Hello everyone! I came across a post on Reddit’s r/MINI subreddit where an Italian owner was confused about the BMW Longlife-04 oil used in their 2014 BMW 320d. They wanted to know if this oil was suitable, and to be honest, this is a question many BMW owners ask. Everything you need to know about BMW Longlife-04 engine oil comes from someone who’s been there.
What makes BMW Longlife-04 oil special?
BMW Longlife-04 engine oil is a synthetic oil specifically developed by BMW for its modern engine—suitable for diesel engine like the 320d, and even some gasoline engine. It ensures the engine remains lubricated, protected, and runs smoothly throughout BMW’s renowned extended oil change intervals. What makes it special? It is a low-ash oil specifically designed to be compatible with diesel particulate filters (DPF)—advanced emission control devices in diesel BMW models that are highly susceptible to blockage.
Using the wrong oil can cause DPF blockage, leading to significant repair costs. Thus, the mission of BMW LL04 oil is to keep the engine healthy and the emission system running smoothly.
When is the right time to use bmw longlife?
If you own a diesel BMW produced after 2004—such as the 2014 320d mentioned in the Reddit post—BMW Longlife-04 may be your top choice. The Italian MINI owner’s inquiry makes sense; it is highly suitable for most European diesel models. For gasoline engines, it depends. In Europe, it may be suitable for certain models, but if you’re in North America, BMW typically recommends BMW Longlife-01 or other oil specifications.
You can consult your owner’s manual; or call a BMW expert at your local dealership to inquire and confirm whether BMW Longlife-04 oil is suitable for your vehicle.
How does it compare to other oils?
BMW has several oil specifications in circulation—BMW Longlife-01, BMW Longlife-04, and LL-04 BMW (which is essentially another name for Longlife-04). Longlife-01 is the traditional choice, primarily used for gasoline engines, with higher ash content. It’s acceptable for gasoline engines but disastrous for diesel DPFs. Then there’s BMW LL04 oil, which is identical to Longlife-04. Both are specifically designed for newer diesel engines and some gasoline engines, featuring low ash content and maintaining cleanliness.
I saw someone mention on Reddit that “BMW LL4” actually refers to LL04. The key point is that if you confuse Longlife-01 with Longlife-04, you’re taking a risk. For diesel engines, sticking with BMW Longlife 04 ensures you’re on the safe side.
Choosing BMW Longlife-04 keeps the engine running smoothly, keeps the DPF unobstructed, and longer oil change intervals mean reduced maintenance time and increased driving pleasure. TERZO 5W30 e 5W40 series meet BMW Longlife-04 specifications. This universal, ester-enhanced, fuel-efficient fully synthetic oil is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines, with or without turbochargers, and is also ideal for passenger car diesel engines with pump-injector units. It meets the requirements of several OEMs, making it highly versatile.
Practical Tips
Here are some terms you may encounter: “BMW oil specifications,” “BMW-specific synthetic oil,” and “diesel engine oil.” These terms appear in many contexts, along with Longlife-04, LL-04 BMW, and BMW Longlife-01—all part of the same topic. Knowing what your vehicle needs helps cut through the information noise.
So, for Italian BMW fans on Reddit and anyone else with questions, oil that meets BMW Longlife-04 specifications is the best choice for your diesel engine, especially for the 2014 320d. TERZO is not just about BMW Longlife-04; it is committed to providing Long Life for more global equipment.
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