Engine - Operating Fluids
Engine - Operating Fluids
Engine oil requirements will depend on the engine design, operating conditions, oil change intervals and, in the
case of diesel engines, the fuel grade.
A modern engine oil provides more than just a lubrication function. The following qualities are required:
Frictional losses will lead to a reduction of engine power and efficiency. An approved engine oil will minimize
frictional losses. Excessive wear will lead to a reduction in service life (e.g. wear of bearings, piston rings, cam
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lobes) or to mechanical failure.
During engine operation, a limited amount of oil enters the combustion chamber, where it is burned.
Combustion residues or deposits, which build up in the combustion chamber, lead to unwanted increases in
compression and promote surface ignition ("pinging"). Any approved engine oil will help prevent such a
condition.
Viscosity is the tendency of oil to resist flowing. Engine oil, when cold, should be thin enough so that the
engine can be cranked over. Hot oil should be thick enough to maintain proper lubrication.
ANTI-FOAMING
The oil is forcefully mixed with air during engine operation. Heavy foaming will lead to impaired lubrication
and reduction in oil flow rate. To prevent foaming, antifoaming additives are mixed with the oil.
The engine oil must prevent corrosion on engine components under all circumstances. Corrosion and rust
inhibitors are added to displace water and acids from metal surfaces so that oil coats them.
MIXING ABILITY/COMPATIBILITY
It must be possible to mix all engine oils with each other, even synthetic with mineral oils, without causing any
incompatibility problems. A further requirement is the compatibility with all materials contacted by oil, in
particular oil seals, hoses and paint.
GOOD THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY/GOOD COOLING PROPERTY
Engine oil makes an important contribution to the cooling of an engine. It must transfer heat from friction
surfaces, and combustion heat away from affected areas. The oil absorbed heat is carried back to the oil pan
where it is transferred to the surrounding air.
To limit or slow down the formation of combustion deposits and acidic components, together with abrasive
particles and dirt from the intake air, good engine oils contain a detergent additive. Deposits of carbon and dirt
are loosened and suspended in the oil, being drained away at the next oil change.
Oxidation can be described as the oxygen absorption of hydrocarbons formed in the oil. The results of oxidation
have a negative impact on viscosity causing corrosion on certain metals and the formation of sludge. Inhibitors
are added to prevent oxidation from occurring. A good engine oil must maintain its stability during the required
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oil change intervals.
A method of classifying an oil by number, based on its resistance to flow at a high temperature.
These numbers are usually prefixed by SAE which is the abbreviation for the Society of Automotive Engineers.
A lower SAE Number (i.e. SAE 5W) indicates a thinner oil with a higher flow rate, for use at lower
temperatures. A higher SAE Number (i.e. SAE 30) indicates a thicker oil with a slower flow rate, for use at
higher temperatures.
MULTIGRADE OILS
A multigrade, or multiviscosity oil has the qualities of a lower number oil at low temperatures and those of a
higher number oil at high temperatures. Multigrade oils have numbers such as SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-40.
For reliable engine performance in all temperature ranges mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to
the temperature range at which the vehicle will be operated.
SINGLE GRADE OILS
A single grade viscosity oil has a limited temperature/viscosity range compared with multigrade oils. Due to the
limited temperature/viscosity range of these oils they are no longer used in BMW engines and thus no longer
listed in the BMW Engine Oil Temperature/Viscosity Table.
OIL CLASSIFICATIONS
A method of classifying oil was jointly developed by the SAE, API (American Petroleum Institute), and ASTM
(American Society for Testing and Materials). Engine oils are rated according to two engine use categories:
Compression Ignition (C) oils are those that are used for diesel engines. The current service ratings for diesel-
engine lubricating oils are: CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF and CG. The oils differ in their properties and in the
additives they contain.
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S = Spark Ignition (i.e. SE)
Spark Ignition (S) oils are those that are used for gasoline engines. The current service ratings for gasoline-
engine lubricating oils are: SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH and SJ. These oils differ in their properties and in
the additives they contain.
Another method of classifying minimum performance standards for gasoline-fueled engine oils has been
developed through ILSAC (International Lubrication Standardization Approval Committee). Oils that meet
ILSAC GF-1 performance standards must have a "starburst" certification mark displayed on the print of the oil
product packaging.
For BMW gasoline engines with two valves per cylinder, all reputable multiple grade engine oils* which
meet or exceed the API classification of SH. (Combination with diesel oil specifications CD or CE
quality classifications are also permitted, e.g. SH/CE etc.)
For BMW gasoline engines with four valves per cylinder, only reputable multiple grade engine oils*
which meet or exceed the API classification of SH. (Combination with diesel oil specifications CD or CE
quality classifications are also permitted, e.g. SH/CE etc.)
For BMW turbocharged diesel engines, all reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed
the API classification CD/CE.
Special Oils category has been replaced by BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (5W-30). It
eliminates the need for seasonal oil changes since it covers all ambient temperature ranges.
BMW of North America has introduced a line of exclusively formulated High Performance Engine Oils which
exceed existing international quality specifications (SAE/CCMC) for motor oils. BMW part numbers are:
Motorsport Engines
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E60 M5 / S85 From start of production
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE
10W-60 Synthetic Oil Part No. 07 51 0 009 420 (1quart)
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil SAE 5W-30 Part No. 07 51 0 017 866 Or BMW High Performance
Synthetic Oil Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil Part
No. 07 51 0 009 420 (1quart)
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 5W-30 and 10W-60 offer several benefits over conventional mineral
based oils.
The synthetic based oil resists thickening at very low ambient temperatures providing improved flow,
lubrication and less internal engine resistance during cold starts.
Under high heat conditions, the oil resists thermal breakdown/shearing which causes a loss of lubrication
quality compared with conventional oils.
SUPERIOR LUBRICATION THROUGHOUT THE LIFE OF THE OIL
Compared to conventional engine oils, BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is better able to keep engine
combustion contaminants in suspension and is less susceptible to the harmful effects of oxidation.
The oil resists sludge buildup thus allowing extended oil change intervals. Synthetic based oils also have a
lower volatility which makes them less susceptible to evaporation thereby reducing oil consumption.
This oil has been durability tested on BMW engines and supplies superior lubrication under all operating
conditions and over the extended BMW oil change intervals.
To coincide with the increased oil change interval, BMW has also introduced "BMW High Performance
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Synthetic Oil" which must be used on all 1999 Model Year vehicles (except E36 318ti, 323is/iC, 328is/iC, M3,
M Roadster and M Coupe models) whenever a service is necessary to avoid engine damage.
NOTE: Only if it is necessary to top up the engine oil between oil changes is it
permissible to use synthetic low viscosity engine oils which conform to the API
classification SJ or higher.
A label in the engine compartment states the oil specifications and refers to the BMW website
(www.bmwusa.com) and toll free number (1-800-831-1117) for additional information.
BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil may also be used on Model Year 1999 E36 (3-Series and
M models) as well has Model Year 1998 and earlier BMW models.
The oil change intervals should not be extended due to the greater durability of a fully synthetic engine oil. The
engine oil and filter should always be changed as per the vehicle's Service Interval Indicator when the "Oil
Service" or the "Inspection" display appears regardless of the type of oil being used.
BMW mineral-based High Performance engine oil is also offered for model year 1998 and earlier BMW
models. However, for reliable engine performance in all temperature ranges mineral-based engine oil viscosity
must be matched to the temperature range at which the vehicle will be operated. See Engine Oil
Temperature/Viscosity Table below.
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Fig. 2: Identifying BMW Engine Oil Temperature/Viscosity Table
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Including oil filter. However, at least twice annually, preferably before and after the winter season.
Under severe driving conditions it is recommended to increase the number of oil services.
Condition Based Service measures, monitors, and determines the required maintenance of several service items
independent from each other. This technology prompts the customer to bring the vehicle for service whenever
one of the CBS items requires maintenance or replacement. CBS strikes a compromise between too frequent
maintenance and too rigid service intervals that call for the replacement of service items which may still have
substantial remaining useful life. CBS also details the recommended, due, and overdue required maintenance
during and after the BMW Vehicle Maintenance Program Agreement. Thus, CBS allows BMW customers to
experience a technology that makes service more convenient, transparent and structured.
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All of the multiple grade engine oils can be used, as long as they conform with BMW specifications.
8.0 N52, N52KP AND N54 FRONT AND REAR RADIAL SEAL SEALANT
When replacing the front or rear radial crankshaft seals on new generation 6 cylinder engines, a special
Loctite® sealant must be applied to fill the seal grooves at the bedplate seam. Follow the appropriate repair
instruction in TIS:
All special tools required to perform these repairs have been sent out through the automatic tool shipment
program and are listed in S.I. Bulletin 04 01 06.
Required Materials:
Once a new or rebuilt engine has accumulated 6,000 miles this procedure should be used if there is a drastic
change in the oil consumption rate (i.e. the oil consumption rate triples) under similar driving conditions or if
the oil consumption rate exceeds 1 qt. per 750 miles at any time..
Due to their increased output and maximum engine speeds, these engines are allowed a maximum consumption
of 2.5 quarts per 1,000 miles.
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BMW Part Description /
Number Application 3M Wurth Loctite CRC
11 12 1 262 Silicone Sealant 8661 80050/PX66BR
571 (1)
81 12 9 400 Hylogrip/Loctite 8932700 21438
086 (1) 270 Thread Sealant
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81 22 9 407 Loctite 380 Epoxy 8155 8934103 38050
394(1) Cement
Black cyanacrylate
adhesive for joining
metals, rubber, PVC.
81 22 9 400 Copper Paste 8945 3046010
794(1) Multi-purpose grease
for all detachable
joints at high
temperatures and
corrosive conditions,
also after long
operating periods.
Able to withstand
high pressures,
protection against
undesired weld
contact, seizure and
corrosion, active
adhesion properties,
effective as lubricant
and separator up to
1100°C.
Applications: parts
subject to high
temperatures, such
as bolts and flanges
on exhaust system,
engine, disk brakes,
etc.
81 22 9 407 07 58 9 062 376(1) Silicone Sealer 8670 8661 81157/PX16B
439(1) 80050/PX66BR
A black colored
silicone-based
sealant for
large areas.
Resists
temperatures
up to 250°C.
For engine or
gearbox;
particularly
suitable for
sealing the
timing case on
M70 engine,
and eliminating
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oil seepage
from E36 M42
cylinder head.
81 22 9 407 Engine Cleaner 8899 890923 80043 14045
760(1) Spray Fast acting
cleaner for dirty
engines and engine
parts. Does not
attack painted,
rubber, or plastic
parts.
N/A Lubro Moly
Lecksucher
Intake and vacuum
system leak detector.
N/A J-B Weld
Repairs pitting in
cylinder head sealing
surfaces.
N/A Bostik Never-Seez
Thread lubricant for
oxygen sensors.
(1) *These items are no longer available through BMW NA Parts Department.