Oil change -- what oil to use?

BeamerNub · 06-05-2018, 11:46 AM

Hello,

I have a 318i 2007 with 68k miles on the clock

I just bought it having owned Audi's and VW's for the last X number of years. Fancied a change of pace. Loving it so far, but one thing that I'm always suspicious of is the deal with oil when buying second hand, so I tend to perform, at least, an oil change quite soon after.

I'm UK, and it's looking like a reasonably hot summer ahead. Would I be okay using 5w40 LL-01. I can't see what LL-04 would bring (other than a bit of badge happiness), especially as it ain't a diesel. I will check the manual and see what BMW suggest but I tend to trust forums like this more than the manufacturers, especially after owning VAG cars for so long :P I know what they can get up to.

floydarogers · 06-05-2018, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeamerNub

I'm UK, and it's looking like a reasonably hot summer ahead. Would I be okay using 5w40 LL-01. I can't see what LL-04 would bring (other than a bit of badge happiness), especially as it ain't a diesel. I will check the manual and see what BMW suggest but I tend to trust forums like this more than the manufacturers, especially after owning VAG cars for so long :P I know what they can get up to.

Unfortunately, you need to use LL-04. All gasoline in the UK/EU is ultra low sulfur (< 10 ppm), and need to use the low ash oils. LL-01 will foul your catalytic converters.

BeamerNub · 06-05-2018, 05:04 PM

Ahh shame. I've got gallons of LL-01. Oh well, no biggie. Thanks

NiNeTyOne · 08-11-2018, 03:18 PM

LiquiMoly "Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30" carries vehicle manufacturer specifications / Approvals: ACEA A3-04/ B4-04; API SL/CF ; BMW Longlife-01; MB-approval 229.5; VW 502 00/505 00

I've used a lot of LiquiMoly products in both my Audi RS cars, Porsche's, and BMW's. I have seen motors torn down with well north of 200k on the clock that have seen serious track duty throughout their life. I'm not sure I've seen parts look as good at that mileage. All the Blackstone stests I've run with their LL01 and LL04 products have been spectacular. I have been using Ceratec in all my motors for many years now with very, very positive results.

tcphoto · 08-11-2018, 04:40 PM

I used LiquiMoly SAE 5W-40 today for the annual oil change.

GEOS07335i · 09-10-2018, 01:22 PM

I have a 2008 E93 335i. Although I've had it for a year and a half I dont put that many miles on it. It's a weekend car and I work from home.

I bought it as a project on the cheap and have done a lot of maintenance on it.

Vanos Solenoids, new plugs, new VCG, new breather and PCV valve, coils, index 12 injectors, new post cat O2 sensors, recent oil change using Mobile 1 0-40. I have probably put about a 1,000 miles on since doing all this maintenance stuff and the performance goodies and just the other day I had a low oil indicator light and I put another quart of oil.

I dont see any visible leaks of oil, no white smoke, no oil in coolent, no black smoke out exhaust(at least not anymore). No visible leaks of oil in the VCG tray.

Any ideas? Also Is mobile 1 0-40 have issues with oil consumption issues with our cars?

Any recommendations on what oil I should be using if assuming no leaks besides Mobile 1? In other words if your car consumes more oil than normal is there a different viscosity of Oil I should be trying?

cvc 22349a · 09-23-2018, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GEOS07335i

I have a 2008 E93 335i. Although I've had it for a year and a half I dont put that many miles on it. It's a weekend car and I work from home.

I bought it as a project on the cheap and have done a lot of maintenance on it.

Vanos Solenoids, new plugs, new VCG, new breather and PCV valve, coils, index 12 injectors, new post cat O2 sensors, recent oil change using Mobile 1 0-40. I have probably put about a 1,000 miles on since doing all this maintenance stuff and the performance goodies and just the other day I had a low oil indicator light and I put another quart of oil.

I dont see any visible leaks of oil, no white smoke, no oil in coolent, no black smoke out exhaust(at least not anymore). No visible leaks of oil in the VCG tray.

Any ideas? Also Is mobile 1 0-40 have issues with oil consumption issues with our cars?

Any recommendations on what oil I should be using if assuming no leaks besides Mobile 1? In other words if your car consumes more oil than normal is there a different viscosity of Oil I should be trying?

The N54 burns oil especially if you're doing long, sustained high speed driving. I use Redline 5w40 and will still burn ~1/3 quart on a 800 mi road trip.

arkie6 · 09-23-2018, 12:33 PM

Castrol EDGE 0W-40 European Formula (made in Belgium) synthetic is good high quality LL01 oil for the N54. I typically use 1/2 a quart or less between oil changes (~7500 miles or once per year, whichever comes first). This is a higher quality Group IV oil than other US manufactured Castrol synthetics that are typically hydro-cracked Group III oil. I used to use Mobil 1 almost exclusively in vehicles prior to my 335i.

katatonia · 10-22-2018, 02:00 PM

I've always ran castrol edge 0w40, but costco doesn't carry it anymore. They have 5w30 and 5w40. Can I switch to one of these oils or should I pay extra for some 0w40 and continue using that?

Winters here are mild and wet, summers mild and dry.

arkie6 · 10-22-2018, 06:31 PM

I just paid $27 for a 5 quart jug of Castrol Edge 0W-40 at Walmart. That plus the ~1/2 jug left over from my last oil change has me ready for the next change due in a month or so.

SJM67 · 11-24-2018, 11:17 PM

after hearing all the great reviews Rotella T6 has gotten and reading another members results using it , i'm gonna switch from Amsoil 5W-40 to this T6 for my oil change next weekend.

starboard · 01-02-2019, 04:19 PM

All I have found so far is LL04 (in USA) is that a no-go as a replacement for LL01? It claimed good for MB, Porche; but no listing for BMW.

floydarogers · 01-02-2019, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by katatonia

I've always ran castrol edge 0w40, but costco doesn't carry it anymore. They have 5w30 and 5w40. Can I switch to one of these oils or should I pay extra for some 0w40 and continue using that?

Winters here are mild and wet, summers mild and dry.

Extra. Not sure if they contributed to the problem, but I used Costco 5w-30 in my '01 330xi (not an LL-01 oil!) and it was really burning a lot by 125K (but then that engine was famous for that.)

PJLou335is · 01-22-2019, 12:00 AM

Ive been using Motul 8100 5w-40 since I got it and have had good results. I dont put that many miles on the car usually (sits 5 days between drives, no stop n go ever) and have done one track day since changing it 3000 miles ago....car still shows almost full, have never seen any smoke or anything. Car never hit limp mode while doing 5 sessions on the track, highest temp I saw was around 260. Im going to change it this weekend and am going to use Motul again because I still have half a jug from the last change. Ill probably change it up after this just to see if theres a difference. Also just changed the power steering fluid, that junk was almost brown

The_Digital_One · 02-11-2019, 11:42 PM

Has anyone tried using any new oils that are API SN Plus rated? If so did you notice any difference? Does anyone have any input as to why an SN Plus rated oil could be bad in the e90 (N55) in my case?

floydarogers · 02-12-2019, 02:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The_Digital_One

Has anyone tried using any new oils that are API SN Plus rated? If so did you notice any difference? Does anyone have any input as to why an SN Plus rated oil could be bad in the e90 (N55) in my case?

The SAE rating system is so bogus and broad, I would never use it to choose an oil for any BMW (or any other car FTM). Look into the ACEA system, cna choose something ACEA A3/B3-4, which is what the LL-01/etc oils are based upon.

slinkygn · 02-18-2019, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Unfortunately, you need to use LL-04. All gasoline in the UK/EU is ultra low sulfur (< 10 ppm), and need to use the low ash oils. LL-01 will foul your catalytic converters.

It's interesting that the LL-01 rec hasn't changed for the US, now that average sulfur levels in gas have been capped at 10ppm since 1/2017. (And since, as mentioned earlier, other mfgs are okay with LL-04... odd.)

mr cribb · 02-28-2019, 02:16 PM

I just ordered my oil change kit from fcpeuro this morning. I have had my 07 e93 335i a year in April. I hear good things from the company, so I am looking forward to using their products. Their oil change kit with the filter cap came in a far cry under what I could get locally.

AhmadM · 03-07-2019, 04:13 PM

A safe bet would be Castrol Magnatec 5W30 C3 Fully Synthetic which conforms to BMW LL04.

charmer37 · 05-10-2019, 03:43 PM

I use 5w30

CAYMickel · 07-04-2019, 03:01 PM

I use the Castrol 5W-40 or 5W-30 as the manual says.

stefani335i · 08-19-2019, 05:39 PM

Newbie here! I'm searching for time intervals for oil changes.

How often, in terms of months, should someone who drives maybe 10 miles a day to work and back change their oil? So far, I've found between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, but I *might* drive that in a year. My ex was changing it every 3 months which is expensive and seems excessive.

Also, does the time frame vary according to the oil and filter you buy?

My search function is not working, so I apologize if this is a duplicate question.

06-05-2018, 11:46 AM	#331
BeamerNub Private 12 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Hello, I have a 318i 2007 with 68k miles on the clock I just bought it having owned Audi's and VW's for the last X number of years. Fancied a change of pace. Loving it so far, but one thing that I'm always suspicious of is the deal with oil when buying second hand, so I tend to perform, at least, an oil change quite soon after. I'm UK, and it's looking like a reasonably hot summer ahead. Would I be okay using 5w40 LL-01. I can't see what LL-04 would bring (other than a bit of badge happiness), especially as it ain't a diesel. I will check the manual and see what BMW suggest but I tend to trust forums like this more than the manufacturers, especially after owning VAG cars for so long :P I know what they can get up to.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-05-2018, 05:04 PM	#333
BeamerNub Private 12 Rep 65 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: England iTrader: (0)	Ahh shame. I've got gallons of LL-01. Oh well, no biggie. Thanks
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08-11-2018, 03:18 PM	#334
NiNeTyOne Touring cars rock 351 Rep 907 Posts Drives: e91 330xi / 997 GT3 Cup Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: SEA iTrader: (0)	LiquiMoly "Special Tec LL SAE 5W-30" carries vehicle manufacturer specifications / Approvals: ACEA A3-04/ B4-04; API SL/CF ; BMW Longlife-01; MB-approval 229.5; VW 502 00/505 00 I've used a lot of LiquiMoly products in both my Audi RS cars, Porsche's, and BMW's. I have seen motors torn down with well north of 200k on the clock that have seen serious track duty throughout their life. I'm not sure I've seen parts look as good at that mileage. All the Blackstone stests I've run with their LL01 and LL04 products have been spectacular. I have been using Ceratec in all my motors for many years now with very, very positive results. __________________ Sportwagon Daily: I've done some stuff.
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08-11-2018, 04:40 PM	#335
tcphoto Brigadier General 4446 Rep 3,322 Posts Drives: E92 335i 6MT Coupe Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (1)	I used LiquiMoly SAE 5W-40 today for the annual oil change. __________________
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09-10-2018, 01:22 PM	#336
GEOS07335i Lieutenant 170 Rep 513 Posts Drives: 08 335i Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW 335i E93 [10.00]	I have a 2008 E93 335i. Although I've had it for a year and a half I dont put that many miles on it. It's a weekend car and I work from home. I bought it as a project on the cheap and have done a lot of maintenance on it. Vanos Solenoids, new plugs, new VCG, new breather and PCV valve, coils, index 12 injectors, new post cat O2 sensors, recent oil change using Mobile 1 0-40. I have probably put about a 1,000 miles on since doing all this maintenance stuff and the performance goodies and just the other day I had a low oil indicator light and I put another quart of oil. I dont see any visible leaks of oil, no white smoke, no oil in coolent, no black smoke out exhaust(at least not anymore). No visible leaks of oil in the VCG tray. Any ideas? Also Is mobile 1 0-40 have issues with oil consumption issues with our cars? Any recommendations on what oil I should be using if assuming no leaks besides Mobile 1? In other words if your car consumes more oil than normal is there a different viscosity of Oil I should be trying? __________________ 2008 335i E93, DP's, 7" FMIC, DCI,CP TIAL Q BOV, MHD Stage 2+, Alpina Flash
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09-23-2018, 12:33 PM	#338
arkie6 Lieutenant 395 Rep 433 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i sedan Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Russellville, AR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	Castrol EDGE 0W-40 European Formula (made in Belgium) synthetic is good high quality LL01 oil for the N54. I typically use 1/2 a quart or less between oil changes (~7500 miles or once per year, whichever comes first). This is a higher quality Group IV oil than other US manufactured Castrol synthetics that are typically hydro-cracked Group III oil. I used to use Mobil 1 almost exclusively in vehicles prior to my 335i.
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10-22-2018, 02:00 PM	#339
katatonia Private First Class 48 Rep 151 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 335xi 6mt Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Victoria BC iTrader: (0)	I've always ran castrol edge 0w40, but costco doesn't carry it anymore. They have 5w30 and 5w40. Can I switch to one of these oils or should I pay extra for some 0w40 and continue using that? Winters here are mild and wet, summers mild and dry.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-22-2018, 06:31 PM	#340
arkie6 Lieutenant 395 Rep 433 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 335i sedan Join Date: Aug 2014 Location: Russellville, AR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i [0.00]	I just paid $27 for a 5 quart jug of Castrol Edge 0W-40 at Walmart. That plus the ~1/2 jug left over from my last oil change has me ready for the next change due in a month or so.
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11-24-2018, 11:17 PM	#341
SJM67 Enlisted Member 24 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335I Coupe Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: 408 iTrader: (0) Garage List 1995 BMW 318I [0.00] 2008 BMW 335I [0.00]	after hearing all the great reviews Rotella T6 has gotten and reading another members results using it , i'm gonna switch from Amsoil 5W-40 to this T6 for my oil change next weekend.
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01-02-2019, 04:19 PM	#342
starboard Enlisted Member 2 Rep 32 Posts Drives: 2011 E93 328i Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: florida iTrader: (0)	All I have found so far is LL04 (in USA) is that a no-go as a replacement for LL01? It claimed good for MB, Porche; but no listing for BMW.
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01-22-2019, 12:00 AM	#344
PJLou335is BAMF 9 Rep 18 Posts Drives: 2013 335is Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	Ive been using Motul 8100 5w-40 since I got it and have had good results. I dont put that many miles on the car usually (sits 5 days between drives, no stop n go ever) and have done one track day since changing it 3000 miles ago....car still shows almost full, have never seen any smoke or anything. Car never hit limp mode while doing 5 sessions on the track, highest temp I saw was around 260. Im going to change it this weekend and am going to use Motul again because I still have half a jug from the last change. Ill probably change it up after this just to see if theres a difference. Also just changed the power steering fluid, that junk was almost brown __________________ 2013 335is FBO 2008 Merc C350 AMG (gone) 2011 528i (too slow...) 2008 Hyundai Genesis 3.8 (Not German enough) 2006 E46 M3 Competition (Why did I get rid of it?? smh
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02-11-2019, 11:42 PM	#345
The_Digital_One New Member 15 Rep 11 Posts Drives: 2011 335i E90 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Portland, Oreogn iTrader: (0)	Has anyone tried using any new oils that are API SN Plus rated? If so did you notice any difference? Does anyone have any input as to why an SN Plus rated oil could be bad in the e90 (N55) in my case?
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02-28-2019, 02:16 PM	#348
mr cribb New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 07 335i, 93 Explorer, 94 Z71 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Harviell, MO iTrader: (0)	I just ordered my oil change kit from fcpeuro this morning. I have had my 07 e93 335i a year in April. I hear good things from the company, so I am looking forward to using their products. Their oil change kit with the filter cap came in a far cry under what I could get locally.
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03-07-2019, 04:13 PM	#349
AhmadM New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 330i MSport Coupe LCI Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	A safe bet would be Castrol Magnatec 5W30 C3 Fully Synthetic which conforms to BMW LL04.
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05-10-2019, 03:43 PM	#350
charmer37 New Member 3 Rep 18 Posts Drives: Bmw E90 Join Date: May 2019 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	I use 5w30
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07-04-2019, 03:01 PM	#351
CAYMickel Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I use the Castrol 5W-40 or 5W-30 as the manual says.
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08-19-2019, 05:39 PM	#352
stefani335i Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Texas iTrader: (0)	Newbie here! I'm searching for time intervals for oil changes. How often, in terms of months, should someone who drives maybe 10 miles a day to work and back change their oil? So far, I've found between 5,000 and 7,500 miles, but I might drive that in a year. My ex was changing it every 3 months which is expensive and seems excessive. Also, does the time frame vary according to the oil and filter you buy? My search function is not working, so I apologize if this is a duplicate question.
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