Hope this helps, this is from BMW's web site regarding oils.
Synthetic Engine Oils
Required maintenance work or services should be performed for your vehicle by your authorized BMW center.
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is recommended for scheduled engine oil changes.
BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil* (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866)
* Does not apply to M vehicles - see below
BMW recommends that you check your engine oil level whenever you add fuel to your vehicle.
If you need to add oil between oil changes and BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is unavailable, you may top up the oil level with one of the following approved synthetic oils. For information on checking your engine oil level refer to your vehicle's Owner's Manual.
The oils listed below meet BMW's Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in
BMW Passenger vehicles and
SAVs in the US market with gasoline engines.
BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market:
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
- Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
- Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
- Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
Use only oils with an API rating of SM or higher.
The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which you normally drive your BMW.
To best determine which SAE grade is best suited for your vehicle, contact an authorized BMW center.
The following is the only recommended and approved synthetic oil for BMW
M (Motorsport) vehicles in the US market with gasoline engines, at the present time.
BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Synthetic Oils for BMW
M vehicles equipped with S54, S62, S65 or S85 engines:
- Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Engine Oil
- Castrol Formula RS SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Engine Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 009 420)
If Castrol High Performance Synthetic Oil is not available and you need to add oil between oil changes, only use synthetic oils with the following specifications for
M vehicles:
- Viscosity - preferred SAE 10W-60
- Alternative - SAE 10W-40, SAE 5W-50 or SAE 10W-50
Use only oils with an API rating of SJ/CF, SK/CF or higher.
The following is a listing of synthetic oils recommended and approved for use in the BMW
B7 ALPINA in the US market:
- BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866)
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 Synthetic Oil
BMW recommended / approved engine oils for your vehicle
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