BMW N20/N26 5W-40 Oil Change Guide – 228i 320i 328i 428i 528i X1 Z4

August 16, 2026

BMW N20/N26 5W-40 Oil Change Guide – 228i, 320i, 328i, 428i, 528i, X1 & Z4

BMW's N20 and N26 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines power a wide range of popular models, including the 228i, 320i, 328i, 428i, 528i, X1 and Z4.

Although these vehicles span several BMW chassis and model families, they share an important maintenance requirement: using the correct engine oil specification and replacing the oil filter during routine service.

For compatible applications, the Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 BMW N20/N26 Oil Change Kit combines 5 liters of Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech SAE 5W-40 with a MANN-FILTER oil filter and applicable oil-service sealing components.

Why Oil Maintenance Matters on the BMW N20 & N26

The N20 and N26 are turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engines. Their lubrication systems have to protect internal engine components while also supplying oil to the turbocharger.

Engine oil performs several critical functions:

Lubricates internal engine components
Protects against friction and wear
Lubricates the turbocharger
Helps control deposits and contaminants
Supports engine temperature management
Provides lubrication during cold starts
Helps maintain stable lubrication under load

Over time, repeated heat cycles, mileage and contamination degrade the oil.

Replacing the engine oil and filter together restores the lubrication system with fresh oil and a new filtration element.

Why Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40?

Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech SAE 5W-40 is a high-performance engine oil designed for demanding gasoline and diesel applications without particulate filters.

For compatible BMW N20/N26 applications, one of its most important characteristics is:

BMW Longlife-01 Approval

Liqui Moly lists the following approvals and specifications for Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40:

BMW Longlife-01
ACEA A3/B4
API SP
MB-Approval 229.5
Porsche A40
Renault RN 0700 / RN 0710
VW 502 00 / 505 00

Liqui Moly also describes the oil as providing high lubrication reliability, excellent wear protection, engine cleanliness and high shear stability while being tested for turbochargers and catalytic converters.

For compatible vehicles, the BMW N20/N26 Liqui Moly 5W-40 Oil Change Kit provides the primary oil-service components together.

What's Included in the Oil Change Kit?

Quantity	Component	Brand / Specification
1	Engine Oil	Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 – 5L
5L Total	Engine Oil	Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40
1	Engine Oil Filter	MANN-FILTER
1	Oil Filter O-Ring	Included
—	Applicable Service Seals	Included where applicable

Oil Filter Brand: MANN-FILTER

The package uses a MANN-FILTER cartridge oil filter, rather than an unidentified generic filter.

The oil filter and applicable sealing components should be replaced together with the engine oil during routine maintenance.

BMW N20 vs N26 – What's the Difference?

BMW's N20 and N26 are closely related 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines.

The N26 was developed as an emissions-focused variation of the N20 for specific applications and markets.

From a maintenance perspective, the important point is that a vehicle being labeled N20 or N26 does not mean owners should automatically assume every component is identical.

Vehicle year, production date, emissions configuration and exact model can affect parts compatibility.

When purchasing an oil-service package, verify:

Year → Model → Engine → Production Date → VIN

rather than relying solely on the engine family.

BMW 228i Oil Change

The F22-generation BMW 228i combines BMW's compact 2 Series chassis with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Compatible configurations can include:

BMW 228i
BMW 228i xDrive

For applicable N20-powered vehicles, the BMW 228i Liqui Moly 5W-40 Oil Change Kit provides 5 liters of Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 together with a MANN-FILTER oil filter.

Exact production-date and engine verification is recommended before ordering.

BMW 320i Oil Change

The F30 BMW 320i brought turbocharged four-cylinder power to an accessible version of the 3 Series.

Compatible applications include both:

BMW 320i

and

BMW 320i xDrive

The engine's turbocharger relies on the engine lubrication system, making correct oil selection and routine maintenance particularly important.

For compatible vehicles, the same N20/N26 oil-service package can provide the oil and filter needed for scheduled maintenance.

BMW 328i Oil Change

The BMW 328i is one of the most recognizable N20/N26 applications.

Depending on configuration, compatible models can include:

BMW 328i
BMW 328i xDrive
BMW 328i GT xDrive

Because BMW used different engine and emissions configurations across production years, owners should confirm whether their vehicle uses the N20 or N26 and verify exact component compatibility.

For applicable vehicles, the BMW 328i N20/N26 5W-40 Oil Change Kit combines Liqui Moly engine oil with a MANN-FILTER cartridge filter.

BMW 428i Oil Change

BMW also used the N20/N26 engine family throughout several versions of the 4 Series.

Compatible applications can include:

BMW 428i Coupe
BMW 428i xDrive Coupe
BMW 428i Convertible
BMW 428i xDrive Convertible
BMW 428i Gran Coupe
BMW 428i xDrive Gran Coupe

Although these vehicles share the 428i designation, drivetrain and production differences can affect parts selection.

For compatible applications, the BMW 428i Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 Oil Change Kit provides the primary oil-service components in one package.

BMW 528i Oil Change

The F10-generation BMW 528i also received BMW's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Compatible applications can include:

BMW 528i
BMW 528i xDrive

Despite being part of the larger 5 Series family, compatible N20-powered 528i models can share engine-maintenance components with smaller BMW platforms.

However, owners should never assume compatibility based only on the engine's 2.0-liter displacement.

Always verify exact fitment before ordering.

BMW X1 E84 Oil Change

The first-generation BMW X1 E84 is another important N20 application.

Compatible configurations can include:

BMW X1 sDrive28i
BMW X1 xDrive28i

The E84 X1 should not be confused with later X1 generations, which use different vehicle architectures and can require different service components.

For compatible E84 applications, the BMW X1 N20 Liqui Moly 5W-40 Oil Change Kit provides Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech oil and the corresponding MANN-FILTER filtration component.

BMW Z4 sDrive28i Oil Change

The E89 BMW Z4 sDrive28i uses the turbocharged N20 four-cylinder engine.

Because the Z4 belongs to a very different vehicle family from the 3 Series or X1, it is a useful example of why BMW maintenance components should be searched by engine and OE compatibility, not just model family.

For compatible Z4 applications, this package provides the same fundamental oil-service combination:

Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40

MANN-FILTER oil filter

What Does BMW Longlife-01 Mean?

When choosing BMW engine oil, viscosity and manufacturer specification are two different things.

5W-40

This describes the oil's SAE viscosity grade.

BMW Longlife-01

This identifies a BMW engine-oil specification.

Two engine oils can both carry a 5W-40 viscosity rating while meeting different manufacturer specifications.

Therefore:

5W-40 does not automatically mean BMW LL-01.

Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 carries official BMW Longlife-01 approval, making the specification directly identifiable.

What Does 5W-40 Mean?

The 5W-40 designation describes the oil's viscosity characteristics.

The 5W portion relates to its low-temperature viscosity performance.

The 40 portion identifies its viscosity grade at operating temperature.

Viscosity is important, but it should not be used as the only factor when selecting engine oil.

For BMW applications, owners should also check the manufacturer's required approval.

BMW LL-01 vs LL-17 FE+

This distinction is especially important because not all BMWs we've covered use the same oil specification.

For example:

Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 → BMW Longlife-01

while newer applications may use:

Liqui Moly Top Tec 6600 0W-20 → BMW Longlife-17 FE+

These oils should not be considered interchangeable simply because both are Liqui Moly products intended for BMW applications.

Different engine generations can have different lubrication requirements.

Always check the required specification for the exact vehicle.

Why Turbocharged BMW Engines Need Quality Oil

The turbocharger in an N20/N26 engine operates at very high rotational speeds and depends on engine oil for lubrication.

Engine oil must therefore protect both conventional internal engine components and the turbocharger.

Correct lubrication helps support:

Turbocharger bearing protection
Engine bearing protection
Valvetrain lubrication
Timing-system lubrication
Piston and cylinder protection
Engine cleanliness
Reliable cold-start lubrication
Protection under high operating temperatures

Regular maintenance cannot prevent every engine or turbocharger problem, but proper lubrication is one of the fundamentals of engine longevity.

Why Replace the Oil Filter During Every Oil Change?

As engine oil circulates, contaminants are captured by the oil filter.

Over time, the filtration media accumulates debris and contamination.

Installing fresh oil while retaining the old filter means the new lubricant immediately circulates through a filtration element that has already accumulated service time.

For this reason, the oil filter should normally be replaced with the engine oil.

The complete BMW N20/N26 5W-40 Oil Change Kit includes a MANN-FILTER cartridge filter for compatible applications.

Why MANN-FILTER?

The package uses a MANN-FILTER oil filter, rather than an unidentified generic filtration component.

A correctly specified oil filter must provide appropriate:

Filtration efficiency
Oil flow
Fitment
Sealing
Filter-media capacity

The filter O-ring and applicable service seals should also be replaced during the oil change.

How Much Oil Comes With the Kit?

This package supplies:

5 Liters

of Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech SAE 5W-40.

However, the amount supplied with an oil-change kit should not automatically be interpreted as the exact amount that must be poured into every compatible engine.

Actual refill quantity can depend on the exact application and service procedure.

Always follow the appropriate BMW service information and verify the final oil level after completing the service.

Basic BMW N20/N26 Oil Change Procedure

A typical N20/N26 oil service begins by safely preparing the vehicle and draining the used engine oil.

Remove the existing cartridge oil filter and replace it with the new MANN-FILTER element.

Replace the filter O-ring and applicable sealing components during the service.

Before installation, lightly lubricate the new O-ring with clean engine oil and make sure it is correctly seated.

After reinstalling the required components, add the appropriate amount of fresh engine oil.

Then:

Start the engine
Allow fresh oil to circulate
Inspect the oil-filter housing
Inspect the drain area
Check for leaks
Verify the engine-oil level
Correct the level if necessary
Perform a final leak inspection

Always follow the appropriate BMW torque specifications and service procedures for your exact vehicle.

What Should You Inspect During an N20/N26 Oil Change?

An oil change provides a useful opportunity to inspect the engine for developing problems.

Look for:

Engine oil leaks
Oil-filter housing leakage
Coolant leakage
Turbocharger oil-line leakage
Damaged coolant hoses
Intake or charge-pipe problems
Accessory belt wear
Fluid underneath the engine
Damaged electrical connectors
Unusual contamination in the old filter

If a leak is discovered, diagnose its source rather than automatically replacing the component nearest the visible oil.

Don't Order BMW Oil Parts by Model Name Alone

BMW used the N20/N26 engine family across many platforms:

2 Series

3 Series

4 Series

5 Series

At the same time, different generations of those same models can use completely different engines.

For example, an E84 X1 should not automatically be treated as equivalent to a later-generation X1.

Similarly, a 328i and later 330i may belong to the same general 3 Series family while using different engine generations.

This is why SayParts recommends checking:

Year → Model → Engine → Production Date → VIN

before ordering.

Common BMW N20/N26 Oil Change Mistakes

Avoid these common mistakes:

Selecting oil based only on 5W-40
Ignoring BMW Longlife approval
Ordering by model name without checking generation
Assuming every BMW 2.0L turbo uses the same oil filter
Confusing N20/N26 with later B46/B48 engines
Reusing the existing oil filter
Reusing old sealing components
Installing the filter O-ring incorrectly
Assuming kit quantity equals exact engine capacity
Overfilling the engine
Guessing torque specifications
Failing to inspect for leaks
Ordering without checking VIN or production date

BMW N20/N26 Oil Change FAQ

What engine oil comes with this kit?
Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech SAE 5W-40.

How much oil is included?
The package contains 5 liters.

What BMW approval does the oil carry?
BMW Longlife-01.

What brand is the oil filter?
MANN-FILTER.

Does this kit fit the BMW 228i?
It is intended for compatible N20-powered 228i applications. Verify exact vehicle fitment before ordering.

Does it fit the BMW 320i?
Compatible N20-powered 320i and 320i xDrive applications are included.

Does it fit the BMW 328i?
Compatible N20/N26-powered 328i, 328i xDrive and 328i GT applications are included.

Does it fit the BMW 428i?
Compatible N20/N26-powered 428i Coupe, Convertible and Gran Coupe applications are included.

Does it fit the BMW 528i?
Compatible N20-powered 528i applications are included.

Does it fit the BMW X1?
Compatible E84 X1 N20 applications are included. Do not assume compatibility with later X1 generations.

Does it fit the BMW Z4?
Compatible E89 Z4 sDrive28i N20 applications are included.

Can I use any 5W-40 oil?
Do not choose engine oil based only on viscosity. Check the BMW specification required for the exact vehicle.

Is N20 the same as B48?
No. They are different BMW engine generations and should not automatically be assumed to use identical maintenance components.

Complete Your BMW N20/N26 Oil Service

Whether you're maintaining a BMW 228i, 320i, 328i, 428i, 528i, E84 X1 or E89 Z4, correct oil and filter selection is an important part of routine engine maintenance.

For compatible N20/N26 applications, this package combines:

5L Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech SAE 5W-40

BMW Longlife-01 approval