Short answer
BMW Longlife (LL) specifications are BMW engine oil approvals that support its condition-based service intervals. LL-01 covers many engines without particulate filters, LL-04 is the low-ash approval for engines with diesel or gasoline particulate filters, and the FE (fuel economy) approvals cover newer engines built for lower-viscosity oil. BMW approves specific products, and the right one depends on the engine and market.
The core approvals: LL-01 and LL-04
BMW Longlife-01 covers many BMW gasoline engines without a particulate filter from about model year 2002 and diesel engines without a DPF from about 2003. Approved oils are typically 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 or 5W-40.
BMW Longlife-04 is a low-SAPS approval designed to protect diesel and gasoline particulate filters. It is approved worldwide for diesel engines, but for gasoline engines without a filter, BMW has generally limited its use to Europe, so it is not a universal substitute for LL-01 in North America.
Fuel economy approvals
LL-01 FE is a lower-HTHS 0W-30 version of LL-01 for compatible gasoline engines. LL-12 FE is a 0W-30 approval for selected diesel and gasoline applications.
LL-14 FE+ and LL-17 FE+ are 0W-20 approvals for selected gasoline engines from about model year 2014. LL-17 FE+ allows a low HTHS viscosity of 2.6 mPa·s, and BMW later permitted it in certain diesels from model year 2021.
The newest approvals
LL-19 FE is a 0W-30 approval introduced for many BMW diesel engines and recommended in many applications previously approved for LL-04. LL-22 FE++ is a 0W-12 approval for selected BMW Group gasoline engines from model year 2022 that were designed for it.
Older approvals such as LL-98 were discontinued, and BMW M engines often carry their own requirements, sometimes in higher-viscosity grades.
How to choose
BMW says its Longlife oils are tested for use worldwide at any ambient temperature, so the approval is more important than the grade. The owner’s manual, the iDrive or Driver’s Guide, or a VIN-specific BMW service lookup gives the approved specification.
Do not use 0W-20 or 0W-12 FE oils in engines that do not list them. The lower viscosity is engineered for specific engine designs.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use LL-04 oil in a US-market gasoline BMW?
BMW has generally restricted LL-04 in gasoline engines without a particulate filter to European markets. Check your BMW documentation; many US gasoline engines list LL-01.
Is LL-17 FE+ backward compatible with LL-01?
No. LL-17 FE+ is a low-viscosity approval for specific engines. Use it only where BMW lists it.
Do BMW M cars use Longlife oil?
Many M engines have separate requirements and grades. Check the M model manual.
General maintenance information. Always follow your vehicle or equipment manufacturer’s requirements and the current product data. Questions? Email [email protected].
