Engine oil

The "Engine oil" chapter in the BMW 5 Series (VII generation) provides comprehensive information on electronic oil level measurement, topping up and selecting the correct oil grade. The oil level can be checked conveniently on the Control Display, either via a status display or through a detailed measurement while the vehicle is stationary. For optimum engine performance, it is essential to neither underfill nor overfill the engine with oil. Safety and health notes accompany every step. The recommended oil specifications and viscosities are listed, as are alternatives for emergencies. This chapter helps prevent engine damage and protects the service life of the engine.

Vehicle equipment

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional equipment offered in the model series. It therefore also describes equipment that is not available in a given vehicle, for example due to the selected optional equipment or country variant. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems. When using the corresponding functions and systems, observe the applicable laws and regulations.

General

Engine oil consumption

Engine oil consumption depends on driving style and operating conditions.

For this reason, check the engine oil level regularly, after every refuelling.

Engine oil consumption may be increased, for example in the following situations:

• When driving in a sporty manner.
• During the running-in period of the engine.
• When the engine is idling.
• When using engine oil grades that are classified as unsuitable.

Electronic oil level measurement

The vehicle is equipped with electronic oil level measurement.

Electronic oil level measurement uses two measuring methods:

• Status display.
• Detailed measurement.

Electronic oil level measurement

Status display

Principle

The engine oil level is monitored electronically while driving and shown on the Control Display.

If the engine oil level reaches the minimum, a Check Control message is displayed.

Prerequisites for operation

A current measured value is available after approx. 30 minutes of driving. On shorter trips, the status from the last sufficiently long trip is displayed.

For frequent short trips, carry out a detailed measurement regularly.

Displaying the engine oil level

Via iDrive:

1. 1
   "My Vehicle"
2. 2
   "Vehicle status"
3. 3
   "Engine oil level"

The engine oil level is displayed.

Engine oil level messages

NOTE Too little engine oil causes engine damage.

There is a risk of property damage.

Top up the engine oil immediately.

NOTE Too much engine oil can damage the engine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk of property damage. Do not add too much engine oil.

If there is too much engine oil, have the oil level corrected by a service partner of the manufacturer, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.

Different messages are displayed on the Control Display depending on the engine oil level.

Observe these messages.

If the engine oil level is low, top up the engine oil within the next 200 km.

Make sure that engine oil is not overfilled.

Detailed measurement

General

A detailed measurement is only possible on certain engines.

Prerequisites for operation

• Vehicle is standing level.
• Manual transmission: gear lever in neutral, clutch and accelerator pedal not pressed.
• Steptronic transmission: selector lever in position N or P and accelerator pedal not pressed.
• Engine is running and at operating temperature.

Carry out detailed measurement

Via iDrive:

1. 1
   "My Vehicle"
2. 2
   "Vehicle status"
3. 3
   "Engine oil level"
4. 4
   "Measure engine oil level"
5. 5
   "Start measurement"

The engine oil level is checked and shown on a scale.

Duration: approx. 1 minute.

Display on the Control Display

During the detailed measurement, the engine oil level is checked while the vehicle is stationary and shown on a scale.

Petrol engine: if the engine oil level reaches the minimum, a Check Control message is displayed.

Diesel engine: if the engine oil level reaches the minimum or overfilling is detected, a Check Control message is displayed.

During the measurement, the idle speed is increased slightly.

Topping up engine oil

General

Only top up the engine oil when the message is shown in the instrument cluster.

The top-up quantity is stated in the message in the instrument cluster.

Before topping up the engine oil, switch off the engine and park the vehicle safely.

Make sure that engine oil is not overfilled.

Safety notes

WARNING Operating fluids, e.g. oils, greases, coolant and fuels, may contain substances that are hazardous to health. There is a risk of injury or death. Observe the information on the containers. Do not allow clothing, skin or eyes to come into contact with operating fluids. Do not pour operating fluids into other containers. Keep operating fluids out of reach of children.

NOTE Too little engine oil causes engine damage.

There is a risk of property damage.

Top up the engine oil within the next 200 km.

NOTE Too much engine oil can damage the engine or the catalytic converter. There is a risk of property damage. Do not add too much engine oil.

If there is too much engine oil, have the oil level corrected by a service partner of the manufacturer, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop

Overview

The oil filler neck is located in the engine compartment.

Topping up engine oil

1. 1
   Open the hood.
2. 2
   Turn the cap counterclockwise.
3. 3
   Top up the engine oil.

   

Engine oil types for topping up

General

The engine oil quality is decisive for the service life of the engine.

Some engine oil grades may not be available in all countries.

Safety notes

NOTE Oil additives can damage the engine.

There is a risk of property damage. Do not use oil additives.

NOTE Incorrect engine oil can cause malfunctions in the engine or damage it.

There is a risk of property damage.

When selecting engine oil, make sure that it meets the correct oil specification.

Suitable engine oil grades

Engine oils with the following oil specifications can be used for topping up:

The oil specification BMW Longlife-14 FE+ is only suitable for certain petrol engines.

The oil specification BMW Longlife-12 FE is only suitable for certain diesel engines.

For further information on suitable oil specifications and engine oil viscosities, ask a service partner of the manufacturer, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.

Alternative engine oil grades

If suitable engine oils are not available, up to 1 litre of engine oil with the following oil specification can be used for topping up:

Viscosity grades

When selecting an engine oil, make sure it belongs to one of the following viscosity grades: SAE 0W-40, SAE 0W-30, SAE 5W-40, SAE 5W-30, SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-20.

The viscosity grades SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-20 are only suitable for certain engines.

For further information on suitable oil specifications and engine oil viscosities, ask a service partner of the manufacturer, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.

Engine Oil Change

NOTICE Engine oil that is not changed on time can lead to increased engine wear and engine damage. There is a risk of property damage. Do not exceed the service due date shown in the vehicle.

The vehicle manufacturer recommends having the engine oil changed by a manufacturer's Service Partner or another qualified Service Partner or a specialist workshop.