporated here to give you high-quality oils. All the other properties are similar except for a few improvements:
- High viscosity that provides thicker oil film in the engine parts for improved performance.
- Superior ability to withstand high temperature, making it suitable for high-performance vehicles.
- High oxidation resistance ensures constant lubrication.
Red Line Oil 5W40 Motor Oil
BMW LL-01 0w40 Oil List
Valvoline European Vehicle 0W-40
Liqui Moly SAE 0W-40
Motul MTL1045
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40
When you buy this oil, you get all the benefits associated with Valvoline European full synthetic oils. They include additional antioxidants and detergents that keep your engine clean. The oil has extra detergents that prevent the formation of sludge and deposits that compromise the performance of your car’s engine.
Key features:
- Extra additives for enhanced and improved performance.
- Antioxidants and detergents help prevent corrosion and formation of harmful deposits to the engine.
- Right viscosity that is stable under heat, and flows well in cold weather.
Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-40
Liqui Moly SAE 0W-40
Liqui Moly 0W-40 stands out with its advanced formulation designed to offer superior performance in all driving conditions. Known for its outstanding lubrication properties, this oil ensures your engine runs smoothly and efficiently. In extreme cold, it flows easily, providing excellent lubrication during startup. In high temperatures, Liqui Moly 0W-40 maintains a stable, protective layer on engine components, preventing heat-related wear and corrosion. This oil also contains special additives that keep your engine clean by preventing sludge and deposits.
Key features:
- Maintains a protective layer on engine parts in high temperatures to prevent wear and corrosion.
- Ensures excellent flow and lubrication in cold weather, facilitating easy engine startup.
- Contains additives that prevent sludge formation, keeping the engine clean and running efficiently.
Liqui Moly SAE 0W-40
Motul MTL104533 8101 0w40 X-Max
Motul MTL104533 8101 0w40 X-Max is the ideal oil for high-performance and sports model cars. It has extra additives that keep the engine clean, by protecting it from sludge formation, deposits, and oxidation. As a result, your engine will have high performance.
Key features:
- Superior resistance to heat which upholds high engine performance.
- Added detergents for a continuously clean engine.
- Smooth rides as a result of different additives.
Motul MTL104533 8101 0w40 X-Max
Can We Use Non-LL-01 Oil If We Change More Often?
Yes. Several synthetic oils are API compliant though not listed as LL-01 certified. However, their performance is not guaranteed, and in some cases, you risk voiding your warranty.
The use of conventional oil is highly discouraged because it significantly affects the engine’s life and performance.
Final Thought
Choosing the best oil for your engine is important as it helps you determine the life of your engine, its performance, and how well your vehicle will behave during drives. I personally use Liqui Moly in all my German/European vehicles, so I would recommend Liqui Moly 0W-40, but keep in mind it can be very expensive.
With the above List of Motor Oils That Can Meet LL-01 Standard, you can easily choose the right oil for your BMW.
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