BMW switches to Shell oil

MANILA, Philippines - German car manufacturer BMW has entered into a five-year global aftermarket engine oil supply agreement with gas technology leader Shell. Beginning 2015, Shell oil will be used in BMW’s network of 3,500 dealers in more than 140 countries, including China, Germany, Russia, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the United States.

The Philippines, being a crucial emerging market in Asia, is the first country to implement this global supply agreement. Asian Carmakers Corp. (ACC), the official importer and distributor of BMW in the Philippines, will distribute the new Shell-manufactured BMW engine oil to the current network of eight local BMW dealers.

A ceremonial contract signing between ACC, together with counterpart Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. (PSPC) was held recently in Manila.

“Each BMW car performs best with a lubricant that matches its engine power and Shell’s latest offering does just that to allow Filipino BMW customers a better driving experience,” said Juan Antonio Francia, after sales director of ACC.

Shell’s latest generation of fully synthetic motor oils meets and even exceeds the strict specifications of car makers like BMW – providing unsurpassed sludge protection, enhanced piston cleanliness, superior wear and corrosion protection as well as improved fuel economy.

This is made possible by a revolutionary new lubricant technology from Shell that utilizes cleaner natural gas. “The gas-to-liquid technology from Shell is a new way of refining and converting gas to base oil. It’s an innovative way for Shell to produce an end product that is suitable for BMWs,” said Francia.

Francia is referring to Shell PurePlus Technology, Shell’s proprietary process that converts natural gas into crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil.

Base oil – the main ingredient of motor oil – is usually made from crude. More and more engine makers are setting motor oil specifications that require the use of fully synthetic motor oils because it is less prone to thinning or thickening at high temperatures. Fully synthetic oils also contain better-performing cleansing agents that disperse contaminants and help stop deposits from forming, thereby helping to keep engines clean.

The use of cleaner-burning natural gas also aligns Shell with BMW’s corporate thrust of caring for the environment. “BMW designs engines that are powerful to be enjoyed by customers but at the same time fuel efficient and environmentally friendly,” Francia said. 

According to Francia, Shell will further provide technical advice on engine issues like oil sludge.

“We at BMW put great value in increasing sustainability in the industry, which is why we would like to explore the partnership in terms of fuel research and development,” he adds.

On Shell’s part, adding BMW to its list of premium car partners only serve to enhance its already solid reputation as the only premium engine oil for modern industry specifications and OEM approvals.