[J3 L U N T]

How does BMW make the determination of what oil to promote in their vehicles?

I am fairly sure they used to use Mobile1 before Castrol, right? Is there a scientific reason such as the performance is better or is it merely business negotiations and sponsorships. I began using Mobile1 when I had my e36 M3 because, if I recall correctly, BMW used it and therefore backed it. I then began filling up with Mobile gas since then, because well... why not? Now they have Castrol on board and I still use Mobile1. Did an oil change on my 2008 335i around 2k miles and I began to think that when I go for my scheduled maintenance they will put back in Castrol.

So do I stick with Castrol in the future? Will the dealership charge a lot more for their Castrol oil? Does it even really matter?

J3

[PiperG]

As long as it's still under warrranty, I'd use the Bmw castrol. But whatever you decide to use, just make sure it's a quality synthetic, because our engines like to roast motor oil.....

[E90330iS]

i think sponsorship

[J3 L U N T]

Yea i just happened to check the digi-oil-meter and it was half way which prompted me to ask.

How much is the oil from BMW? Same as at stores?

[PiperG]

the oil you buy from the dealerships has a bmw label on it. You cannot find this labeled oil in any regular store. One of our sponsors Ticher Bmw has a very good deal on a whole oil change kit for like 54 bucks.

[aus]

Keep in mind the BMW Castro is NOT the same as the Castro you get a Walmart or some other Auto parts store. It's a Euro Synthetic.

And if you're thinking Mobil 1, that's cool, but DON'T get the off the self 5-30 Mobil 1 that's widely available- It's crap.
You want the Euro 0-40 or 5-40. The 0-40 is more redily available.

[simp0man]

Is there truth in this? Euro synthetic? Sorry don't feel like looking for the facts when you seem to know it, maybe?

[J3 L U N T]

damn. that would not be cool. 5-30 is what i put in!! haha damn it.

no real damage will occur right?

[vgame64]

Originally Posted by J3 L U N T

damn. that would not be cool. 5-30 is what i put in!! haha damn it.

no real damage will occur right?

Yeah...when your car gets ~500,000 miles it may need a new $0.50 linings...

I liked BMW better when my E34 was out and they had a list of ~15 different oil weights I could use depending on the temperature...not this euro-synthetic 5W-30 castrol 1 paranoia oil that BMW thinks is good enough for yearly changes...

[aus]

The US Mobil 1 is thinner than the Euro Castro 5-30 that BMW uses. Not all ratings are the same since there's a range of viscousity the oil can be for each number, so theoretically, you could have a 5-30 that's thicker than another manufacture's 5-40.

If you look on the back of the US 5-30 bottle, you'll note that it's not ACEA A3 or LL01 spec'ed, which the Euro Mobil 1 0-40 and 5-40 do meet. It's the main reason Mobil still imports this stuff because all the German cars require it, from Audi, BMW, MB, to Porsche.

Here's a good thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...highlight=acea

Many feel the Euro Castro 0-30 is the best oil out there for BMW's.

[J3 L U N T]

Originally Posted by aus

The US Mobil 1 is thinner than the Euro Castro 5-30 that BMW uses. Not all ratings are the same since there's a range of viscousity the oil can be for each number, so theoretically, you could have a 5-30 that's thicker than another manufacture's 5-40.

If you look on the back of the US 5-30 bottle, you'll note that it's not ACEA A3 or LL01 spec'ed, which the Euro Mobil 1 0-40 and 5-40 do meet. It's the main reason Mobil still imports this stuff because all the German cars require it, from Audi, BMW, MB, to Porsche.

Here's a good thread: http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...highlight=acea

Many feel the Euro Castro 0-30 is the best oil out there for BMW's.

Thanks for the link

[PNF]

nice info~

thanks~~

[RDAutosport]

Originally Posted by aus

The US Mobil 1 is thinner than the Euro Castro 5-30 that BMW uses. Not all ratings are the same since there's a range of viscousity the oil can be for each number, so theoretically, you could have a 5-30 that's thicker than another manufacture's 5-40.

Euro Castro? Is Cuba part of the European Union now?



On a serious note, your comment about viscosity simply isn't true, a 5W30 will always be thinner than a 5W40. That being said, a very thick 5W30 can be very close to a very thin 5W40 as the high temp rating of the 5W30 could be nearly a 12.49 cSt while the high temp rating of the 5W40 could be as low as 12.5 cSt.

Originally Posted by aus

If you look on the back of the US 5-30 bottle, you'll note that it's not ACEA A3 or LL01 spec'ed, which the Euro Mobil 1 0-40 and 5-40 do meet. It's the main reason Mobil still imports this stuff because all the German cars require it, from Audi, BMW, MB, to Porsche.

Many feel the Euro Castro 0-30 is the best oil out there for BMW's.

BMW's Castrol 5W30 is a very good oil (I believe it is a dino cracked synthetic), but there are many very good choices out there, some being better.

Regards,

Rich

[rrosen]

Make sure it is LL01 approved and you'll be OK. Right now in the US that generally means the BMW oil (Castrol 5W-30 -- not the same Castrol 5W-30 in the auto marts) or Mobil 0W-40.

[742]

Originally Posted by J3 L U N T

How does BMW make the determination of what oil to promote in their vehicles? ...

Marketing picks the brand using shallow marketing reasoning.

Engineering writes the oil spec, LL01 in this case, which any brand is free to design and test too. This is a tough standard to meet (as is also true of VW and MB oil specs).

[nicknaz]

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

If you need to add oil between oil changes and BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is unavailable, you may top up the oil level with one of the following approved synthetic oils. For information on checking your engine oil level refer to your vehicle's Owner's Manual.

The oils listed below meet BMW's Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in BMW Passenger vehicles and SAVs in the US market with gasoline engines.

BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market:

* Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

* Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

* Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

* Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30



Use only oils with an API rating of SM or higher.

The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which you normally drive your BMW.

[bmw6953]

The place I took my car too used mobil1 10w-30 synthetic. Is that bad?

[rrosen]

Originally Posted by bmw6953

The place I took my car too used mobil1 10w-30 synthetic. Is that bad?

Was it LL01 approved? If it was, it's probably OK (California doesn't get that cold). If not, I'd go back and tell them they used the wrong oil and to do it right.

That's assuming a 2006 325i requires LL01 oil. Check your owner's manual.

[aus]

Originally Posted by bmw6953

The place I took my car too used mobil1 10w-30 synthetic. Is that bad?

If it's Mobil 1, then it's the wrong oil. The only LL-01 rated oil is the 0-40 or 5-40 (hard to find).