BMW 1 Series Oil Type Finder

The BMW 1 Series Overview

The BMW 1 Series is a model series in the compact class from BMW. It is available as a hatchback, coupé, and cabriolet with diesel and petrol engines.

Generations and Years of BMW 1 Series

• 1st Generation BMW E87 (2004-2013)
• 2nd Generation BMW F20 (2011-2019)
• Notchback BMW F52 (since 2017)
• 3rd generation BMW F40 (since 2019)

No matter which generation you have, the engines of all BMW 1 Series should always be filled with an oil that has been approved by the manufacturer - our recommendation for numerous engines is a 5W-30 Longlife engine oil with BMW Longlife-04 approval. Whether you drive an older BMW 1 Series E87 or one of the newer models like the F20 or F52 - they all have to change the oil as part of the annual service.

1st Generation BMW E87 (2004-2013)

Between 2004 and 2011, the 1-series BMW E87 was offered as the entry-level model from the Bavarian carmaker. The compact car had rear-wheel drive and could be ordered as a five-door. The 116i was the basic model and was fitted with a 1.6-liter petrol engine that delivered between 115 and 122 hp.

2nd Generation BMW F20 (2011-2019)

The second generation of the 1 Series was offered from 2011 and will be replaced by the successor from September 2019. As usual, the BMW 1 F20 is available with three and five doors, from 2017 the F52 sedan was presented, which is intended especially for the Chinese market.

BMW 1 Series Oil Change Interval

Whether petrol or diesel, a long-life oil change is possible for all BMW 1 Type E87. Depending on the engine, this must be carried out after a mileage of 25,000 or 30,000 kilometers or every 24 months, using the correct engine oil and the prescribed filling quantity.

What Engine Oil For BMW 1 Series?

No matter what type 1 you drive, whether a petrol engine like the 116i, 118i, 120i, 125i, 130i or 135i, a turbo diesel like the 114d, 116d, 118d, 120d or even the powerful 123d, having the right oil that meets the required specification and has a BMW approval is important. The respective type of oil must be able to show the BMW LongLife 04 specification.

Every engine oil will have its viscosity grade labelled on the packaging. This will look something like 0W-20, 5W-30 or 5W-40. This grading is used to measure how thick / fluid the oil is and help ensure you buy the right oil for your car. The lower the viscosity grade of the oil, the more fluid and thinner it will be than those with a high grade (higher numbers) which will be much less running and thick.

So which engine oil should you buy for your BMW 1 Series? Whether you are topping up your BMW 1 Series oil or doing a full change of your BMW 1 Series's oil it is really important that you use the correct grade of oil.

We have listed all the BMW 1 Series models and engine types in the following table, as well as the correct engine oil grade for each of the cars. You can use the search and filter to easily find the right engine oil for a BMW 1 Series.