Best Oil for the BMW G20
The right oil is the cheapest insurance your G20's engine will ever get — but the spec isn't one-size-fits-all. The key is matching the BMW Longlife approval and viscosity to your exact engine, since the modular fours and sixes may want a thinner 0W-20 than you'd expect. Here's how to choose, by engine.
Reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page — at no extra cost to you. We only link oils that meet the BMW spec. Always confirm the correct approval and viscosity for your exact engine and model year.
How to choose
Two things matter: the BMW Longlife approval and the viscosity. Petrol G20s take a Longlife oil — many modular engines now specify the thinner 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+), while others use 5W-30 (LL-01), so don't assume; check the cap, the manual or your VIN. Diesels need a different, diesel-approved spec (LL-04) for the particulate filter. Match the approval first, then the grade.
Oil & Capacity by Engine
Confirm against your exact car — these are general guidance.
| Engine | Oil spec | Capacity (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| B46 / B48 (330i) | BMW Longlife — 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+) or 5W-30 (LL-01), by year | ~5.3 qt / 5.0 L |
| B58 (M340i) | BMW Longlife — confirm 0W-20 / 5W-30 spec | ~6.9 qt / 6.5 L |
| 330e | As per the B48 it's based on | ~5.3 qt / 5.0 L |
| Diesel (B47/B57) | BMW Longlife diesel-approved (LL-04) | Varies by engine |
Viscosity and capacity vary by engine, market and model year. The single rule: use an oil carrying the correct BMW Longlife approval for your car.
The Picks
FAQ
What oil does the G20 take?
A full-synthetic oil carrying the correct BMW Longlife approval — often 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+) on the modular engines, or 5W-30 (LL-01) on others. Diesels use a different diesel-approved spec (LL-04). Always confirm for your exact engine and year.
0W-20 or 5W-30 — which is right?
It depends on the engine and model year. Many newer modular G20s specify the thinner 0W-20 to LL-17 FE+, while some call for 5W-30 to LL-01. Check the oil cap, the manual or your VIN — don't assume the older 5W-30 is correct.
Which brand is best?
Any oil meeting the BMW Longlife approval is fine — Liqui Moly is an enthusiast favorite, with Castrol, Mobil 1, Shell and Pentosin all making approved oils. The approval matters far more than the badge.
How much oil does it take?
Roughly 5.3 quarts for the B46/B48 and about 6.9 for the B58, though it varies — always confirm the exact capacity for your engine and fine-tune by the electronic level in iDrive.
Can I run a thicker oil if it's tuned?
Stay within the BMW approval. A robust full-synthetic that meets the spec gives some margin on a hard-driven tuned car, and your tuner may advise a specific grade — but don't stray from an approved oil for the engine.
Does the diesel use different oil?
Yes — diesels require a diesel-approved Longlife oil (LL-04) to protect the particulate filter. Don't use a petrol-only spec in a diesel; match the diesel approval.
The Bottom Line
For most G20 owners, a quality full-synthetic like Liqui Moly in the correct BMW Longlife grade is the right choice — just confirm whether your engine wants 0W-20 (LL-17 FE+) or 5W-30 (LL-01), and remember diesels need the LL-04 spec. Match the approval, change it on the early side, and the engine will thank you. See the oil change guide and the cross-generation BMW oil guide, then back to the G20 hub.