Where to find Castrol LL01

[takahashi]

The question is where to find it.... let me know. I will also buy in bulks.

[wlimhill]

I'd also bulk buy if anyone finds out where to buy!

[Breville]

Originally Posted by takahashi

Is that what you use for the engine? Even for the initial peroid? coz I will not be following the scheudle and changing oil every 5000km.

BMW will sell it by the litre seriouslt though let us know if you find some as I don't plan on spending $60 for BMW to undo a single bolt and pour some oil! I wouldn't be bothered about this if it wasn't for the track days.

Wayne what are you using?

[wlimhill]

I've called the Castol Customer Service Line and they have directed me to Blackwood and Sons, who appear to be a wholesale distributor for all things mechanically related. I asked for Castrol TXT Softec. They came back to me and told me that this has now been replaced by SLX Professional BMW. They only can come in 20L kegs and it costs $350 (equating to $17.50 per litre)

http://www.tds.castrol.com.au/pdf%5C...94_2006_09.pdf

Noticed on the Castol site, they have the Castrol Edge Sport 5W-30.

http://www.castrol.com/castrol/produ...tentId=7013361

Spoke to the tech services of Castrol, and he basically said that Castrol Edge Sport 5W-30 is a further developed version of the LL01, however the process is they need to get a specific oil approved by BMW, and once approved BMW will use it worldwide. Apparently, it costs $millions to get this approval and if they further enhance their oil, they would have to go through this approval again. They haven't done this for the Edge Sport 5W-30 which is readily available in retail outlets.

He also mentioned, that he is not sure how this would be handled if you had an issue with the engine using a "non-approved" engine oil, however I'd have my doubts if non-BMW mechanics would use the LL01, however I understand that your warranty is still valid with their services (even Ultratune, though I'd never go to them) so I'm not sure if BMW could void your warranty for using an equally high grade synthetic oil.

Anyways, some useful info.

[Breville]

Thanks for the research wlimhill, most useful. I have my oil changed by BMW this morning and they said I should be careful not to use anything other than their oil. The service manager did say he'd be happy to get the mechanics to syphon off 6.5l for me and sell at $20/ltr, which I thought was jolly nice of him!

[takahashi]

Originally Posted by Breville

Thanks for the research wlimhill, most useful. I have my oil changed by BMW this morning and they said I should be careful not to use anything other than their oil. The service manager did say he'd be happy to get the mechanics to syphon off 6.5l for me and sell at $20/ltr, which I thought was jolly nice of him!

All the dealership people say that, even Toyota dealers.

How the f will they know what oil is it coming out of the slump. I challenge them to tell the difference between Castrol Edge 5W30 and oil in their drums. I somehow doubt they are really different....

[Breville]

I suspect you're right, but I'm not that fussy with my oil, so long as it gets good stuff.

[bobbynoway]

Its good to know that I can now give BMW the 1-finger salute. I dont know how they can keep a straight face and charge me $22/litre for an inferior oil when I can buy castrol 5w-30 edge for cheaper.
Good info guys. Keep up the good work.

[wlimhill]

Further update, got in contact with Reliance petroleum, who normally act as a distributor for BP Petroleum and Castrol oils, they quoted me $205 plus GST for 20L of Castrol SLX BMW Professional oil. Now that's cheap!

You need to set up an account with them.

http://www.reliancepetroleum.com.au/

I spoke to a Kris Pogorelec, who is a sales account manager.

[Alext]

If you use the Castrol online oil recommendation tool for the 135i/335i it says 'refer to dealer'. The Castrol edge 5w-30 quite a 'thin' oil at 100oC, but is almost identical to the LL01. Interestingly the Mobil version recommends that Mobil 1 0w-40 be used for the 335i....it meets BMW LL01 standard.

I should also add that Castrol edge 0w-40 meets BMW LL01: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/produ...tentId=7013359

[AussieRacer]

Here is a list (as at 10/2007) of LL-01 Castrol branded oils from BMW TIS:


The overall list is huge, and includes lots of non-Castrol oils.

BMW actually recommends LL-01 or LL-04 approved oils. That being LL-04 oils comply the with latest environmental standards plus other.

[Dodger]

Castrol SLX Prfessional BMW LL01 is the correct oil for the 135i according to Castrol Technical, European vehicles use LL04 spec as the sulphur content in our fuel is a lot higher here.

Repco can supply 20 litre drums but it is a little more expensive, about $260.

[TimMc]

I got a few quotes for an oil & filter change today;
Coastline BMW $270
Motorline BMW $280 (initially quoted me $450 - $500 'til I hit the roof)
Brisbane BMW $390 - $400!! They're my local who I purchased from but they wouldn't budge from this. How can an oil change cost this much?

I'll definitely be changing my own now. It'll be much less hassle and waaaaay cheaper. Has anyone in Brisbane bought oil and does anyone have the "special" oil filter tool I'm told you need? Cheers

[Zuzu]

WOW... Sylvania BMW in Sydney replaced my oil and filter for $195.00

[Breville]

Ditto mine was $200 from Col Crawfords.

[Swift135]

I had a oil and filter done @ 7000km at Brisbane BMW cost $210 and on the receipt it listed the oil as Shell Helix Ultra Extra. I said what the hell; and they assured me that it was the same or better than the Castrol and BMW would not recommend it if it was not up to the job.

[TimMc]

Brisbane BMW told me they use Shell Helix Ultra AB Fully Synthetic 0W-30
Coastline BMW told me they use Castrol TXT
Motorline BMW told me they use Castrol Edge 0W-40 that I "should be able to buy at Super Cheap Auto" etc...

I'm not yet sure what oil to use??? Prefferably one that's compatible with the oil whatever dealer I finally let rip me off for a "proper" service uses.

[AussieRacer]

As stated in my old post above, there are hundreds of oils that are BMW LL-01 or BMW LL-04 approved. Oils meeting either of those standards is approved by BMW for the N54. Of course the number of approved oils easily available purchased retail in Australia is lot smaller - maybe 10-15 different oils.

[MikeVictor]

Originally Posted by andrew@southernBM

BMW Long life is Castrol 5w30

We get the tanker to fill up our mass storage oil tank, but i am sure someone in NSW has it.

So the 5W-30 is the way to go for our cars, or would the 0W-40 be a better option?

[AussieRacer]

5W-30 (or 0W-30) will give you more power, but oil won't like track work/prolonged hard work, unless you change regularly.

0W-40 will give slightly less power, and more stability over it's life if occasionally put under strain. And theoretically will give higher oil temps due to increased friction/resistance when warm compared to 30 weight hot oil.

I'd personally go 5W-30 or 0W-30 if you will change more regularly than the BMW intervals.

[MikeVictor]

thanks

Repco have the Castrol Edge 5W-30 on sale for the Fathers Day promotions at $35 for 5L at the moment too, $15 off normal price.

[imported_Dizzy]

Originally Posted by TimMc

I got a few quotes for an oil & filter change today;
Coastline BMW $270
Motorline BMW $280 (initially quoted me $450 - $500 'til I hit the roof)
Brisbane BMW $390 - $400!! They're my local who I purchased from but they wouldn't budge from this. How can an oil change cost this much?

I'll definitely be changing my own now. It'll be much less hassle and waaaaay cheaper. Has anyone in Brisbane bought oil and does anyone have the "special" oil filter tool I'm told you need? Cheers

I went to order this tool from BMW would cost 70$ i just used a normal oil filter tool with a rag under it worked fine, i use Penrite Sin 0 oil