Oil

Bunker

Member
I am sure this has been discussed so apologies if this (I am sure) has been discussed, I have a 35i that needs a top up of oil. What is BMW’s recommendations as I have had so many odd answers from the net?
 
Smartbear said:
5w30 ll04 I believe, oil threads can become mind numbing so prepare yourself :thumbsup:
Rob

Also don't ask about what fuel to use it what tyres to buy unless you're a masochist :rofl:
 
BMW Longlife-04 (BMW LL-04)
Special BMW approval for fully synthetic long-life oil. Viscosities are SAE 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30 and 5W-40.

LL-04 (2005). API SM/SN. ACEA C3 (similar to A3). SAE 5W30, 5W40. The LL-04 oils have been greatly misunderstood in the past but this is now in greater demand. Most LL-04 oils are intended for Diesels, although it was also approved for gas engines in Europe and other world markets. BMW never certified LL-04 for the US (see next paragraph). Diesel oil has long been valued by engine builders and tuners because of its higher levels of ZDDP content. LL-04 also has a lower SAPS value which is good news for direct-injection engines (all BMW turbo engines since 2007). You won't find Genuine BMW LL-04 sold here but Red Line Euro-Series oil and Pentosin SP III are produced around this spec.
 
I had a look on the specs for the N52B25 engine in my S23i 2009 model.
The newst info site state the recommended best is BMW LL-01 FE 0W-30. I have always been happy with Castrol Edge Titanium 0W-30. Any old hands out there see a problem with this or would they recommend another oil? The car engine is still young at 40,000 miles..

Thanks
 
Ouroux71 said:
I had a look on the specs for the N52B25 engine in my S23i 2009 model.
The newst info site state the recommended best is BMW LL-01 FE 0W-30. I have always been happy with Castrol Edge Titanium 0W-30. Any old hands out there see a problem with this or would they recommend another oil? The car engine is still young at 40,000 miles..

Thanks

Most of the later specs were for fuel economy (lower friction) or environmental reasons ( older oils had additives that poisoned catalytic converters or interfered in some way)

Far far far more important IMHO and others is to change the oil more often with decent filters..

So I would carry on with your current oil..

some hard boiled guys even use some of the diesel specifc versions asthey gave better additives /detergent capabilities

It is very confusing if you have a 'middle aged' BMW engine..
 
I'm defintely a believer in frequent oil changes that's for sure it's every year or 8,000 miles for me - whichever comes first. I haven't done an oil change on the Z4 yet as I'm only getting it on Tuesday. I was wondering what oils owners on the forum had been using?

Thanks
 
Bunker said:
Thanks for all the response, I have 5/30 or 0/40 in the garage.... I amassuming the 5/30 is the way to go?

In the uk 5w30 is marginally preferred but it’s in the noise
 
Needed a quick top up so 5/30 in now. It's due in the $tealers Friday for a full one, I am sure I will have open wallet surgery.... wish me luck
 
I
flybobbie said:
From 29k to now 86k i have used Mobil 1 in my 23i. Have been doing 10k or annual oil changes.
I use Mobil 1 always, it was the viscosity I was interested in. Keep the oil flow going :roll:
 
Go to opie oils website, search for an engine oil that is BMW LL-04 rated and that's your answer. It's really that simple, opie are also the cheapest supplier you are likely to find. I use castrol because that is the OEM product.
Don't buy off ebay etc, fake oils are very common.

Direct link here https://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-197425-castrol-edge-5w-30-m-fst-fully-synthetic-car-engine-oil.aspx
 
flybobbie said:
I bought from Opie on ebay 2x5litres Mobil 1 £77.44.

I see the price has shot up now £47.95 5 litres.
I buy the Castrol Titanium 5w30 when it goes on sale (usually up to 50% off, a few time a year) and change it annually regardless of mileage.
As pbondar mentioned, it is far better to do regular changes with good filters.
I buy the OEM filters from a BMW parts store, genuine and way cheaper than from the dealer.
 
flybobbie said:
Scotty Kilmer advises 5k changes old bangers, 8-10k synthetics.
Totally agree... Oil and filters cheap - engine not so cheap....
Before anyone chips in - the dealers don't care what happens to your engine once out of warranty and I've seen the colour of 20,000 mile synthetic oil and it looks like it isn't protecting much...
 
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