Does it Matter What Type of Oil I Put into My BMW?

When you visit our BMW service center at BMW Wesley Chapel for a BMW oil change, our technicians will likely ask you what type of oil you want to have put in. Of course, we’re happy to offer our recommendations based on your make, model, and driving habits, but we also like to educate local drivers about the differences between motor oil grades.

Put simply, it does matter what type of oil you put into your BMW car, and this is an overview of the differences.

Motor Oil Designations

Motor oil can be segmented into four basic varieties, synthetic, synthetic blend, high-mileage, and conventional. Before we go into the differences, we should explain that motor oils use a rating system developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers to classify oil by viscosity, which is fluid’s resistance to flow. In other words, multi-grade viscosity oils are able to perform at a wider variety of temperatures.

Follow the owner’s manual in your BMW car to determine what type of oil is recommended. This is an overview of the four types of oil.

• Synthetic: Has undergone a chemically engineered process to create molecules with better properties than conventional motor oil. Has better extreme high temperature and low temperature performance.
• Conventional: Can be formulated in a range of viscosity grades and quality levels. A good choice for drivers with simple engine designs and regular driving styles.
• Synthetic blend: Uses a mixture of synthetic and conventional base oils for added resistance to oxidation.
• High-mileage: Specifically formulated for late-model vehicles or newer vehicles with over 75,000 miles.

Get your BMW oil change today at BMW of Wesley Chapel.