LL-01 oil actually needed?

[Colinoscopy]

I hate to be that guy and post a topic that's been discussed so many times ...but I still haven't found a persuading answer either way.

Do I NEED LL-01 approved 5w-30 for my 135i? There's a lot of high quality full-synthetic oils out there that don't specify LL-01. I plan on changing every 5-6k regardless of what oil I'm using. So... is LL-01 mandatory for spirited daily driving in moderate climate conditions? Thanks.

[NorthernDancer]

Debated/discussed a thousand times. Question is: why not since LL01 is so easily and readily available? And shall I say affordable too.

[iminhell1]

I'm going with no.

[tock172]

What oil are you considering using that's not LL01 compliant?

[Colinoscopy]

Originally Posted by tock172

What oil are you considering using that's not LL01 compliant?

Well there's this which is an insane price from a reputable brand.

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03057...70_&dpSrc=srch

There's also several other options that are much cheaper. If LL-01 is needed though, I don't mind paying more.

[iminhell1]

Well I have 60,000 on this so far and I have no plan on changing brands or weights:
http://www.mobil1.co.uk/synthetic-en...fications#tabs

And the prices on Amazon are stupid. Just do like everyone else and shop Walmart for oil.

[Tiron]

LL stands for long life, you don't need a long life oil unless you are trying to stretch the change interval or maintain warranty. I use Mobil 1 0-40 Euro (which is no longer LL01 rated), and change every 5k.

[triggergt]

I use nothing but Amsoil in all my vehicles!!!!

[cly7n]

Rotella T6

[Big Mexican Women]

Originally Posted by cly7n

Rotella T6

I've actually tried this once in my 328i. It really helped clean out the motor. The oil filter came out after this interval looking much cleaner than before. opening up the oil cap, the internals of the engine looked alot cleaner.

this oil was very good during cold starts, it helped the engine warm up quickly, but still felt nice and thick and helped maintain a lower oil temp than before. however, this is a diesel oil with very heavy detergents meaning that it's not a good idea to use this stuff regularly - only once in a while to help keep the motor clean.

as for regularly NOT using a LL certified oil? not recommended. just be safe and stick to something high quality that is LL certified, such as Motul.

[niceast]

I just changed the oil with motul 8100 xcess 5w-40, LL-04

edit/update:

From epa.gov website, Sulfur levels in US gasoline well be standardized to a maximum of 10ppm starting earlier 2017, which will match EU standards


below are links to source material for additional information.
https://www.epa.gov/gasoline-standards/gasoline-sulfur
https://www.transportpolicy.net/stan...-and-gasoline/

[PiggoBenis]

My opinion is it depends on how often you're changing your oil. I change my oil every 7,500 miles and for me it's a better peace of mine knowing I have LL01. I use Liqui Moly 2332 Leichtlauf High Tech 5W-40 from Amazon, it's like $40 for five liters.

[icegrill]

Why not just use it and not worry about it?

[Gangplank]

The difference in cost between the most expensive LL01 oil vs. whatever other oil you choose to put in will never cost as much as basic repairs from using the wrong oil. BMW over engineers things often but if you follow basic maintenance these cars will run forever. Just my $.02

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Oils that are not LL are not "Long Life" so you have to change them more often. How often, really depends on an oil analysis if you want to do it right.

[Big Mexican Women]

Originally Posted by niceast

I just changed the oil with motul 8100 xcess 5w-40 (or something thing like that) bought from an indie shop/independently dealer near me that specialize in audi/vw.

They gave me LL-04, a $2 crush washer, $17 oil filter kit (not going back to them). I hope the high sulfer fuel in the US doesnt affect the oil too much. I'm expecting 5k mile or 6 months,

I’ve found this motul oil incredibly resilient and long lasting. Even with the liqui moly stuff I’m currently using, they both seem to hold up far better than the castrol I was previously using (all 5w40 weights)

With the castrol, oil temps were consistently higher and the engine sounded pretty rough and rattly on cold starts even after 4K miles compared to now. I got almost 5000 Miles on my current interval of liqui moly and the oil looks/smells just fine when I checked via the oil filler cap. I couldn’t be bothered to change my oil for the time being. I’ll be sticking to these two brands.