[2003-2022] BMW X5 Oil Type & Oil Capacity

Owning a vehicle is the beginning of a journey. It could be exciting or otherwise depending on how you maintain it, especially the engine, which is core. 

If you have a BMW X5, it’s very important to know the oil type and capacity for your vehicle. This information is available in your owner’s manual. But to pick the right product for your BMW X5 can be a daunting task. 

This article also looks at the best BMW X5 specified oils for both gasoline and diesel engines based on their viscosity and features.

BMW X5 Oil Type

BMW X5 Oil Specifications

BMW is known for its high-end and high-performance vehicles. Like any other car manufacturer, BMW does not manufacture oils. But their vehicles require  specific oils that are stable and have a wide range of viscosity. 

For identification purposes, there are specific codes that guide you on the best oil for your vehicle. You will get this information on your car manual or the manufacturers’ website. 

All the oils with the BMW oil specification begin with the letters BMW, followed by LL to denote Longlife and then numbers and letters representing viscosity and any other particular characteristic. For example, FE for fuel economy and 14+ for vehicles manufactured in 2014 onwards.   

There are many specifications used for BMW vehicles: BMW LL-98, BMW LL-01, BMW LL-01FE, BMW LL-04, BMW LL-12, BMW LL-14+, BMW LL-17FE. You need to check carefully in your manual to use the right spec for your vehicle. For instance, gasoline and diesel engines require different oil specifications. That’s why you should be careful when picking the best suited product for your BMW X5. Read on next parts to know the oil type used for BMW X5 diesel or gasoline engines. 

CAUTION: Although BMW LL-04 is portrayed as suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, BMW disapproves of its use in US gasoline engines because there are high levels of sulfur in our gasoline. 

Viscosity Grade

For BMW vehicles, the most common types are those with the 0w30, 5w30, and 5w40 oil grades. 

These oils perform equally well under hot temperatures. The difference is visible in cold weather, where 0w30 will thicken less than 5w30 and 5w40, making it unsuitable for use.

Fortunately, you do not have to guess which oil is best for your vehicle as all the details are well laid out in the user’s manual. If you do not have it, you will get it on the manufacturers’ website.

BMW X5 Diesel Oil Type

For quality assurance purposes, all BMW X5 diesel engine oils should meet the BMW LL-04 (5w-30) or LL-12fe (0w-30) specifications. 

Here is a list of recommended oils categorized by their grading.

0w30

	BMW Twin Power Turbo	Motul Specific
BMW Specs	LL-12FE	LL-12FE
OEM Parts
Wear Protection
Fuel Economy
Wide Range of Temp
Extend Changing Interval
Keeps Engine Clean
Reduces Pollutant Emission
Price	Expensive	Cheaper

BMW Twin Power Turbo SAE 0W-30 Diesel Engine Oil

This BMW oil meets the BMW Long Life 12FE specifications. It was released in 2016 and has increased performance with superior protection for both the turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines. Among the improvements is incorporating cleaning agents that protect the engine from deposits and corrosion, thus prolonging the engine’s life. 

Performance Highlights:

• LL-FE12 certified
• Stability in a wide range of operating temperatures
• Provides superior protection for turbocharged and non-turbocharged engines
• Actives treatment helps protect forming deposit and corrosion

---

Motul Specific LL-12 FE 0W30 Fully Synthetic Engine Oil

Motul Specific LL-12 FE 0W30 is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines. It is approved by BMW as a Long Life lubricant and meets the ACEA C2 standards. This oil performs highly with all the above features and guarantees you a well-lubricated engine that will serve you for a long time, thanks to its synthetic nature.

One more special feature is that the lubricant can offer great energy saving, up to 1.5% compared to the BMW reference chart. It also can meet the requirements for CO2 emission reductions. 

CAUTION: BMW LL-04 can be used for gasoline engines only in European Union countries, Switzerland, Norway, and Liechtenstein.

Performance Highlights:

• OEM approved LL-12FE
• Facilitate cold start
• Helps reduce friction
• Bring good fuel economy benefit
• Reduce sludge and corrosion
• Reduce CO2 emission

---

5w30

	Liqui Moly 4200	Triax Euro Ultra	Motul 8100 X-Clean
BMW Specs	LL-04	LL-04	LL-04
OEM Parts
Wear Protection
Fuel Economy
Wide Range of Temp
Extend Changing Interval
Keeps Engine Clean
Reduces Pollutant Emission
Price	Expensive	Cheaper	Cheapest

Liqui Moly 4200 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil

This Liqui Moly 4200 motor oil will serve you in all seasons. In line with its grading, whether it is cold or hot, the oil will adjust accordingly to ensure that your engine is well lubricated. Its formation includes a combination of unconventional base oils and additives to provide protection and increase fuel economy. It is compatible with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF) and catalytic converters (CAT). The recommended oil change interval may be up to 30,000 mileages or 2 years for low mileage drivers. 

However, one of the big downsides of the product is its price. It is quite expensive compared with other alternatives. 

Performance Highlights:

• OEM approvals: BMW Longlife-04
• Helps reduce oil & fuel consumption
• Suitable for diesel and gasoline engines
• Protects against wear and corrosion 

---

Triax Euro Ultra VX 5W-30 Full Synthetic

Triax Euro Ultra 5w30 is designed for US and European diesel and gasoline engines.

This is a full synthetic and low ash motor oil. Triax built this oil with PAO (Polyalphaolephin) to bring high protection and excellent thermal stability under severe conditions. Moreover, the product is formulated for long drain intervals, which can exceed 20,000 miles. 

Triax claims that they would permit the full service if your vehicle gets any problem even though it is still under OEM warranty. However, this is a new brand in the automotive community, so it’s not popular. But, until now, the product has not received any negative reviews from customers and users. Let’s see what this new guy can bring to our BMW X5. 

Performance Highlights:

• Meets BMW Longlife 04 (LL-04)
• PAO motor oil that is suitable for European diesel and gasoline engines
• Gives quiet and smooth engine operation
• Helps prevent deposits and ash buildup
• Accepts full service for vehicles still under OEM warranty

---

Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W30

For many years, Motul has produced automotive lubricants that meet the needs of the growing motor industry. Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W30 is a fully synthetic oil that is resistant to high temperatures. It has additives that protect the engine from wear and prevent friction, therefore prolonging its life. Its low volatility reduces oil consumption for a longer service interval. Also, this fluid withstands pressure making it ideal for use in all conditions.

According to the datasheet from Motul, this product can be used for the latest generation of BMW. However, the lubricant is suitable for gasoline engines only in European Union countries. Please note this if you want to apply it for your gasoline engines. 

Performance Highlights:

• Reduces oil consumption
• Protects engines from wear and corrosion
• High shear stability
• OEM approvals: BMW longlife 04 (LL-04)

---

5w40

	Liqui Moly 4100	Pentosin High Performance	Motul 8100
BMW Specs	LL-04	LL-04	LL-04
OEM Parts
Wear Protection
Fuel Economy
Wide Range of Temp
Extend Changing Interval
Keeps Engine Clean
Reduces Pollutant Emission
Price	Cheapest	Cheaper	Expensive

Liqui Moly 5W-40 4100 Low Ash Synthetic

This Liqui Moly oil is ideal for vehicles requiring oils with the BMW Longlife-04 (bis MJ 2018) specification. It serves both diesel and gasoline engines and has a viscosity that lubricates well even in very high temperatures. 

Additionally, the oil protects the engine against wear and ensures economical fuel consumption. If your vehicle is fitted with a diesel particulate filter, is turbocharged, or has a catalytic converter, this oil will still give you the desired service.

Performance Highlights

• For gasoline and diesel engines (Euro 4, Euro 5, and Euro 6 emission standards)
• Helps reduce fuel and oil consumption 
• Provides exceptional wearing protection
• OEM approvals: BMW Longlife 04 (LL-04)

---

Motul 8100 5W40

Motul 8100 5W40 is high performance full synthetic oil that is formulated for the recent engines that are larger and more powerful. It is compatible with catalytic converters and is approved for BMW vehicles even when under warranty. The product also includes detergents and dispersant powder in its formation to increase the performance by preventing deposits to the engine. I addition, this fluid helps keep the engine clean for extended service.

Performance Highlights

• OEM Performances: BMW Longlife 04 (LL-04)
• Suitable for larger and powerful engines
• Includes detergents and dispersant powder
• Prevents deposits
• Helps clean the engines

---

Pentosin High Performance II 5W-40 Full Synthetic

This is a newly formulated, high-performance engine oil. It contains friction modifiers that combine with other additives for optimum engine performance. The lubricant is all season, meaning that it performs well even when temperatures are extremely high or low. By continuous lubrication, the engine is well protected, and you will experience improved fuel economy. It is also designed to serve you for a year before service change.

Performance Highlights

• OEM Performances: BMW Longlife 04 (LL-04)
• Stretchs changing interval
• Suitable for year round use
• Protects catalytic converter
• Improves fuel economy 

BMW X5 Gasolines Oil Type

Gasoline engines tend to be more sensitive as they have more parts compared to diesel ones. Hence, it is essential to have the right oils for excellent performance and safety.

Here is a list of the engine oils recommended for the BMW X5.

CAUTION: Although BMW LL-04 is portrayed as suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, BMW disapproves of its use in US gasoline engines because there are high levels of sulfur in our gasoline. 

0w30

	BMW Twin Power Turbo	Valvoline European Vehicle	Castrol Edge A3/B4
BMW Specs	LL-01FE	LL-01, LL-01FE, LL-12FE, LL-04	LL-01FE
OEM Parts
Wear Protection
Fuel Economy
Wide Range of Temp
Extend Changing Interval
Keeps Engine Clean
Reduces Pollutant Emission
Price (1 quart)	Expensive	Cheaper	Cheapest

BMW Twin power Turbo Ll-01 FE

This is the perfect fit for your vehicle. Being a genuine OEM, it is a direct fit as the manufacturers understand every one of the car’s needs. You are assured of quality, performance, and authenticity. This oil provides your engine with the much-needed lubrication for effective performance and fuel efficiency. 

This new lubricant provides better protection in the wide range of temperatures. In addition, this product also improves cold start oil pressure.

CAUTION: BMW has discontinued the 5W30 LL-01 TwinPower Turbo and replaced it with 0W30 LL-01FE. Therefore, this 0W30 is backward compatible with vehicles requiring BMW 5W30.

Performance Highlights

• Genuine OEM for BMW
• Helps improve cold start pressure
• Reduces friction
• Exhibits good viscosity properties

---

Castrol Edge A3/B4 0W30

Castrol Edge 0w30 meets the BMW Longlife 01 specifications, making it suitable for the BMW engines. During its formation, the manufacturer used fluid titanium technology. As a result, the oil is stable under pressure. It keeps the engine well lubricated, avoiding unnecessary friction, thus preventing wear. The engine performs optimally, and there is improved fuel economy.

Performance Highlights

• Increases oil film strength up to 30%
• Ten times stronger against oil thickness in cold weather 
• Increase engine horsepower
• Improves fuel economy

---

Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0W-30

This Valvoline oil meets and exceeds most of the oil specifications. It is suitable for your car because it meets BMW LL-01, BMW LL-01FE, BMW LL-12FE, BMW LL-04 specifications. It is fully synthetic with exceptional temperature protection and fuel economy. It also has wear protection that helps the engine parts last longer.

Performance Highlights

• Suitable for most European vehicles
• Meets BMW LL-01, BMW LL-01FE, BMW LL-12FE, BMW LL-04
• Full synthetic formula for a wide range of temperature 
• Outstanding wear protection
• Detergents added help protect against sludge and deposits

---

5w30

	BMW 5W-30 Full Synthetic	Red Line 5W30 full synthetic	Castrol Edge A3/B4 5W-30
BMW Specs	LL-01FE	LL-01	LL-01
OEM Parts
Unsurpassed Wear Protection
Fuel Economy
Stability in a Wide Range of Temp
Extend Changing Interval
Keeps Engine Clean
Reduces Pollutant Emission
Price (1 quart)	Expensive	Cheaper	Cheapest

BMW SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic

BMW SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic oil is approved for gasoline engines only and is used in the dealership as the factory engine oil. It was specially formulated for the USA market, where fuel has high sulfur content. Also, it works well in both the old and new engines to give you maximum performance regardless of whether your engine is turbocharged or normally aspirated.

Performance Highlights

• Longlife-01 FE certified
• Formulated for the US market.
• Meets requirements with the high sulfur content in the fuels
• Current oil used in BMW dealerships
• Suitable for new and old BMW engines

---

Red Line 5W30 full synthetic

This Red Line oil is popular across the motor industry for small cars, light trucks, and marine applications. It protects the engine from wear, reduces friction, and has detergents that maintain cleanliness in the engine. It is also stable across different levels of temperature, ensuring that the engine is always well lubricated. It also improves fuel efficiency and is compatible with other motor oils.

When you decide to pick this product, you should keep in mind that the product is not suitable for older BMW engines. 

Performance Highlights

• Suitable for most late-model BMW
• Excellent friction reduction & wear protection in a wide range of operating conditions
• Helps extend the drain intervals
• Improves fuel economy
• High viscosity index provides thicker oil film in cams & bearings

---

Castrol Edge A3/B4 5W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic

Castrol Edge A3/B4 5W-30 oil is formulated with Titanium technology to enhance engine performance further. It can withstand extreme pressure and continue to perform well while protecting the engine from damage. Metal to metal contact is also reduced, preventing friction and extending the engines’ life. It also prevents the engine from deposits that could be harmful.

Performance Highlights

• Meet BMW Longlife-01
• Fluid TITANIUM maximum engine performance
• Exceptional wear protection
• Most recommended for BMW engines

---

5w40

	Castrol Edge	Pennzoil Platinum Euro	Liqui Moly Leichtlauf
BMW Specs	LL-01	LL-01	LL-01
OEM Parts
Wear Protection
Fuel Economy
Wide Range of Temp
Extend Changing Interval
Keeps Engine Clean
Reduces Pollutant Emission
Price (1 quart)	Cheap	Cheap	Expensive

Castrol Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic

This Castrol oil is said to be 42 percent better in fighting deposits that rob power off the engine. It offers engine protection against oxidation, wear, and harmful deposits. It is manufactured using liquid titanium technology that enables it to stabilize under extreme temperature for continuous lubrication. It meets the BMW Longlife 01 specifications and exceeds all the other certifications in the oil industry regulations.

Performance Highlights

• Meets BMW Longlife-01
• Improves oil film strength by 30%
• Performs 10x better in a wide range of temperature
• 6X better in improving fuel economy

---

Pennzoil Platinum Euro Full Synthetic 5W-40

If you’re looking for an oil that will keep your engine clean, then this is your choice. You get improved fuel economy and protection against corrosion and wear. Pure plus technology is used during the formulation of this oil, which enables it to keep a steady flow in low temperatures and prevent breakdown when it is hot. It is suitable for both gasoline and light diesel applications. 

Performance Highlights

• Provides excellent performance in extreme temperatures
• Protects horsepower perfectly
• Helps the piston cleaner 
• Unsurpassed wear protection
• Maximizes fuel economy

---

Liqui Moly 2332 Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40

Whenever the engine is well lubricated, it performs well. The service is further enhanced when you use the recommended oil. When oil flows well, it reduces friction, protects the engine against wear, and improves fuel economy. This oil provides all this and more by remaining fluid in low temperatures and being stable when hot. Additionally, it is compatible with other engine oils and is approved and certified by BMW Longlife-01, among others. 

• Meets BMW Longlife-01
• Reduces pollutant emission
• Helps saves fuel better
• Keeps the engine clean during time

BMW X5 Oil Capacity

Type your model year or engine type in the SEARCH BOX to know the oil capacity of your BMW X5. 

Note that the oil capacity mentioned in this article is given with the filter. 

BMW X5 Oil Change Cost

There is no definitive BMW X5 oil change cost. However, most people spend between $130 and $210 depending on location and oils used. 

Recently, car manufacturers have been recommending synthetic oils, especially for high-performance vehicles. These oils are a bit pricey, therefore increasing the cost involved when doing an oil change. 

Interestingly, the labor cost is around $70, meaning that you can significantly reduce the total costs if you undertake the maintenance.

Final Thoughts

There is a lot of information on BMW X5 Oil Type & Oil Capacity that could get confusing. However, it is easy for you to quickly identify the oil that’s best suited for your vehicle with the above information.

Also, you have various options to choose from as long as you ensure that the engine oil you use is among the recommended ones.