List of Motor Oils That Can Meet LL-01

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

BMW LL-01 0w30 Oil List

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.

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.

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.

Related: BMW Brake Fluid Change Cost

BMW LL-01 5w30 Oil List

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.

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.

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.

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. 

Related: BMW X5 Oil Type & Oil Capacity

BMW LL-01 5w40 Oil List

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. 

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

Red Line Oil 5 W40 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.

BMW LL-01 0w40 Oil List

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.

RAVENOL J1A1555 SSL 0W-40 Fully Synthetic

In addition to all the benefits associated with the Ravenol brand, this oil has exceptional cold starting capabilities. In high temperatures, it forms a layer on the various engine parts for protection against heat damage. This provides stability while preventing corrosion, which can easily lead to wear and tear. Its perfect viscosity easily adapts to the different driving conditions while cushioning the engine from any damage. 

Key features:

• Forms a thick layer in the engine parts in high temperatures for protection.
• Perfect flow in cold weather ensures proper lubrication of the engine.
• Extra additives prevent formation of sludge keeping the engine clean.

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.

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.

With the above List of Motor Oils That Can Meet LL-01 Standard, you can easily choose the right oil for your BMW.

Leave us a comment if there is any product not included in the list!