Castrol Edge 5W-30 Euro Formula 5 qt $25 at Walmart

[Stubbie Blue]

I saw this Castrol Edge 5W-30 A3/B4 Euro Formula at Walmart, $24.47 for a 5 qt jug, and did an oil change with it:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-E...arts/563245545

It does meet the BMW LL-01 spec, which I believe means it's a high SAPS oil meant for older engines like my 2012 135i N55.

I used to use Castrol 0W-40 Euro Formula, but it's no longer certified for LL-01. Also it seemed to be a bit too thick because I was getting some valvetrain noise on 'cold' starts even in South Florida (~50F).

Does anyone know if there are any differences with the Castrol 5W-30 Euro '03037' in the gold bottles?

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03037...dp/B0161A4CKG/

[gjm120]

Originally Posted by Stubbie Blue

I saw this Castrol Edge 5W-30 A3/B4 Euro Formula at Walmart, $24.47 for a 5 qt jug, and did an oil change with it:

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-E...arts/563245545

It does meet the BMW LL-01 spec, which I believe means it's a high SAPS oil meant for older engines like my 2012 135i N55.

I used to use Castrol 0W-40 Euro Formula, but it's no longer certified for LL-01. Also it seemed to be a bit too thick because I was getting some valvetrain noise on 'cold' starts even in South Florida (~50F).

Does anyone know if there are any differences with the Castrol 5W-30 Euro '03037' in the gold bottles?

https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03037...dp/B0161A4CKG/

Probably no difference other than the jug. Gold used to be Extended Performance, but doesn't seem to be the case now. Maybe they had a bunch of bottles left over

Curious to see if the 5W-30 stops your startup noise. There is probably very little difference in the viscosity at lower temps of the two oils. Actually at extreme low temp the 0W-40 is thinner.

My understanding is 0W-40 lost LL01 because of some tests specific for the N20 engine. This won't deter me from using the 0W-40 as long as it has MB229.5 approval.

[tracer bullet]

This discussion comes up every once in a while, but the specs seem to always be changing. I'm going to be doing a pair of N55 oil changes real soon as well.

I'd planned to order the Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W40 from Amazon (no local stores seem to have it), it's come up around here before and seemed like a winner. But this looks like a good deal as well and half the price, along with the LL01 rating.

Had considered this one as well, loses the LL01 but retains and gains some of the others. Confusing. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-E...uarts/35931146

Honestly I don't care the price, compared to potential engine trouble the oil itself is nothing. I generically want to say if something is good enough to get Porsche written on the side, it's good enough for me. But there's that nagging feeling like I might be missing something that's actually important.

I think I'm shooting for a 0W40, in MN here we can get very far down in temps (-20 F at times) and even if I don't take the 135i to work on the dry / clear days during the winter, I'll still be bringing my X3 which also has an N55.

[Stubbie Blue]

Originally Posted by gjm120

Curious to see if the 5W-30 stops your startup noise. There is probably very little difference in the viscosity at lower temps of the two oils. Actually at extreme low temp the 0W-40 is thinner.

I haven't noticed any ticking or rattling on startup, but it has already warmed up to the 70s here, so I might have to wait until next winter. I don't think I'll ever be at temps where the 5W or 0W comes into play though

[tracer bullet]

I said screw it and ordered the Motul from Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[wantmymoneyincash]

Why not just go with FCPeuro and pay once and keep returning the used oil. Free oil changes for life

[Olgeezer1]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

This discussion comes up every once in a while, but the specs seem to always be changing. I'm going to be doing a pair of N55 oil changes real soon as well.

I'd planned to order the Pennzoil Platinum Euro 0W40 from Amazon (no local stores seem to have it), it's come up around here before and seemed like a winner. But this looks like a good deal as well and half the price, along with the LL01 rating.

Had considered this one as well, loses the LL01 but retains and gains some of the others. Confusing. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Castrol-E...uarts/35931146

Honestly I don't care the price, compared to potential engine trouble the oil itself is nothing. I generically want to say if something is good enough to get Porsche written on the side, it's good enough for me. But there's that nagging feeling like I might be missing something that's actually important.

I think I'm shooting for a 0W40, in MN here we can get very far down in temps (-20 F at times) and even if I don't take the 135i to work on the dry / clear days during the winter, I'll still be bringing my X3 which also has an N55.

The Pennzoil Euro 0-40 doesn't have an LL01 rating. That's only on the 5-30 and 5-40 weights. You definitely can't go wrong with your choice of Motul, it's just expensive. Here locally, the Pennzoil Euro 5-40 goes on 1/2 price sale every once in a while so is less than half the price of Motul.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by Olgeezer1

The Pennzoil Euro 0-40 doesn't have an LL01 rating. That's only on the 5-30 and 5-40 weights. You definitely can't go wrong with your choice of Motul, it's just expensive. Here locally, the Pennzoil Euro 5-40 goes on 1/2 price sale every once in a while so is less than half the price of Motul.

Yep, thanks. I did notice that after looking around, that the other weights still had the rating. Both cars are full of the Motul now, got it done this weekend. I'll keep an eye out for sales, I noticed the 5-40 and 0-40 are very similarly specced and I'm sure I'd be just fine w/ the 5-40.

Having replaced one valvetronic actuator and eccentric shaft already, and having I think now the other car making that death rattle occasionally, I'm pretty much up for the best oil possible, whatever it may be.

[edycol]

Clarification:
Castrol Edge 5W30/40: Group III hydrocracked mineral base stock.
Castrol Edge 0W30/40: based on pour point 50% PAO.

[Retroem]

After researching a lot on Amazon, Walmart, Advance Auto Parts and Autozone, I purchased at FCP Euro a European 5W30 Liqui Moly kit, with Mann oil filter included for $63.66. I think this is a top of the line oil, with OEM filter, has the LL.01 BMW certification and has a great price. I changed the oil on my 128i thisa couple of days ago, poured 6.5 lt. and car is running great. Computer says that oil level is at maximum (I think next time I'll leave it in the middle between min and max instead).

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...427566327kt-lm

[edycol]

Originally Posted by Retroem

After researching a lot on Amazon, Walmart, Advance Auto Parts and Autozone, I purchased at FCP Euro a European 5W30 Liqui Moly kit, with Mann oil filter included for $63.66. I think this is a top of the line oil, with OEM filter, has the LL.01 BMW certification and has a great price. I changed the oil on my 128i thisa couple of days ago, poured 6.5 lt. and car is running great. Computer says that oil level is at maximum (I think next time I'll leave it in the middle between min and max instead).

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...427566327kt-lm

Sorry to break bad news, but it is mediocre oil.
Only thing what sells that oil are oversized Made in Germany letters.
In both 128 and 135 Castrol 0W40 will do it (2018 update of LL01 eliminated oils with higher oxidation to meet N20 engine test in order to maximize OCI).
If you want LL01 oil, Quaker State Euro 5W40 in Wal Mart is top of the line oil that goes for $18 for 5qt (rebadged Pennzoil Platinum Euro).