0W-12 Motor Oil
Ultra1Plus SAE 0W-12 full synthetic motor oil is API SQ licensed, blended in the United States, and available now. 0W-12 is one of the hardest engine oil grades to source in North America. It is specified for a narrow set of modern engines — certain recent BMW gasoline and hybrid applications, and a range of Japanese-market vehicles — and until recently was available almost exclusively through dealer parts counters at dealer prices. We blend it, we stock it, and we sell it in quantities that make sense for shops as well as owners.
Available in quarts, cases and bulk
Ultra-low viscosity oils have been in short supply across the United States since spring 2026. Ultra1Plus holds secured raw material into 2027 and supplies 0W-12 in quart bottles, cases and bulk packaging, with contracted monthly allocation available for shops, dealer groups and fleets.
For case pricing, bulk quotes or a supply agreement, call 888-685-8721 or email sales@ultra1plus.com
What 0W-12 oil is
SAE 0W-12 sits between 0W-8 and 0W-16 in the ultra-low viscosity range. The "0W" describes cold-start flow; the "12" describes viscosity at operating temperature — thinner than the 0W-20 most drivers are familiar with, and thinner than 0W-16.
Manufacturers moved to these grades for efficiency. Reducing the energy an engine spends circulating and shearing its own oil produces measurable fuel economy gains, and engines specified for 0W-12 are designed around it: bearing clearances, oil pump output, and variable valve timing hardware all assume that thinner film. In turbocharged direct-injection engines the formulation also has to control low-speed pre-ignition and manage deposits under high thermal load, which is why a correctly formulated, licensed 0W-12 matters more than the number on the bottle.
Applications
Ultra1Plus 0W-12 is suitable for gasoline engines that specify SAE 0W-12, including:
- Recent BMW gasoline and hybrid applications — including 2023 and newer vehicles with B48 and B58 engines where the manufacturer specifies SAE 0W-12
- Japanese-market vehicles specifying JASO GLV-1 ultra-low viscosity grades
Always confirm the viscosity grade and any manufacturer approval required by your vehicle's owner's manual or service information before selecting an oil. Some manufacturers require a specific factory approval in addition to the viscosity grade; where that is the case, check the requirement for your vehicle.
Specifications and certification
- API SQ licensed. Verify our licensed products in the public API EOLCS Licensee Directory. Licensing on this grade is uncommon — it is worth checking any 0W-12 you are offered.
- Formulated to meet JASO GLV-1 performance requirements.
- Full synthetic, with additive chemistry selected for wear protection, deposit control and LSPI resistance in turbocharged direct-injection and hybrid engines.
- Blended and packaged in the United States.
Note on marks: SAE 0W-12 is covered by API Service Category SP and carries the API service symbol. It is not an ILSAC category — GF-6B and GF-7B apply to 0W-16 only — so 0W-12 does not carry the ILSAC starburst or the API Shield.
Download the technical data sheet (PDS) — no form required.
Why buy 0W-12 from Ultra1Plus
- Actually available. This grade has largely been a dealer-only item in North America. We stock it and ship it.
- API licensed and verifiable, and independently quality-monitored through the Petroleum Quality Institute of America program.
- Sold in useful quantities. Quarts for owners, cases for shops, bulk for fleets — not one-liter bottles at parts-counter pricing.
- Secured supply into 2027, with contracted monthly allocation available.
Frequently asked questions
What is 0W-12 motor oil?
SAE 0W-12 is an ultra-low viscosity full synthetic engine oil specified for a narrow set of modern gasoline and hybrid engines designed around a thinner oil film for improved fuel efficiency.
What vehicles use 0W-12?
Certain recent BMW gasoline and hybrid applications, including 2023 and newer B48 and B58 engines where the manufacturer specifies it, along with a range of Japanese-market vehicles. Confirm the requirement in your owner's manual, and check whether your vehicle also requires a specific factory approval.
Can I use 0W-20 instead of 0W-12?
Not as a routine substitute. Engines specified for 0W-12 are designed around that viscosity, and running heavier oil affects fuel economy and can influence variable valve timing operation. If you are considering a substitute because 0W-12 is hard to find, we have it in stock.
Why is 0W-12 so hard to find?
Two reasons. It is a young grade with a small number of applications, so few blenders produce it. And since spring 2026, the base oils these ultra-low viscosity formulations require have been in constrained supply across the United States. We secured raw material and continue to produce it.
Is Ultra1Plus 0W-12 API certified?
Yes, licensed under API Service Category SQ and listed in the public API EOLCS Licensee Directory.
What sizes is it available in?
Quarts, cases, drums and bulk. Call 888-685-8721 for case and bulk pricing.
Do you supply shops and dealer groups?
Yes. We write twelve-month supply agreements with fixed monthly allocation rather than selling spot. Call 888-685-8721 to discuss volume and terms.