Originally Posted By: Rand
the N20 was a new engine design around 2011
It was designed for lower friction losses and use of lighter oil.
it makes anywhere from 160 to 240hp (IIRC)
Yes, this is an engine (and BMW approval) designed SPECIFICALLY for lower viscosity oils.
Originally Posted By: Fuchs
What is behind the BMW LONGLIFE-14 FE+?
In 2011 BMW developed a new 4-cylinder gasoline engine, called BMW N20. this 2.0L-engine (1997 cm3) with 245 hp is the successor of the N53 and N52 6-cylinder engines.
The new engine is a component of the Efficient Dynamics-concept. In the NEDC a fuel saving of 15% was achieved with the X1 xDrive28i with 7.9L/100Km.
Today the engine is used in the entire BMW model range with power output between 156-245hp.
To keep the measured fuel savings even after the oil change, the use of our TITAN GT1 EVO SAE 0W-20 according to BMW Longlife-14FE+ is necessary.
With respect to the quote that dparm mentioned, I'd hope that a low HTHS oil run in an engine designed for a low HTHS oil wouldn't lead to massive wear, LOL! I think that's a line designed to ease the nail biting of those who think that an oil of higher HTHS is REQUIRED to keep wear in check, which of course is not the case. It may be required in certain applications, but this isn't one of them. Engine design, control of oil temp....etc are key here and since BMW has a specific approval for this category, like they do with LL-04, LL-01...etc, one should have ZERO concerns running the LL-14 FE+ oils in applications that call for it.
Similar to Ford, Honda and Toyota applications that call for the same viscosity. The engines are designed for it, run what the OEM recommends/requires/approves. They will have done extensive testing to confirm that proper protection is maintained for all conditions potentially encountered.