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.

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.

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.

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.