@Gymmy: LL04 5w-30 all year round and u r ok. BMW has developed two specification levels for engine lubricants: -the “special oils” make it possible to reach an oil change interval, determined by an onboard indicator, of 10 to 15,000 km. -the “long life oils”, for which the specification was introduced in March 1998, allow a longer oil change interval of up to 15 to 30,000 km (average 22,000 km), or even more. The requirements of these categories are indicated below: Special oils in the UK this was a 10w/40 (Obsolete) TESTS Engine test M42 Air intake test DRAIN 10 to 15,000 km Long Life – 98 in the uk this was a 5w/40 (Obsolete) TESTS Engine test M44 Air intake test DRAIN 15 to 15,000 km (avg. 22,000 km) Long Life – 01 in the UK this was a 0w/30 (Active) TESTS Engine test M54 Test RNT N42 Air intake test DRAIN > 30,000 km potentially Long Life – 01 FE same as above (Active) Engine test M54 Test RNT N42 Air intake test and fuel economy DRAIN > 30,000 km potentially Long life – 04 in the UK this is a 5w/30 (Active) Engine test M54 Test RNT N42 Air intake test SAPS limits DRAIN > 30,000 km potentially ACEA level A3/B3 A3/B3 A3/B3/B4 A3/B3/B4 C3 The successive switch from engine test BMW M42 to test M44 then M54 made BMW requirements considerably more severe in order to account for the aspect of a longer oil change interval. Moreover, the development of the very sophisticated Valvetronic? variable distribution engines led BMW to develop a distribution wear test on engines with radioactive cams, type RNT. Published at the end of 2004, BMW LL-04 is the first Low SAPS specification issued by BMW and intended for diesel engines fitted with post-treatment (initially a Diesel Particulate Filter). The BMW LL-04 certification is retroactively applicable to engines requiring BMW LL-01, with the exception of the BMW Motor Sport engines. It is suitable for all Gasoline / Diesel engines, whether or not equipped with post-treatment systems. For gasoline engines, however, its usage is limited to the perimeter of the EU, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. BMW LL-04 = BMW LL-01 + Mid SAPS chemical limits In summary as long as you buy a LL04 5w/30 from one of the Major oil companies you will be okay (except M types), I would list them as, BP/Castrol, FUCHS, Exxon/Mobil, Shell, Total/Fina/Elf, Chevron/Texaco, Q8 A good motor factor should have what you want.