[335d Rocco]

My 330d is due it's 1st oil service since I owned it, I had it booked into a BMW specialist this morning, I brought it down and asked what oil they use, I was told they use C3 oil, was also told its a castrol equivalent. Having never heard of this oil I said I wanted castrol edge 5w30 used, he phoned BMW who were charging £15 a litre for castrol, which I said I wasn't going to pay, so I went to halfords and supplied my own castrol for the service, got 8 litres for £75 as they have 20% off at the mo.

So my question is, is this C3 oil any good?? I just wanted to use castrol as that's what my car has had in it for ages, looking at the past receipts.

[Subzero2003]

Not sure on C3 oil, but if it meets LL04 specs, it should be ok.

Also, ecp are doing 8 litres of castrol edge for £56!

[335d Rocco]

Originally Posted by Subzero2003

Not sure on C3 oil, but if it meets LL04 specs, it should be ok.

Also, ecp are doing 8 litres of castrol edge for £56!

I was unsure also, wanted to go with what I know and what had been in the car previously.

Are BMW using shell helix now?? That's another thing the BMW guy said to the specialist.

God damn, £56 is a very good price, no ecp local to me, but will keep them in mind for future reference, thanks. I needed the oil in a hurry so £75 was better than paying £15 p/l x 8, as I got the impression were only going to supply it in 1lt bottles

[LexS]

C3 meets the correct specification for a raft of new era bmw diesel engines. It is compliant with the LL04 spec which is the fundamental requirement.

This is all my own opinion; however, on a diesel i'd never bother with any particular brand of oil, just make sure its clean, changed when required and meets the correct specifcations for temperature rating and durability. £20 for a gallon of Carlube has done me good for countless years on my daily driven cars. I only tend to deviate to alleged better oils (castrol, millers etc) when the engines are considered to be higher stressed or used on track more often than not in which case I don't mind paying more, but in a diesel...not for me.

[Meshyo]

Bmw use Shell Helix oil now I believe, 5w-30 is what I used for my 330d and I'm fairly sure it rated stuff Castrol stopped a little while back I believe but don't quote me on that. I just remember doing lots of research before.

[bmminiparts]

I use LL04 Total oil, which is used by one Franchised BMW dealership. To be honest any oil which is approved by BMW will be ok.

[335d Rocco]

Thanks for the advice, will keep it in mind for the future, just as long as its LL04 standard oil I'll be fine. It was the 1st service since I had it and just didn't want the wrong oil put it.

Thanks again.

[Beardogg]

I work for ECP and put our own brand Triple QX C3 in mine and its brilliant stuff...

How true is it that BMW have moved to Shell oils?

[Hopeful]

I just got my 8 litres of Castrol Edge 5W30 from ECP for £58 but via Amazon, so free delivery