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      02-11-2012, 01:34 PM   #1
bam9382
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Can I use Castrol 5w40 syntec in my 128i? Whats your opinion?

There is groupon in my area for a Synthetic full service multi point inspection and tire rotation oil change using 5w40 syntec. I usually just have BMW do it and do it once in between the 15k interval. I am about halfway through the interval and found a groupon for this for only 39 dollars!!!

What is your opinion on 5w40 syntec? Is it much different that the 5w-30 BMW uses? Any repercussions of using this?
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      02-11-2012, 01:36 PM   #2
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^^Only IF it says: "BMW long Life 1 or LL1" on the side of the bottle.
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      02-11-2012, 02:25 PM   #3
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I routinely find BMW dealers advertising oil service/filter specials at $79.95 in California, one time I got it done for $49. Everyone honors each others coupons, so bring it to the dealer of your choice. I either do that for low mileage services not covered by the covered routine service or I order filter and oil from one of the wholesale dealers and pay Jiffy Lube $30 to do the labor. I have never found Castrol Syntec with the LL designation, so I have given up looking for it.

I recently had my radiator flushed and coolant replaced for $99 at a BMW dealer, so it pays to search service specials.
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      02-11-2012, 02:42 PM   #4
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what is the difference between LL1 and non LL1 Castrol 5w40 syntec
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      02-11-2012, 03:26 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bam9382 View Post
what is the difference between LL1 and non LL1 Castrol 5w40 syntec

The LL-1 oils have been tested and approved by BMW. The other oils(w/o LL-1 rating) and YOU are doing the testing - whether they will harm your engine or not in the long run.
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      02-11-2012, 03:30 PM   #6
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Thanks for the insight! One other question. What is the recommended weight from BMW for the oil what are they using? 5w-30 10w-30 5w-40 10w-40 etc?


Also what is the major difference from the 1st number and the second? I know this is a elementary question and it has to do with weather and driving conditions. I am just trying to figure out what conditions 5w-40 is recommended for and if I meet those or if it even makes that big of a difference.
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      02-11-2012, 05:13 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bam9382 View Post
Thanks for the insight! One other question. What is the recommended weight from BMW for the oil what are they using? 5w-30 10w-30 5w-40 10w-40 etc?


Also what is the major difference from the 1st number and the second? I know this is a elementary question and it has to do with weather and driving conditions. I am just trying to figure out what conditions 5w-40 is recommended for and if I meet those or if it even makes that big of a difference.
You can use ANY oil that says: BMW LL-1 on it and comes in 0w30, 0w40, 5w30 or 5w40 weight. The most important thing is the BMW LL-1 rating. Especially if you go with long oil change intervals(OCI).

I use a BMW approved oil, but I change my oil every 6K miles.
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      02-11-2012, 06:30 PM   #8
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I've found that the BMW branded 5w30 from my dealer is generally cost competitive with most other "premium" oils. And there are no worries about BMW approval as it was the OEM crankcase fill.

If you wish to do a DIY change, Tischer (getBMWparts.com) sells a complete kit online for around $70.

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      02-11-2012, 09:15 PM   #9
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What is everyones experience with the Dealer... how much do they charge for a oil change? Assuming you already had your free one and would like another one for piece of mind. I am researching online and see people saying 200-250??? This seems maybe a bit overstated.
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      02-12-2012, 02:49 AM   #10
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Check out:
http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx

I usually use Tischer oil kits which is probably the best deal for diy but I currently buy oil filters in bulk and use Castrol European formula 0w-30 even if its cost a bit more.
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      02-12-2012, 04:02 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
You can use ANY oil that says: BMW LL-1 on it and comes in 0w30, 0w40, 5w30 or 5w40 weight. The most important thing is the BMW LL-1 rating. Especially if you go with long oil change intervals(OCI).

I use a BMW approved oil, but I change my oil every 6K miles.
I'm using BMW Castrol LL-04 and I think this one is the right oil for our cars. 0w30
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      02-12-2012, 06:55 AM   #12
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5w40 may be a bit thicker than ideal for street driving. Definitely not too thick as it's an approved weight in some brands, but a 5w30 or 0w30 should give you better protection on cold starts, reportedly when the most wear occurs.

Like others said, the BMW branded oil is pretty good.

I believe changing the oil more often than 15k intervals is more important than which brand of oil you choose, provided the oil you choose is an LL-01 approved oil or at least a high quality equivalent.
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      02-12-2012, 09:33 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bam9382 View Post
What is everyones experience with the Dealer... how much do they charge for a oil change? Assuming you already had your free one and would like another one for piece of mind. I am researching online and see people saying 200-250??? This seems maybe a bit overstated.
My dealer and others in the area routinely offer oil change service for about $80 on sale (it's something like $120 when not on sale -- don't remember precisely because I've never paid their non sale price).

If I were you, I'd call a few local dealers, and ask to be put on their "mailing list" for service specials. I don't know the Texas market, but I'd guess your local dealers have similar revolving "specials".
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      02-12-2012, 02:59 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bam9382 View Post
What is everyones experience with the Dealer... how much do they charge for a oil change? Assuming you already had your free one and would like another one for piece of mind. I am researching online and see people saying 200-250??? This seems maybe a bit overstated.

Those folks must be getting more service than just an oil change. If you request ONLY an oil/filter change, it should be around $100 or so. My dealer charges $105 but almost always has coupons for $80.

Tom
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      02-12-2012, 09:36 PM   #15
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Thanks!
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      02-13-2012, 09:05 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bam9382 View Post
What is everyones experience with the Dealer... how much do they charge for a oil change? Assuming you already had your free one and would like another one for piece of mind. I am researching online and see people saying 200-250??? This seems maybe a bit overstated.
Oil service on both my E92 335i and my wife's 128i Convertible run around $90.
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