What oil?

PA135i · 03-18-2016, 08:00 PM

Guess I'll be getting the oil changed at the dealer from now on. This was the only time I had anyone else change it other than the dealer.

But, it's still hard to believe these mechanics would recommend something for my car that would cause harm. thanks for the info guys

bodega_bladerunner · 03-18-2016, 10:48 PM

if you're not doing extended oil change intervals, does LL approved oil really matter?

PA135i · 03-19-2016, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenc51

if you're not doing extended oil change intervals, does LL approved oil really matter?

That seems to be the main question. From what I have read it should not matter.

But I respect the opinions on recent posts about this and they tend to lean toward not using it because our NA gasoline is not as good as the EU. Even if you use top tier. And as a result LL-01 is better for our engines in NA.

Maybe there is no real answer to this.

Iron Man · 03-19-2016, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greenc51

if you're not doing extended oil change intervals, does LL approved oil really matter?

Yes, it still does. LL-01 is a very extensive qualification/certification requirement and has several criteria that oil must meet, more than just long drain ability. It must be shear resistant, deposit resistant, low NOAK etc., any oil that has LL-01, Porsche A40 and Mercedes Benz 229.5 approval must be excellent oil. An oil just can't be synthetic to meet these requirements and typically only the "best" oils will meet these certifications.

500AF · 01-26-2017, 10:28 AM

5 qts at walmart is the cheapest;

https://www.walmart.com/ip/34039135?...20ll01&veh=sem

tjswarbrick · 01-26-2017, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500AF

5 qts at walmart is the cheapest;

https://www.walmart.com/ip/34039135?...20ll01&veh=sem

I can't see the back of the bottle, but I don't think that's the LL-01 stuff.
I get the "Euro A3/B4." Looks like it comes in a 5W-30 and 0W-40 (or 0W-30 according to their website now.) I like 0-40 (need to check what's in the garage...), but my mechanic uses 5-30.

500AF · 01-26-2017, 11:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

I can't see the back of the bottle, but I don't think that's the LL-01 stuff.
I get the "Euro A3/B4." Looks like it comes in a 5W-30 and 0W-40. I like 0-40, but my mechanic uses 5-30.

Good question, it says api/sn on the front. I don't see the LL-01 designation on the front.

tjswarbrick · 01-26-2017, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500AF

Good question, it says api/sn on the front. I don't see the LL-01 designation on the front.

From what I can see, the one you linked to meets Ford, GM and Chrysler specs.
The A3/B4 stuff meets BMW Longlife-01.

Not saying it's not quality oil - just don't want anyone to pick that up thinking it's LL-01 approved.

500AF · 01-26-2017, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjswarbrick

From what I can see, the one you linked to meets Ford, GM and Chrysler specs.
The A3/B4 stuff meets BMW Longlife-01.

Not saying it's not quality oil - just don't want anyone to pick that up thinking it's LL-01 approved.

Your right, will pick up the ll-01.

I am curious why folks like running 0w-40. Are they concerned with cold weather starts?

Iron Man · 01-27-2017, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500AF

Your right, will pick up the ll-01.

I am curious why folks like running 0w-40. Are they concerned with cold weather starts?

Castrol's 0W-40 is one of their best oils on the market. High PAO base stock, great add pack (high TBN), meets virtually all Euro requirements. Low pour point, high flash point, high HTHS, very cheap to buy. What is not to like?

Gangplank · 01-27-2017, 07:59 AM

I think he's asking why 0w-40 vs 5w-40. The lower viscosity (thinner) 0w oil is for colder weather. Depends on where you live.

First # is cold start up viscosity. 0w is lower or thinner than 5w at low temps. The second number (the -40) is warm or hot oil viscosity so once up to temp they are theoretically the same.

Whether you need 0w or 5w depends on temps where you live, do you park inside overnight in a warmer garage or outside, etc.

When it comes to oil some people talk about it like it's a religion. BobsTheOilGuy is the church for them. Personally I take a simpler view. Use BMW approved Longlife (LL-01) oil, and change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Why? Oil & oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive.

Gangplank · 01-27-2017, 08:15 AM

Some added info.
https://www.bimmershops.com/oil-for-bmw

Oil for most BMW passenger vehicles and SAVs:

*BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils - Oils designed for BMW vehicles by BMW.
*Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
*Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
*Beginning in 2015, BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil.

500AF · 01-27-2017, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

Castrol's 0W-40 is one of their best oils on the market. High PAO base stock, great add pack (high TBN), meets virtually all Euro requirements. Low pour point, high flash point, high HTHS, very cheap to buy. What is not to like?

Seems to me the 0w is only for extreme lower temperatures like -20 + Celsius or so.

I do park mine in the garage and the coldest it gets on the mountain here in Virginia is 0 F and that is extremely rare.

I don't drive my 135 much in the winter anyway.

Thanks for the responses everyone! I will go with the 5w-30 LL-01.

500AF · 01-27-2017, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Some added info.
https://www.bimmershops.com/oil-for-bmw

Oil for most BMW passenger vehicles and SAVs:

*BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils - Oils designed for BMW vehicles by BMW.
*Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
*Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
*Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
*Beginning in 2015, BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil.

I thought the Castrol was recommended. So many freaking choices. This is the hard part now... what brand?

Iron Man · 01-27-2017, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500AF

I thought the Castrol was recommended. So many freaking choices. This is the hard part now... what brand?

Any brand LL-01 certified is good. Buy whichever one you like best, or is the cheapest.

Iron Man · 01-27-2017, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500AF

Seems to me the 0w is only for extreme lower temperatures like -20 + Celsius or so.

I do park mine in the garage and the coldest it gets on the mountain here in Virginia is 0 F and that is extremely rare.

I don't drive my 135 much in the winter anyway.

Thanks for the responses everyone! I will go with the 5w-30 LL-01.

A 0W oil is good anytime of the year, though of course colder climates are more affected. Since the oil will flow better at lower temperatures, theoretically, it will help with cold starts. Most engine wear occurs when cold starting, so I would prefer a 0W. At operating temperatures, your engine will know no difference.

Iron Man · 01-27-2017, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Some added info.
https://www.bimmershops.com/oil-for-bmw

Oil for most BMW passenger vehicles and SAVs:

*BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils - Oils designed for BMW vehicles by BMW.
*Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
*Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
*Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
*Beginning in 2015, BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil.

By the way, the latest version of Mobil 1 0W-40 does not have the LL-01 certification (specs changed on the oil as well).

tjswarbrick · 01-27-2017, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Some added info.
https://www.bimmershops.com/oil-for-bmw

Oil for most BMW passenger vehicles and SAVs:

*BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils - Oils designed for BMW vehicles by BMW.
*Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
*Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30
*Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
*Beginning in 2015, BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 500AF

I thought the Castrol was recommended. So many freaking choices. This is the hard part now... what brand?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Iron Man

By the way, the latest version of Mobil 1 0W-40 does not have the LL-01 certification (specs changed on the oil as well).

Castrol was recommended when our cars were built.
BMW recently changed fluid suppliers - ie: got a better deal. So now they partner with Shell.
Surely doesn't invalidate the Castrol recommendation.
I used to swear by Mobil1, but I haven't put it in my 1'er since it isn't LL-01 certified.

juld0zer · 01-28-2017, 06:53 AM

To keep it simple:
LL01 for petrol engines
LL04 for diesel engines.

Other markets might have different literature from BMW due to varying fuel grades however.

FWIW im currently using Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 (Pureplus, made in Hong Kong). It meets LL01 and many other OEM approvals, it's very cheap here when the auto stores are flogging it in the catalogs and it sounds like a good drop. One thing i noticed though is the oil temp seems to reach operating temp quicker and sit a touch higher compared to Castrol 5w30 LL01 and Penrite 5w40.

Gangplank · 01-28-2017, 09:06 AM

Well, learn something new everyday. Never thought oil could get even more complicated.

Didn't realize mobile1 was dropped or that they upgraded/changed oil specs so much.

tjswarbrick · 01-28-2017, 10:17 AM

Was reading on that pureplus.
Seems the synthetic base is derived from natural gas rather than crude oil.
Very interesting...

TridenTBoy · 01-28-2017, 05:54 PM

Castrol Edge 0W-40 is still LL01 approved from what I'm seeing on the bottle. Unless they're lying...

It's what I'm going with because it's $25-26 for 5 quarts (which is real cheap) and the 0W should help a bit more with cold starts. I tend to have some shorter and more aggressive drives, so I like the oil to be thinner when it's cold.

03-18-2016, 08:00 PM	#67
PA135i Brigadier General 968 Rep 3,323 Posts Drives: 08 135i 08 CR-V Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Pennsylvania iTrader: (0)	Guess I'll be getting the oil changed at the dealer from now on. This was the only time I had anyone else change it other than the dealer. But, it's still hard to believe these mechanics would recommend something for my car that would cause harm. thanks for the info guys __________________ Sparkling Graphite Metallic / 6MT / Terracotta Boston Leather / Sport Package / Comfort Access system / Gray Poplar wood trim / Heated front seats / iPod and USB adapter / HD radio / Premium hi-fi system / OE Tuning / VRSF Intercooler & charge pipe / BMW Performance short shift kit / BMW M Performance Handbrake Handle / BMW Stainless steel pedals / V1 hardwired / rear sun shades *Pennsylvania 20 electoral votes*
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03-18-2016, 10:48 PM	#68
bodega_bladerunner Lieutenant 156 Rep 434 Posts Drives: 2015 M4 Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: In the moutains iTrader: (1)	if you're not doing extended oil change intervals, does LL approved oil really matter?
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01-26-2017, 10:28 AM	#71
500AF Private 15 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2013 135 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Paris, VA iTrader: (0)	5 qts at walmart is the cheapest; https://www.walmart.com/ip/34039135?...20ll01&veh=sem
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01-27-2017, 07:59 AM	#77
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	I think he's asking why 0w-40 vs 5w-40. The lower viscosity (thinner) 0w oil is for colder weather. Depends on where you live. First # is cold start up viscosity. 0w is lower or thinner than 5w at low temps. The second number (the -40) is warm or hot oil viscosity so once up to temp they are theoretically the same. Whether you need 0w or 5w depends on temps where you live, do you park inside overnight in a warmer garage or outside, etc. When it comes to oil some people talk about it like it's a religion. BobsTheOilGuy is the church for them. Personally I take a simpler view. Use BMW approved Longlife (LL-01) oil, and change it every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Why? Oil & oil changes are cheap, engines are expensive. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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01-27-2017, 08:15 AM	#78
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Some added info. https://www.bimmershops.com/oil-for-bmw Oil for most BMW passenger vehicles and SAVs: BMW TwinPower Turbo Engine Oils - Oils designed for BMW vehicles by BMW. Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30 Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 Beginning in 2015, BMW is recommending Shell/Pennzoil PurePlus Oils as their aftermarket oil. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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01-28-2017, 06:53 AM	#85
juld0zer Lieutenant Colonel 480 Rep 1,600 Posts Drives: Prev 135i 7DCT, Now 130i 6sp Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: 2153 iTrader: (0)	To keep it simple: LL01 for petrol engines LL04 for diesel engines. Other markets might have different literature from BMW due to varying fuel grades however. FWIW im currently using Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 (Pureplus, made in Hong Kong). It meets LL01 and many other OEM approvals, it's very cheap here when the auto stores are flogging it in the catalogs and it sounds like a good drop. One thing i noticed though is the oil temp seems to reach operating temp quicker and sit a touch higher compared to Castrol 5w30 LL01 and Penrite 5w40.
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01-28-2017, 09:06 AM	#86
Gangplank Brigadier General 1541 Rep 3,071 Posts Drives: 2011 e82 135i n55 Sport w/ DCT Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Vero Beach, FL iTrader: (2) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	Well, learn something new everyday. Never thought oil could get even more complicated. Didn't realize mobile1 was dropped or that they upgraded/changed oil specs so much. __________________ 2011 135i w/ DCT \| ZSP Sport Pkg \| PPK \| Ohlins R
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01-28-2017, 10:17 AM	#87
tjswarbrick <(O0=[][]=0O)> 741 Rep 1,187 Posts Drives: 2012 N55 E88 Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (1)	Was reading on that pureplus. Seems the synthetic base is derived from natural gas rather than crude oil. Very interesting...
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01-28-2017, 05:54 PM	#88
TridenTBoy First Lieutenant 127 Rep 338 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 135is Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: San Francisco, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 135is [0.00]	Castrol Edge 0W-40 is still LL01 approved from what I'm seeing on the bottle. Unless they're lying... It's what I'm going with because it's $25-26 for 5 quarts (which is real cheap) and the 0W should help a bit more with cold starts. I tend to have some shorter and more aggressive drives, so I like the oil to be thinner when it's cold.
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