BMW M57 Diesel 5W-30 Oil Change Guide – Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech
The BMW M57 3.0L turbo-diesel engine is known for strong torque, highway efficiency and impressive durability when properly maintained. In U.S.-market BMW applications such as the 335d and X5 diesel, routine oil service is one of the most important parts of keeping the M57 performing properly.
For compatible M57 applications, Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech SAE 5W-30 provides an excellent maintenance solution. The oil carries BMW Longlife-04 approval and is designed for gasoline and diesel engines, including common-rail diesels and vehicles equipped with diesel particulate filters.
Why Oil Quality Matters on the BMW M57
The M57 operates under demanding conditions. Turbocharging, high diesel cylinder pressures and emissions-control equipment all place significant demands on the lubrication system.
Engine oil helps protect and lubricate critical components including:
- Turbocharger bearings
- Crankshaft and connecting rod bearings
- Pistons and cylinder walls
- Camshafts and valvetrain
- Timing components
- Other high-load internal engine surfaces
Using the appropriate lubricant helps maintain reliable oil pressure, reduce wear and keep internal components clean.
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30
This service package uses:
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech SAE 5W-30
Liqui Moly describes Longtime High Tech as a low-friction engine oil designed for gasoline and diesel engines, including common-rail technology. It is particularly suited to vehicles equipped with a diesel particulate filter and is tested for turbochargers and catalytic converters.
That makes it particularly relevant to compatible BMW M57 diesel applications.
BMW Longlife-04 Approval
Choosing engine oil isn't simply a matter of finding 5W-30 on the bottle.
The manufacturer specification is equally important.
Liqui Moly currently lists the following approvals for Longtime High Tech 5W-30:
| Specification | Approval |
|---|---|
| SAE | 5W-30 |
| ACEA | C2 / C3 |
| API | SQ |
| BMW | Longlife-04 |
| Mercedes-Benz | 229.51 |
The current official Liqui Moly product documentation confirms BMW Longlife-04 approval.
For BMW owners, that is a far more meaningful specification than simply choosing another oil with the same viscosity.
What Does 5W-30 Mean?
The viscosity rating describes the oil's behavior at different temperatures.
5W – Cold-Start Performance
The first portion of the rating relates to low-temperature viscosity.
During startup, oil needs to circulate quickly through the engine and reach important lubrication points.
Liqui Moly specifically highlights instant lubrication after cold start as one of Longtime High Tech's characteristics.
30 – Operating Temperature
The second number represents the oil's viscosity grade at operating temperature.
For engines designed around this viscosity, 5W-30 provides a balance between efficient oil circulation and reliable lubrication once the engine reaches normal operating temperature.
Built for Turbocharged Diesel Engines
The M57's turbocharger is one of the components that makes proper lubrication especially important.
Turbochargers operate at very high rotational speeds and temperatures, making a dependable supply of clean engine oil essential.
Liqui Moly specifically states that Longtime High Tech 5W-30 is tested for turbochargers and catalytic converters and offers high lubrication reliability and shear stability.
For a turbo-diesel engine like the M57, those are valuable characteristics.
DPF-Friendly Engine Oil
Diesel particulate filters introduce another consideration when choosing engine oil.
Longtime High Tech 5W-30 is specifically formulated for diesel engines equipped with DPF systems. Liqui Moly states that its formulation helps support reliable operation and the service life of the diesel particulate filter.
This makes the lubricant particularly well suited to compatible BMW diesel applications where BMW Longlife-04 oil is specified.
Complete BMW M57 Oil Service
A proper oil change involves more than replacing the lubricant.
For a complete routine service, the combination should include:
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30
MAHLE Oil Filter
New Oil Filter Housing O-Ring
Applicable Sealing Components
Replacing the lubricant and filter together allows the fresh oil to begin its service life with fresh filtration media.
Why a MAHLE Oil Filter?
Oil continuously circulates through the M57 while carrying contaminants toward the filtration system.
The filter helps capture this material while maintaining the oil flow required by the engine.
This service package pairs Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30 with a MAHLE cartridge oil filter, giving the customer a premium oil-and-filtration combination for routine M57 maintenance.
8-Liter Complete Oil Service Package
The kit provides:
8 Liters of Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30
together with a MAHLE oil filter and applicable sealing components.
This creates a convenient complete maintenance package for compatible BMW M57 diesel applications.
After completing the service, follow the standard BMW procedure to verify the engine oil level.
BMW 335d Oil Change
The BMW 335d combines the 3 Series platform with BMW's six-cylinder turbo-diesel powertrain.
Its combination of high torque, turbocharging and diesel technology makes consistent oil maintenance particularly important.
Longtime High Tech 5W-30 provides characteristics well suited to this type of application, including:
- BMW Longlife-04 approval
- Strong wear protection
- Rapid lubrication after cold start
- Turbocharger compatibility
- High shear stability
- Engine cleanliness
- DPF suitability
Liqui Moly confirms these characteristics in its current technical product information.
BMW X5 Diesel Oil Change
Compatible BMW X5 diesel models equipped with the M57 engine benefit from the same maintenance fundamentals.
The larger vehicle places substantial demands on its turbo-diesel powertrain, making regular oil and filter replacement an important part of long-term ownership.
Using a high-quality BMW LL-04 approved lubricant together with a fresh filter provides a strong foundation for routine maintenance.
Engine Cleanliness
Diesel engine oil must deal with contaminants and combustion byproducts throughout its service life.
Liqui Moly highlights outstanding engine cleanliness and strong dirt-suspending and cleaning capabilities among the properties of Longtime High Tech 5W-30.
Maintaining clean internal lubrication passages is particularly valuable as an engine accumulates mileage.
Wear Protection
Every engine start and operating cycle places loads on bearings, valvetrain components, cylinder surfaces and the turbocharger.
Longtime High Tech incorporates wear-protection technology designed to provide high lubrication reliability across its operating range.
Liqui Moly lists excellent wear protection, high shear stability and long engine service life among the product's characteristics.
Replace the Oil Filter During Every Service
Installing premium engine oil while leaving a used filter in place defeats part of the purpose of performing a complete service.
A fresh MAHLE oil filter provides new filtration media for the fresh lubricant.
During service, the applicable oil-filter housing O-ring should also be replaced.
The result is a complete approach:
Fresh Liqui Moly Oil + Fresh MAHLE Filter + Fresh Applicable Seals
Basic BMW M57 Oil Change Procedure
A typical M57 oil service includes:
- Bring the vehicle to the appropriate service condition.
- Safely raise and support the vehicle as required.
- Access the engine oil drain plug.
- Position a suitable drain container.
- Drain the used engine oil.
- Replace the applicable drain sealing component.
- Access the oil-filter housing.
- Remove the used cartridge filter.
- Remove the old filter housing O-ring.
- Install the new MAHLE oil filter.
- Install the new applicable O-ring.
- Reassemble the filter housing correctly.
- Reinstall the drain plug.
- Add Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30.
- Start the engine and allow fresh oil to circulate.
- Inspect the serviced areas for leaks.
- Complete the appropriate BMW oil-level verification procedure.
Always follow the correct BMW service procedure and tightening specifications for the specific vehicle.
What to Inspect During an M57 Oil Change
Oil service is also a useful opportunity to inspect other areas of the engine and underbody.
Look for:
- Engine oil seepage
- Oil-filter housing leakage
- Coolant leaks
- Damaged hoses
- Belt deterioration
- Fluid accumulation
- Damaged underbody components
- Unusual contamination around the engine
Regular inspection can help identify developing maintenance issues early.
Longtime High Tech 5W-30 at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Brand | Liqui Moly |
| Product | Longtime High Tech |
| Viscosity | SAE 5W-30 |
| BMW Approval | Longlife-04 |
| ACEA | C2 / C3 |
| API | SQ |
| DPF Suitable | Yes |
| Turbocharger Tested | Yes |
| Engine Types | Gasoline & Diesel |
| Kit Filter | MAHLE |
| Kit Oil Quantity | 8 Liters |
Liqui Moly's current official documentation confirms the oil's BMW LL-04 approval, DPF suitability and turbocharger compatibility.
Longtime High Tech vs Top Tec 4600
BMW owners may come across both Longtime High Tech 5W-30 and Top Tec 4600 5W-30 when shopping for maintenance products.
They should not be treated as the same product simply because both carry the Liqui Moly brand and use a 5W-30 viscosity.
For this particular service package, the oil is:
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30
This distinction is important when comparing different BMW diesel oil-change packages.
BMW M57 Oil Change FAQ
What oil is included in this kit?
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech SAE 5W-30.
How much engine oil is included?
8 liters.
What oil filter brand is included?
MAHLE.
Does Longtime High Tech 5W-30 have BMW approval?
Yes. Liqui Moly currently lists BMW Longlife-04 as an official approval.
Is it suitable for diesel particulate filters?
Yes. Liqui Moly specifically identifies Longtime High Tech 5W-30 as particularly suitable for vehicles equipped with a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
Is it suitable for turbocharged engines?
Yes. Liqui Moly states that the oil is tested for turbochargers and catalytic converters.
Is this Top Tec 4600?
No. This package uses Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30. Top Tec 4600 is a separate Liqui Moly product.
What engine family is this kit designed around?
Compatible BMW M57 3.0L turbo-diesel applications covered by the service kit.
Give Your BMW M57 the Maintenance It Deserves
The BMW M57 has developed a strong reputation among diesel enthusiasts, but long-term performance depends heavily on consistent maintenance.
Liqui Moly Longtime High Tech 5W-30 combines BMW Longlife-04 approval with DPF suitability, turbocharger compatibility, excellent wear protection and strong engine-cleanliness characteristics.
Paired with a fresh MAHLE oil filter and applicable service seals, this 8-liter oil change package provides a premium solution for routine maintenance on compatible BMW M57 diesel applications.