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      07-22-2010, 07:23 PM   #1
Dackelone
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Who is using German Castrol motor oil?

Who is using German Castrol motor oil?


Hi Gang,

Well… it was time for me to change my oil again… this time I decided to go with German Castrol LL-4 oil. The main reason for me changing oil types was bc I am dirivng in Germany with a US spec car. Even though they sell Mobil-1 0W40 LL-1 oil… it just made sense to use the correct LL4 approved oil.

IF I was living in the states I would be using the BMW oil sold at any BMW Dealership. But this oil is

My local BMW dealer wanted 23 euros PER liter for the BMW/Castrol oil. I bought the same spec oil thru my German local parts store (Stahl Grube). A five liter jug of German Castrol (G.C.) normally sells for 80 euros!! My price without any Germany tax (MwSt 19% sales tax) was 50 euros: for a five liter jug. I went ahead and bought two five liters jugs. Buying the oil in one liter jugs did not make any fiscal sense. A one liter bottle sells for 19 euros and my cost would be 15 euros. I got a better deal on the five liter jug – so that’s what I bought.

I was not expecting much of a noticeable difference… but still I was curious. And all this talk about Mobil-1 being used up after a thousand miles in our D.I. motors made me very uncomfortable. Espcially after reading Bob the Oil Guy’s web pages.

So… I changed my 135i’s oil and filter (I always used BMW filters) and even before I started the engine I noticed a amazing difference! How did I do that? What was this difference? Well… while adding the oil thru a funnel… I accidently dribbled some oil drops onto the plastic valve cover. What I noticed was that the oil did not pool up like Mobil-1 deoes… The Castrol oil simply beaded up like crazy. Like water on a freshly applied Rain-X windshield! I was really blown away by that. When Castrol says it is Liquid engineering they are not kidding!

THEN… when I started the motor…. The engine started with less mechanical fuss. There was really less engine noise WITH the Castrol than when I have used the Mobil-1. The engine really runs smoother and with less tapping noises on cold start then with Mobil-1.

The next day I went on a good long road trip to Sinsheim, then HockenheimRing and ending up at Nuerburgring. The first thing I noticed when I drove on the autobahn was the oil temp gauge was reading a lot cooler than before. The outside temps were the same, the day before. Both days near 30’C ambient. But with the Castrol the oil temp gauge was reading ONE to TWO needle widths lower than it did with Mobil-1. These temps were at cruising speeds and not foot to the floor V-max pulls. 

So…. Any of my fellow 135i drivers… I would HIGHLY recommend you buying this German Castrol oil ASAP. IF I had it to do all over again… I would never have used Mobil-1.

David


German Castrol 0W40 Long Life-4 for euro cars and fuel


Liquid engineering…


BMW LL-4 specs…


Temp gauge reading about as high as it will go with German Castrol.


Temps with German Castrol…


An old picture taken a few months ago with Mobil-1 0w40 LL-1 oil.
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      07-22-2010, 07:50 PM   #2
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I know there must be, but I'm curious as to what the difference is between the German Castrol EDGE and the US sold Castrol EDGE? I've been using the US Castrol EDGE (cheap at Wal-Mart) and much cheaper than the BMW Castrol.

Thoughts?
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      07-22-2010, 08:27 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by takrdown View Post
I know there must be, but I'm curious as to what the difference is between the German Castrol EDGE and the US sold Castrol EDGE? I've been using the US Castrol EDGE (cheap at Wal-Mart) and much cheaper than the BMW Castrol.

Thoughts?
The difference is the stuff you are using from Wally World is not approved by BMW NA. Does the bottle you have say BMW LL-1 approved?

Does it have any ACEA ratings>? Some like these---> (see the writing on the black partion of the Castrol label



It is sort of like the many different types of Mobil-1 oils sold in the USA. Only ONE is approved! And that is the Mobil-1 0w40 european blend BMW LL-1 oil!
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      07-22-2010, 08:29 PM   #4
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I use the US version of German Castrol. Not the Wal-Mart stuff.


SAE 0W–30:
Castrol SYNTEC 0W-30 European Formula is engineered to meet the Mercedes Benz 229.5 specification*. The 0W-30 viscosity grade is ideal for winter conditions where low temperature pumpability is required. A unique, low-temperature formulation provides exceptional pumpability in cold weather and allows for unaided engine starts down to -40ºF. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer’s warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A3, B3, B4; VW 502 00, 505 00; MB 229.1, 229.3, 229.5; BMW LL-01; GM-LLA-025, GM-LL-B-025 and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF-3 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils.
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      07-22-2010, 09:19 PM   #5
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So what is the difference between LL-01 and LL-04?

What is the difference between this Castrol and what I would buy at my US dealership?

Thanks for the info David,

ianc
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      07-22-2010, 09:42 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ignote View Post
I use the US version of German Castrol. .
First, you are using the right oil.
Second, its nothing USA, If you look closely at the back of the bottle, Its "Made in Germany" a.k.a GC German Castrol.
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      07-23-2010, 12:35 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ianc View Post
So what is the difference between LL-01 and LL-04?

What is the difference between this Castrol and what I would buy at my US dealership?

Thanks for the info David,

ianc
LL-1 is required for the US market fuels (ie high sulphur).

LL-4 is required for the EU market fuels (ie low sulpher).
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      07-23-2010, 03:49 AM   #8
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In the states, GC, Aka syntec 0w-30 European formula is the right choice. Edge in the states is not. Not clear if LL-04 is suitable for a US spec car in Europe - fuel quality is right, but the us spec car will not utilize lean stratified charge.

That said, my experiments using another low SAPS oil in a us spec car on us fuels showed excellent wear protection but poor TBN retention. Euro fuels have lower sulfur, so TBN should not be an issue.

But for statesiders, it is easy as selecting LL-01. Don't just blindly go into walmart and buy something - there is a reason to use the spec.
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      07-23-2010, 04:14 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
LL-1 is required for the US market fuels (ie high sulphur).

LL-4 is required for the EU market fuels (ie low sulpher).
Hmm...so are you doing a change as soon as you get it back to the states then?

Do you have the Mobile 1 ESP 5w-30 LL-04 in Germany, I've been contemplating going with it, but the 0w-40 LL-01 on base is so much cheaper...

http://www.mobil.com/UK-English/Lube...mula_5W-30.asp
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      07-23-2010, 04:56 AM   #10
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Hi Guys,

I plan on keeping my car for a long time. I have done four oil changes already. I changed the oil and filter at: 2,400kms, 5,500 kms, 12K kms, and 18K kms. This might be over kill... but the oil always looks dark and nasty and I am going to keep to these short OCI for my peace of mind.

This is the ONLY Mobil-1 oil any should be using in a BMW. It is the ONLY Mobil-1 oil that carried a "BMW LL-1" rating.



Yes, they sell this oil on base thru the PX. Sells for $7 per quart.

I am not sure what Mobil-1 oils they sell over here. There are a ton of them though! But you gotta remmeber oil and gas are taxed like crazy over here... and who wants to pay 23 euros or MORE for a liter of oil! IF the price was close... I would be buying my oil from the local BMW dealer! but they also want 23 euros. I can stomach ten euros per liter for this German Castrol though. And seeing(or rather hearing!) how smooth and quiet my engine runs on this G.C. this is what I will be using until I come back to the states. When I am living in the states I will be using BMW oil sold at the dealership.

Until then... this is what I am using! G.D. 0w40


Again.... I think some of you guys are getting hung up on oil weights.... the MOST IMPORTANT thing to check is for that BMW Long Life-1 rating!!!
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      07-23-2010, 04:59 AM   #11
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Ohhh BTW.... I forgot to write this last night... but when I said the engine runs cooler with this German Castrol.... I meant to also say that the oil temp needle seems to show a drop of one or two needle widths. You can clearly see this with the above photos. The last pic at V-max was just a quick burst up to speed.... and run on Mobil-1 0w40 euro blend LL1. The other above pics were taken this week with G.C. It is hard to see the oil temo in taht last pic though. Thanks.
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      07-23-2010, 08:09 AM   #12
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Yes the 0w-40 might be the one that carries the LL-01 rating, but you're using an LL-04 rated oil, which the Mobile 1 ESP 5w-30 is rated for, did you check the link? It's Euro only oil as far as I know.

http://www.mobil.com/UK-English/Lube...mula_5W-30.asp
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Last edited by ND40oz; 07-23-2010 at 08:17 AM..
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      07-23-2010, 11:19 AM   #13
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Interesting stuff. I looked at the Castrol website and it looks like the 0W-40 Syntec and EDGE both have the BMW LL-1 rating. It seems odd to me that BMW would recommend a 5W-30 weight when the car would last so much longer on a 0W-40 weight.

I'm guessing it has to do with cost?
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      07-23-2010, 11:58 AM   #14
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No pissing contest here. I'm coming to the table not knowing much at all about oil and quickly finding that I've been doing the wrong thing here using Castrol Syntec 5W-30. I did some research, looked at the BMWUSA site and I think I'm pretty much sold on using Mobil 1 0W-40 at this point. It's on the list of approved oil to use by BMW, is rated as a Group IV oil, and Autozone is running a deal on it right now

I would use the BMW Synthetic, but this looks to perform just as well and is a little bit cheaper (maybe .50 a quart) and more convenient to get for me at least.

I wasn't assuming that a different weight oil would last longer, it just seems odd that the BMW Synthetic oil is one weight and that all of the other approved oils are another weight. I have no idea why that is. I just mispoke....I'm the last one to make any claims

Last edited by takrdown; 07-23-2010 at 12:00 PM.. Reason: formatting mess
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      07-24-2010, 06:09 AM   #15
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takrdown,

I took a look at your Mobil-1 link... ok, so that oil is Ok to use over here in europe where we have low sulphur fuels. But it is NOT ok to run in the USA, with the fuel there.

I would really recommend you buying/using the BMW Castrol oil. I really can not believe the difference in cold start noise now - that I have G.C. in my engine. It really made a big difference!

I was paying $49 for my oil before onbase... now this G.C. is costing me $91 for the same seven quarts of oil. AND believe me it IS worth it. I won't go back to Mobil-1 ever. And I was a big Mobil-1 fan before. Just FYI.
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      07-24-2010, 09:55 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
takrdown,

I took a look at your Mobil-1 link... ok, so that oil is Ok to use over here in europe where we have low sulphur fuels. But it is NOT ok to run in the USA, with the fuel there.

I would really recommend you buying/using the BMW Castrol oil. I really can not believe the difference in cold start noise now - that I have G.C. in my engine. It really made a big difference!

I was paying $49 for my oil before onbase... now this G.C. is costing me $91 for the same seven quarts of oil. AND believe me it IS worth it. I won't go back to Mobil-1 ever. And I was a big Mobil-1 fan before. Just FYI.
Dackelone, that's my link and I'm in the UK, hence why I'd go with a LL-04 if that's what we're supposed to be using with the fuels over here. What's the factory fill, is it LL-01 or LL-04?
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      07-24-2010, 01:41 PM   #17
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This is the Mobil 1 I was talking about:

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...l_1_0W-40.aspx
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      07-27-2010, 12:09 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ND40oz View Post
Dackelone, that's my link and I'm in the UK, hence why I'd go with a LL-04 if that's what we're supposed to be using with the fuels over here. What's the factory fill, is it LL-01 or LL-04?
Ok ND40oz,

You got me curious so I took some pics today at my German grocery store where they sell alot of oils, including that Mobil-1 ESP. Since you are in the UK, yes an oil with a "BMW LL-4" rating is what you want. Any oil with that rating should be ok. I would adhere to BMW rec's on engine oil. Here is what I found out today. yes, "Mobil-1's ESP Formula 5w30" (only sold in europe!) carries an LL-4 rating.

The Mobil-1 ESP oil is on the top shelf next to the "white Mobil-1 Multi-Grade" bottle. The ESP sells for 22.95 euros - that white tag is partially blocking the bottle.


Mobil-1 ESP bottle up close... 22.95 euros...










For people in the USA this is the only Mobil-1 oil that meets BMW's LL-1 rating: Mobil-1 0w40 euro blend (in the black label).



http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...l_1_0W-40.aspx

Thanks to Takrdown for posting this link.

For me... I will only be using this German Castrol oil Castrol Edge RS 0w40 BMW LL-4.... cost is 17.99 euros. (its the oil with the yellow dot on it!)




Even though the German castrol oil costs me more than TWICE the price of Mobil-1 sold on base. I feel the G.C. is well worth it. My engine sounds so much better on cold starts and the oil temps are about one to two needle widths lowoer - when at operating temps.

Good Luck,
Dackelone

Last edited by Dackelone; 07-28-2010 at 06:10 AM..
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      01-03-2015, 11:34 AM   #19
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Just thought I would update this (very)old thread... Castrol has replaced their RS Edge oil with Edge FST. Here is what the bottle/jug looks like.

Name:  Castrol_Edge FST_0w40_oil.jpg
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      01-03-2015, 01:35 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dackelone View Post
Just thought I would update this (very)old thread... Castrol has replaced their RS Edge oil with Edge FST. Here is what the bottle/jug looks like.

Attachment 1137952

Attachment 1137953
I assume you are still military like me, do you know you can get the same European blend delivered to your APO via amazon?
David
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      01-03-2015, 03:42 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by david in germany View Post
I assume you are still military like me, do you know you can get the same European blend delivered to your APO via amazon?
David
Yes, I know. Thanks.

I order a lot of stuff from Amazon.de to my German address(haus).
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      01-05-2015, 07:36 AM   #22
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Oil Supplier Change

I just read in the January 2015 issue of Roundel that BMW has switched oil suppliers from Castrol to Shell. As asked in the article, will BMW be replacing the oil cap which state that Castrol is the recommended oil?
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