Cheapest place to buy BMW approved oil?

[Dackelone]

^^I wish I could find Castrol oil that cheap over here! A five liter jug of Castrol sells for 70 to 80 euros over here ($105). I can buy it discounted at my aftermarket German parts store for 53 euros for a five liter jug. That is $69 in USd. Mobil-1 on base sells for $7 per quart. I pay extra just bc I want to use the Castrol.

I don't know about any more Hp power but... I just will tell you that the engine runs quieter and cooler (never above 250, mostly around 240'F) with the Castrol oil compared to the Mobil-1 oil I was buying on base (thru the Army) over here.

I only use BMW oil filters bc of the what IF thing... IF they was some sort of a engine failure. For now I will only use BMW filters. But I have bought some Mahle oil filters - just bc I was curious as what they looked like. They look to me to be the same oil filter. The first one did not, but the second Mahle filters looks exactly like the BMW one. I'll use them when I am out of warranty.


Dackel

[Dackelone]

Here is a side by side pics of the Mahle oil filter vs the BMW one. The Mahle one is only two euros cheaper than the BMW one. So that I why I use the BMW one.

[Taymaishu]

Update - oil change next week and I will usually supply my mechanic with the oil I want.
I called BMW assist and they said 5w-30 for the 125, fully synthetic. I asked if 0w-40 is OK and they said only temporarily and only 1L max. I was dumbfounded by this. 0w-40 gives higher protection at lower and higher temps, and as long as it's fully syn, should exceed protection that 5w-30 gives.

Anyway, pricing. castrol edge 5w-30 is 65 bucks at supercheap. Off now to purchase.

But can someone allay my concern over the 5w-30/0w-40 thing? If the 0w-40 will provide better protection then I'll get 5l of my usual mobil 1 oil.

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

Update - oil change next week and I will usually supply my mechanic with the oil I want.
I called BMW assist and they said 5w-30 for the 125, fully synthetic. I asked if 0w-40 is OK and they said only temporarily and only 1L max. I was dumbfounded by this. 0w-40 gives higher protection at lower and higher temps, and as long as it's fully syn, should exceed protection that 5w-30 gives.

Anyway, pricing. castrol edge 5w-30 is 65 bucks at supercheap. Off now to purchase.

But can someone allay my concern over the 5w-30/0w-40 thing? If the 0w-40 will provide better protection then I'll get 5l of my usual mobil 1 oil.

Tay, I would shop around for oil if you've got the time and want to save a couple bucks. The Castrol Edge 5W-30 goes for around $42 for 5L which is great value. Try Supercheap or Repco, both run specials on that oil periodically so it's best to stock up on a couple jugs when the time is right.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by BMW86

Tay, I would shop around for oil if you've got the time and want to save a couple bucks. The Castrol Edge 5W-30 goes for around $42 for 5L which is great value. Try Supercheap or Repco, both run specials on that oil periodically so it's best to stock up on a couple jugs when the time is right.

Hey mate,

Did some shopping :-)

Found out the Castrol Edge Sport 0w-40 is "Not to be used in BMW Petrol engines in Australia and New Zealand", and is LL-04 approved.

I went to Autobarn and got the oil dude to help out. I ended up with 5L of Penrite 5w-50 as it's LL-01 approved and was in their system as the appropriate oil. Ended up quite cheap too, and with 5w-50 should provide excellent protection in the upper range.

Cheers,

Alex

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

Hey mate,

Did some shopping :-)

Found out the Castrol Edge Sport 0w-40 is "Not to be used in BMW Petrol engines in Australia and New Zealand", and is LL-04 approved.

I went to Autobarn and got the oil dude to help out. I ended up with 5L of Penrite 5w-50 as it's LL-01 approved and was in their system as the appropriate oil. Ended up quite cheap too, and with 5w-50 should provide excellent protection in the upper range.

Cheers,

Alex

That's interesting Tay, good luck with your oil choice. From what I understand extra protection is needed in hotter seasons and probably better to run a thinner oil in winter. I called up a different BMW dealership a few days ago and they only use Castrol Edge 0W-40 for their 135i's I also know a few local guys on here that get their cars serviced there too.

I'm really confused now .

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by BMW86

That's interesting Tay, good luck with your oil choice. From what I understand extra protection is needed in hotter seasons and probably better to run a thinner oil in winter. I called up a different BMW dealership a few days ago and they only use Castrol Edge 0W-40 for their 135i's I also know a few local guys on here that get their cars serviced there too.

I'm really confused now .

I got very confused too! Upon further reading of the Castrol oils manual at Autobarn, the Castrol Sport Edge 0w-40 can be used for "emergency top up only".

Even on the back of the bottle it states that it meets BMW LL-04, but not for use in BMW petrol engines here.

I had a pretty lengthy discussion with the bloke about having either 0w or 5w. He said if I let the car warm a little before giving it heaps, then 5w is fine. Only if i'm going to be in VERY cold conditions and not warm the car, then 0w would be better. He also said because it's a bit heavier, will last a little longer. I weighed up my options, and since i'll probably replace again in June, then i'll choose a 0w. Plus, the 5w-50 was the oil in their system: it completely by-passed the Castrol 5w-30, 0w-40, Mobile 5w-30 and 0w-40. Funnily enough, they're the LL-04 approved oils, and Penrite 5w-50 is LL-01.

Considering Christine can run quite warm, happy with the 5w.

[Dackelone]

Tay - that is really interesting AND wierd about the 5w30 oil.

Here is what I use in Germany...




New bottle on left, old bottle on right...

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

Tay - that is really interesting AND wierd about the 5w30 oil.

Here is what I use in Germany...




New bottle on left, old bottle on right...

Hey mate

I think LL01 may be a specialised Australia/NZ approval for the reasons you previously raised (fuel sulphur)?

I found it bloody strange. The Penrite looks the goods.

Interesting that Castrol are selling an LL-04 branded product but they are marked not for use in Australia or NZ.

I hope a few of the guys see this and double-check with their dealer.

Dackel do you know what the difference between LL01 and LL04 is? I can't seem to find much..

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

Dackel do you know what the difference between LL01 and LL04 is? I can't seem to find much..

As far as I know... it has to do with sulphur content of the fuel.

LL1 = high sulphur (USA)
LL4 = low sulphur (Germany)

I know when I buy my fuel at the Esso's over here(and I have seen it also at Aral/BP's) they state on the pumps that the fuel is "sulphur free".

I think I'm goning to ask my dealer about these LL ratings.

This is the only thing I found regarding Long Life oils:

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx

NOTE: that in the above link BMW says to use LL1 oil that is api rated "SM" or higher.


Dackel

[Dackelone]

Btw... not to further confuse you guys but... IF you go to a German dealer (zentrum) this is the BMW oil they say to use:

23 euros per liter...






The oil that you find at a BMW dealer in the states is different. 5w30 vs this 0w40 full sythetic oil.

Dackel

[chappy]

Here is more to add-

BMW
335i E92 Series Coupe, 2979cm³ N54 Turbo Eng. (2006-2010)
CRANKCASE
CASTROL SLX PROFESSIONAL LONGTEC BMW LL01
Castrol SLX Professional Longtec BMW LL01 is an advanced synthetic SAE 5W-30 high performance motor oil. It combines outstanding low temperature fluidity and high load protection. Castrol SLX Professional Longtec BMW LL01 has been specifically formulated to meet the latest requirements of European OEMs for passenger car and light commercial petrol and diesel engines, including BMWs Longlife Oil specification.
Service Refill Capacity: 6.5* Litres.
See note 1195 below.


http://www.datateck.com.au/lube/castr_au/default.asp

[WOPALX]

I've been using Castrol Edge Sport 10W 60, changing every 7500 klms.

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by WOPALX

I've been using Castrol Edge Sport 10W 60, changing every 7500 klms.

That's pretty regular mate - what's the time period that you would usually go through those k's?

[Dackelone]

Originally Posted by WOPALX

I've been using Castrol Edge Sport 10W 60, changing every 7500 klms.

You know the oil companies are marketing their stuff too. Playing off names and all. Just because you are using Castrol oil - doesn't mean it is the correct Castrol oil!

Always check the label for (at least) API SM (or higher) and BMW LL-1. You need to check for both specs.

Just like Tay posted above... there are some Castrol oils not to be used in our cars!


Dackel

[BMW86]

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

That's pretty regular mate - what's the time period that you would usually go through those k's?

7500km's is standard practice for Forced Induction cars. There are a few of us including myself that change oil every 5,000km's.

[WOPALX]

Originally Posted by Taymaishu

That's pretty regular mate - what's the time period that you would usually go through those k's?

Every 3 months.

OT are you coming to MDTC on the 17th?

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

You know the oil companies are marketing their stuff too. Playing off names and all. Just because you are using Castrol oil - doesn't mean it is the correct Castrol oil!

Always check the label for (at least) API SM (or higher) and BMW LL-1. You need to check for both specs.

Just like Tay posted above... there are some Castrol oils not to be used in our cars!


Dackel

I think so too. While it's not deceptive or misleading per se, the listing of BMW LL-04 on Castrol oils sold in Australia will probably fool some consumers.

Downunder, from what you've been accurately posting and from what i've seen, we need to look at LL01, not LL04 (as it's designed for Europe).

But good for Castrol to put a blanket warning next to their BMW approval number.

Bloody caveats.

It's like Microsoft selling Windows in Australia with a Dell approval number, but saying "not for use on Australian Dell computers".

[Taymaishu]

Originally Posted by TrackRat

Castrol and other oil companies produce specific oils for different markets from different facilities. In other words U.S. oils are typically not chemically the same as Euro oils even if they have the same specs. and approvals.

BMW approved LL-01 oils seem to be for countries that have high sulfur content fuels. LL-04 oils seem to be for low sulfur content fuels. There must be some reason why BMW is recommending to NOT use a specific oil in AUS. It could be similar to the games played in the U.S. where BMW use to say on their website: "for top up only". When pressed they removed this from the U.S. website as it was intended to get you to buy Castrol vs. other approved brands...

Technically any oil that meets BMW's specs for a given engine/warranty is acceptable. It may not be the "preferred oil" or viscosity by BMW, but if it meets BMW requirements then it meets BMW requirements.

As an example BMW likes to recommend 5W-30 oils but 0W-40 oils that meet all BMW oil spec requirements such as Euro Mobil 1, are completely fine to use.

Great post, thanks mate :-)

When I called BMW Assist to double-check the viscosity, they said 0w-40 was only for top-up, even if it met LL01/LL04 and was fully synthetic, as opposed to 5w-30!

It's just interested about Castrol claiming the LL04, when as both you and Dackel have posted the LL01 is more applicable to Australia, and Castrol also caveat that it's not for use in BMW petrol engines in Oz.

Anyhoo, got the 5w-50 LL01 Penrite now. Oil change is on Friday (along with front brakes), so we'll see how it goes. Hopefully it'll be a tad better than the crappy 12L/100km i'm getting at the moment!

[Guran]

Hmmm, my local BMW Service use Mobil 1 0W40. I took this photo for reference when I last visited (August 2010).


IMG_0823 by Guran5, on Flickr

[Dackelone]

I went to my dealer and they were nice enough to print me out a list of EVERY approved motor oil for our cars! Here is THE LIST!

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=478344

IF you do not see your motor oil on this list... I would not continue to use it.


Dackel

[Jeef Beef]

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I went to my dealer and they were nice enough to print me out a list of EVERY approved motor oil for our cars! Here is THE LIST!

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=478344

IF you do not see your motor oil on this list... I would not continue to use it.


Dackel

Thanks heaps Dackel!! May your infinite wisdom continue to grace our forums