BMW usually shares recommendations on all parts and liquids for their beloved vehicles. In the past few years, their recommended oils have changed and most importantly, they vary regarding the model of your car. BMW recommends the usage of Pennzoil Synthetic Motor Oil, as well as BMW Twinpower 5W30 Synthetic.
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum – The most suitable oil for BMWs
Since 2015, BMW has recommended Pennzoil as the best oil for BMW engines. The Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30 Motor Oil is a full synthetic 5W-30 engine oil that is derived from natural gas only, by using Pennzoil’s special patented gas-to-liquid technology.
BMW states that there isn’t another motor oil manufacturer that brings in such protection for your car’s engine.
The Pennzoil Ultra Platinum keeps loss of power away from your BMW’s engine and brings in extra fuel economy which is calculated to pile up to 550 miles per year. The comparison was made with a dirty engine.
It also provides unsurpassed sludge protection and allows your luxury car’s powerful engine to remain a machine of high performance by keeping it as close as possible to remaining factory-level clean throughout your usage.
Not only that, but the premium quality motor oil that BMW has chosen also keeps the car’s pistons a lot cleaner than its competitors do. Comparing the cleanliness of the pistons to the toughest industry standards of the ILSAC GF-6 sequence IIIH piston test, the Pennzoil oil scores A++.
Full specifics of the motor oil recommended by BMW
This highly-functioning Pennzoil Ultra Platinum motor oil also comes in options for both diesel and gasoline engines.
- The viscosity of the oil: 5W30
- ACEA A5 / B5 – 10; A5 / B5 – 12 (SAE 5W – 30, SAE 10W – 30)
- ILSAC GF-5 Exceeds ILSAC GF-5 engine cleansing and protection requirements
- Type: Full Synthetic
- API SN, SM, SL, and SJ
- ACEA A1 / B1 – 10, A1 /B1 – 12 (SAE 0W – 20, SAE 5W – 20, SAE 5W – 30, SAE 10W-30)
- Package dimensions: It comes in 9 x 4 x 2.5 inches
- Package weight: 12.6 pounds
What makes Pennzoil Ultra Platinum a good motor oil for BMWs?
5W Viscosity
The 5W viscosity of the Pennzoil Platinum oil is a great fit for BMW engines as it gives the right amount of lubrication by forming a thick layer of protection between all the parts of your car’s engine.
Works wonders in cold weather and hot climates
This oil product is resistant to freezing and allows you to start your beloved BMW faster on colder days, even if the temperatures are freezing. Moreover, it is also immune to evaporating and is a good choice for hotter climates as well.
It acts as a leakage-resistant engine-cleaning agent
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum oil absorbs the excessive heat which comes from your engine and protects it from overheating. It is a leakage-resistant substance due to an advanced accessory ingredients combination.
Pros and Cons of Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Motor Oil
It is safe to say that BMW’s recommended motor oil is very safe to use. The only downside that some reviewers have mentioned is that some vehicles have reportedly started consuming more oil than usual.
Pros
- Despite being synthetic, it is a recyclable product
- Resistant to both freezing and evaporating
- Great 5W viscosity
- Lubricates the engine and prevents it from wearing down
- Acts as a cleaning agent for your machine
- Improves mileage
Cons
- You need to purchase different motor oils for gasoline and diesel engines. You cannot use the same on both.
- Some reviewers have reported increased oil consumption of their vehicles with this product.
A decent alternative: Mobil 1 – 0W-40, 153669 Synthetic Motor Oil
Another good motor oil that can be used on BMWs is Mobil 1’s 0W-40 synthetic motor oil. It prevents engines from breaking down prematurely and helps them last much longer by avoiding damaged deposits and sludge buildup. It also has great engine wear protection parameters and a great performance due to uniform synthetic oil molecules that reduce friction.
It is specifically designed to resolve the needs of both gasoline and diesel engines and delivers great value for both types of engines.
Pros and Cons of Mobil 1’s Motor Oil
The biggest advantage of Mobil 1’s motor oil over Pennzoil’s is the fact that it is easily usable in both gasoline and diesel engines.
Pros
- Is safe to use in both gasoline and diesel engines
- Greatly improves fuel economy
- Protects your car’s engine from wear and tear, even in extreme driving
- Keeps the engine clean
- Great viscosity control
Cons
- Customers have criticized the product because they have gotten only 4.3 quarts of oil, despite the 5-quart container it comes in.
- Some products might have a faulty container or a damaged packaging cap.
Most negative reviews of Mobil 1’s product are regarding the packaging and not the product itself. After all, your decision might be influenced by pricing options and availability. These two products are not the only ones suitable, but whatever you go for, make sure to purchase a product that is either approved or recommended by BMW.
Things to consider when choosing an engine oil
Can you use any type of synthetic oil in your BMW?
Generally speaking, you can use any type of synthetic oil in your BMW, but keep in mind that all engines are designed to function with a certain type of oil. Using another type could shorten the lifespan of your car’s engine. Try to purchase the synthetic oil recommended in the owner’s manual of your car. As of 2015, BMW has recommended the usage of Pennzoil Platinum.
What matters in purchasing the right oil for your BMW?
Typically, each car comes with a recommended oil brand and type. But more important than the brand behind your motor oil, is the viscosity grade. If you mess up the viscosity of your oil, your engine will have a shorter engine life and a reduced lubrication level. If you read on your car’s manual that it needs a viscosity level of 10W-30 and it uses synthetic oil, purchase this type and do not experiment.
