BMW 1 Series Engine Oil Guide – Correct Oil Type, Grade & Capacity for Every Model

Selecting the correct engine oil for a BMW 1 Series is not a matter of preference—it is a technical requirement tied directly to engine longevity, performance, and emissions integrity. Across petrol, diesel, turbocharged, and high-output M Performance variants, BMW engineers specify exact oil standards that must be followed.

Every modern BMW 1 Series engine is designed around BMW LongLife specifications, primarily BMW LongLife-04 (LL-04) for European models. This approval ensures the oil meets BMW’s requirements for:

• High-temperature stability
• Turbocharger protection
• Low-SAPs formulation (DPF-safe for diesels)
• Extended service intervals
• Chain and valvetrain lubrication accuracy

Using oil without the correct BMW approval risks accelerated wear, timing chain stretch, turbo bearing damage, and DPF contamination.

Understanding BMW Oil Grades and Viscosity

Engine oil labels such as 0W-20, 5W-30, or 5W-40 describe viscosity behavior across temperature ranges:

• The first number (0W, 5W) represents cold-start flow.
• The second number (20, 30, 40) reflects operating-temperature thickness.

For the BMW 1 Series range, BMW primarily specifies:

• 5W-30 LL-04 – the most common factory recommendation
• 5W-40 LL-04 – permitted alternative for higher-mileage engines
• 0W-20 LL-17 FE+ – used on newer-generation petrol engines (F40)

All oils must carry explicit BMW approval on the bottle—not merely “meets requirements.”

BMW 1 Series Oil Specifications by Generation

Complete BMW 1 Series Oil Table (All Variants)

Every petrol and diesel BMW 1 Series model from 2011–2019—including ES, SE, Sport, M Sport, Shadow Edition, Performance Edition, and M Performance trims—uses:

BMW 1 Series Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols (2004–2024) — The Definitive Guide

5W-30 or 5W-40 engine oil with BMW LongLife-04 approval

This applies universally to:

• 114i / 116i / 118i / 120i / 125i
• 114d / 116d / 118d / 120d / 123d
• M135i / M140i (including Shadow & Championship Editions)
• EfficientDynamics, Business, Plus, Sport, SE, M Sport trims

Whether petrol or diesel, the technical requirement remains:

Use BMW LL-04 approved oil in 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity.

Oil Capacity by Engine Type

Always confirm by VIN or owner’s manual before filling.

Why BMW LongLife Approval Matters

Generic “fully synthetic” oil is not sufficient. BMW approvals test:

• Oxidation resistance under turbo heat
• Shear stability for timing chains
• Low ash content for particulate filters
• Long-drain performance up to 18,000 miles

An oil without BMW approval may match viscosity yet fail in additive chemistry, leading to:

BMW 1 Series Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols (2004–2024) — The Definitive Guide

BMW 1 Series Timing Chain Replacement Cost: What We Really Pay

• Chain rattle
• Turbo oil coking
• DPF blockage
• Premature cam wear

Best Oil Choices for BMW 1 Series

Look for bottles clearly marked:

• BMW LongLife-04 Approved
• BMW LL-17 FE+ Approved (F40 petrol only)

Common high-quality examples:

• Castrol Edge Professional LL-04
• Shell Helix Ultra ECT C3
• Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200
• Mobil 1 ESP Formula
• Ravenol VMP / VST series

Closing Thoughts

The BMW 1 Series engine is engineered with surgical precision. Its lubrication system expects oil that behaves exactly as BMW intended. Whether maintaining a daily 116d or unleashing an M140i’s turbocharged surge, the right oil is the silent partner behind every smooth cold start and every redline pull.

Choose viscosity wisely. Demand BMW approval. Protect the engineering beneath the bonnet.

FAQs

Which oil does a BMW 1 Series use?
Most BMW 1 Series models use 5W-30 or 5W-40 with BMW LongLife-04 approval.

Can I use 5W-40 instead of 5W-30?
Yes. Both are approved under LL-04 and are interchangeable for most engines.

What oil does the M140i use?
The M140i requires 5W-30 or 5W-40 BMW LL-04 with a capacity of approximately 6.5 liters.

BMW 1 Series Dashboard Warning Lights & Symbols (2004–2024) — The Definitive Guide

BMW 1 Series Timing Chain Replacement Cost: What We Really Pay

BMW 1 Series Service Reset – The Complete Owner’s Guide

Do diesel BMW 1 Series models need special oil?
Yes. They require low-SAPs LL-04 oil to protect the diesel particulate filter.

How often should BMW 1 Series oil be changed?
Every 10,000–12,000 miles is ideal for long-term engine health, regardless of extended service indicators.

If you want to know other articles similar to BMW 1 Series Engine Oil Guide – Correct Oil Type, Grade & Capacity for Every Model you can visit the category Service and Parts.