[CrimsonKC]

Hey,

I have 2006 325xi and im need of doing an oil change. i have been changing my oil with bmw full synthetic 5-30w every 2500-3000 miles. my question is since im not needing the longer life oil and my oil changing intervals are more frequent. I was wondering can i just use a regular castrol fully synthetic 5-30w without the LL-01 approved on it? i know this may be a redundant question but i didnt find any answers when searching for it.

thanks in advance for the help!

[F32Fleet]

Probably be fine with that OCI of 3k miles.

[fravel]

Why are you doing 3k intervals?

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by fravel

Why are you doing 3k intervals?

Exactly. OEM BMW 5w30 synthetic has worked just fine in my last 4 Bimmers when changing at 7,500 mile intervals.

As BMW recommends only certain LL synthetics, the OP would be better off (and save money) by at least doubling the OC interval and continuing to use the good stuff.

Tom

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by CrimsonKC

Hey,

I have 2006 325xi and im need of doing an oil change. i have been changing my oil with bmw full synthetic 5-30w every 2500-3000 miles. my question is since im not needing the longer life oil and my oil changing intervals are more frequent. I was wondering can i just use a regular castrol fully synthetic 5-30w without the LL-01 approved on it? i know this may be a redundant question but i didnt find any answers when searching for it.

thanks in advance for the help!

I would not do that. I did so on my '01 330xi and the engine was using a lot of oil by 90K. Not saying that using Mobil 1 5W-30 was the reason, but still.

As others have said, you'll be totally fine using a 7500 interval with any of the BMW LL-01 oils.

[CrimsonKC]

Originally Posted by fravel

Why are you doing 3k intervals?

My old vehicle was turboed, so with high acceleration I thought I should change my oil more frequently. and so there was more stress put on the motor. I guess it's just a habit that stuck with me.

[CrimsonKC]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Exactly. OEM BMW 5w30 synthetic has worked just fine in my last 4 Bimmers when changing at 7,500 mile intervals.

As BMW recommends only certain LL synthetics, the OP would be better off (and save money) by at least doubling the OC interval and continuing to use the good stuff.

Tom

Okay, that's good to know. I will most likely stay with what is recommended then. Thanks.