The Importance of the BMW LL-04 specification

BMW LL-04

In 2004, BMW introduced a new specification for engine oils called BMW Longlife-04. This was in response to hardware changes to its vehicles that the company had introduced to address ever tightening global emissions legislation and in particular to meet the Euro 4 emissions standard. However, since 2004 the specification has gradually changed, and today is considerably more demanding.

Explained: Low Speed Pre-Ignition and lubricants

LSPI

Many issues associated with incorrect or poor lubricant choice do not, thankfully, lead to catastrophic engine failure. Over time, inferior lubricants can result in a lack of efficiency, poor fuel economy or component failure. But there is one fairly recent phenomenon that could be taking place in your engine which can cause catastrophic engine failure when you are least expecting it. The phenomenon is associated with modern turbocharged gasoline direct injection engines and is termed low speed pre-ignition, or LSPI.

Explained: Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF’s) and lubricants

Q8Oils Diesel particle filter

Diesel particulate filters (DPFs) have been fitted to both heavy and light duty vehicles for a number of years. Emissions legislation around the world are becoming more stringent and are focused on gaseous emissions such as nitrogen oxides as well as particulates formed during the combustion process, and it is becoming increasingly important to reduce these harmful by-products through a variety of onboard devices.

Explained: Gasoline Particulate Filters (GPF’s) and lubricants

gasoline particulate filter

Take a look underneath a modern gasoline-powered car and you will see an array of devices attached to the exhaust system that have only appeared in recent years. These are often collectively termed ‘exhaust after treatment devices’ or ATDs. Vehicle manufacturers have been forced to add these expensive devices in order to meet the ever-tightening emissions legislations that are increasingly in place around the world.

Can you use an automated manual transmission oil in an automatic gearbox?

automated manual transmission oil

The popularity of manual transmission versus automatic transmission varies from country to country. Semi-automatic transmissions were developed as a cheaper and more fuel-efficient version of automatic transmissions. Many automatic car owners wonder if they can use an automated manual transmission oil in an automatic gearbox. Discover the answer in this article.