[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

I don't see any "approved" word on this Castrol Edge Professional OE 5W40 for LL-01 or any other specs mentioned there:

http://www.amazon.com/Castrol-Edge-P.../dp/B00J7141OY

BTW, "product specification: LL-01" can be even stronger assertion than "approved: LL-01".

[Meeni]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

The picture on Amazon says: "exceeds the world's toughest protection standards", so it is not exactly "approved: LL-01" like the OE 5w40.

The 0w40 bottle currently sitting in my garage, bought at WM last week specifically list BMW LongLife 01 (among A3/B3. MB something and Porsche A40). It is written in a table on the back of the bottle. If that does not mean it is LL01 approved, that's false advertising at this point.


Also note that a number of other specifications are -not- present on the bottle (notably LL04, . So they did not just sprinkle specs randomly.

Now, the black bottle is not an "extended interval" oil. Not clear what that means. LL01 is specifically designed for long OCI, so one would expect that claiming LL01 means it can do the rated OCI, but I could not find documentation clarifying the point.

[JustDriveIt]

Castrol Edge 0W-30 A3/B4, 0W-40 A3/B4, and 5W-40 are all BMW Longlife-01 approved oils.

Mobil 1 oils are no longer BMW Longlife-01 approved:
"Based on what you've told us, your vehicle manufacturer recommends a 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity and oil that meets BMW Longlife LL-01. We currently do not offer any motor oils in the United States that meet these specifications."

I'm not sure what people are confused about, but I sure hope this helps.

[bavarianride]

It appears "approved" versus "exceeds/meets/recommends" have been discussed over the years, i.e. this is a thread from TDI forum dated 2006:

http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=126932

Basically it says VW listed one oil as 505.01 approved, and there was an official VW letter to back it up, but the bottle label said "meets or exceeds".'

What do consumers/customers believe? From my(and others too?) perspective, if the bottle label does not say "approved: LL-01" it is not approved, but if someone can show an official BMW letter stating Castrol Edge Euro 0w40 is LL-01 approved by BMW, that will be highly appreciated.

Or Castrol can be kind enough to put that "approved: LL-01"(or "product technical specifications: LL-01"?) on Castrol Edge 0w40 Euro black bottle damn it! And why Castro does not do so(those BMW tests are not cheap) IF they already have an official letter of approval is truly puzzling.

In that regard Mobil 1 is pretty good, it is either approved LL-01, or no LL-01, there is no second guess nor confusion.

In the meantime, my quest to find that "approved: LL-01" at back label still is not that successful besides the Professional OE 5w40(in addition to BMW oil and Mobil 1 non-FS 0w40).

[TrAcK TRaP]

Changed my oil little over 2 weeks ago with non approved new Mobil 1 0W40 not having any problem and not even scared about it. I will just keep doing the oil change every 4K miles mark I don't care even its overkill.. Do I recommend it to you guys? "NO'' Do your own search and use whatever you think is the best oil for you..

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by N54CherryHill

Changed my oil little over 2 weeks ago with non approved new Mobil 1 0W40 not having any problem and not even scared about it. I will just keep doing the oil change every 4K miles mark I don't care even its overkill.. Do I recommend it to you guys? "NO'' Do your own search and use whatever you think is the best oil for you..

There is technical data to backup your action, namely, the new M1 FS 0w40 still has Porsche A40 approval. A40 matches LL-01 in all attributes except A40 exceeds LL-01 in wear attribute. The only missing thing from A40 is soot thickening, so one interpretation is that FS 0w40 fails BMW LL-01 due to soot.

So if the OCI is shortened to, say, 1/3 to 1/2, the new FS 0w40 may work just as well as the non-FS 0w40. In fact, the FS 0w40 is slightly lighter than the old one, so it may resolve the noisy lifters too.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

There is technical data to backup your action, namely, the new M1 FS 0w40 still has Porsche A40 approval. A40 matches LL-01 in all attributes except A40 exceeds LL-01 in wear attribute. The only missing thing from A40 is soot thickening, so one interpretation is that FS 0w40 fails BMW LL-01 due to soot.

So if the OCI is shortened to, say, 1/3 to 1/2, the new FS 0w40 may work just as well as the non-FS 0w40. In fact, the FS 0w40 is slightly lighter than the old one, so it may resolve the noisy lifters too.

It's interesting that you know all this technically speaking....

Me, I just want to be able to buy my oil at Walmart, and thought that was the case, and now it doesn't seem to be. I've got 2 Hengst and 4 Mahle filters waiting to be installed! And only 7 qts. left of the LL-01 Mobil1...

[John 070]

Originally Posted by JustDriveIt

Castrol Edge 0W-30 A3/B4, 0W-40 A3/B4, and 5W-40 are all BMW Longlife-01 approved oils.

Mobil 1 oils are no longer BMW Longlife-01 approved:
"Based on what you've told us, your vehicle manufacturer recommends a 5W-30 or 5W-40 viscosity and oil that meets BMW Longlife LL-01. We currently do not offer any motor oils in the United States that meet these specifications."

I'm not sure what people are confused about, but I sure hope this helps.

edit

Is what everyone is saying, that the Castrol Edge euro that you find in Walmart, is different than amazon, and that amazon is approved? Is this jug sealed? I did buy from Walmart once and it was used motor oil, though I would prefer to buy oil in person, not online...

Is this, or is this NOT approved? amazon often makes mistakes, and this does say LL-01 on the website

http://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03101-...ropean+formula

I just can't stand the idea of paying $8/qt., when the dealer charges $79.95, but if I had to, I still rather pay $8/qt. and DIY....but financially wouldn't it be better to pay $79.95, take a free loaner, and let the dealer do it....

[JustDriveIt]

Okay, Well I emailed Castrol and asked them about BMW LL-01 approved oils. Here is their response:


"Castrol <contactus@bp.com>
10:36 AM (15 minutes ago)
From: contactus@bp.com
To: me
Subject: BMW LL01

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

We no longer make an oil for BMW. However we do have an approved motor oil that meets BMW Longlife 01 requirements which is the BMW specification for their gasoline engines with the exception of M series vehicles which require an approved 10W-60 oil (Castrol EDGE 10W-60 has BMW exclusive approval for BMW M-models that require a 10W-60 lubricant).

The product that we have meeting the BMW Longlife 01 specification (which is what the oil we made for BMW met) is called Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation.

For BMW diesels, oil meeting BMW Longlife 04 is required so the product that we have which is approved for this BMW specification is Castrol EDGE 5W-30 for European Diesels.

Castrol Consumer Relations"


So yes, they do have an approved oil and apparently it is the Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation not the 0w-40.

[ccraig13]

Just bought some M1 at WM last night. It said BMW formula on the front but I didn't check if it said LL-01. They had a lot, maybe I should go back and stock up

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by JustDriveIt

Okay, Well I emailed Castrol and asked them about BMW LL-01 approved oils. Here is their response:


"Castrol <contactus@bp.com>
10:36 AM (15 minutes ago)
From: contactus@bp.com
To: me
Subject: BMW LL01

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

We no longer make an oil for BMW. However we do have an approved motor oil that meets BMW Longlife 01 requirements which is the BMW specification for their gasoline engines with the exception of M series vehicles which require an approved 10W-60 oil (Castrol EDGE 10W-60 has BMW exclusive approval for BMW M-models that require a 10W-60 lubricant).

The product that we have meeting the BMW Longlife 01 specification (which is what the oil we made for BMW met) is called Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation.

For BMW diesels, oil meeting BMW Longlife 04 is required so the product that we have which is approved for this BMW specification is Castrol EDGE 5W-30 for European Diesels.

Castrol Consumer Relations"


So yes, they do have an approved oil and apparently it is the Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation not the 0w-40.

Thanks for sharing the info, this is very interesting. The product spec of 5w30 A3/B4 says it is "formulated for highly tuned four cylinder and latest technology engines in both petrol and diesel passenger* and light commercial vehicles, naturally aspirated or turbocharged. * Excludes diesel passenger vehicles fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF). "

It will be interesting to see what the back label says on this oil. Also most online hits seem to refer to Australia, so this may not be stocked in US stores.

http://msdspds.castrol.com/bpglis/FusionPDS.nsf/Files/AECC776DF8C45D2280257CE700137286/$File/CASTROL%20EDGE_5W-30%20A3B4_3374731_2014_01.pdf

[BravoJohny33]

Since we have a thread about oil can I jump in here and ask a question?

Is it true when you get BMW value service at the dealership for 79.99 that they use a different oil than the full price oil change?

[TrAcK TRaP]

Originally Posted by ccraig13

Just bought some M1 at WM last night. It said BMW formula on the front but I didn't check if it said LL-01. They had a lot, maybe I should go back and stock up

if it says BMW on the front its an old one you are good because they took the BMW sign off..

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by BravoJohny33

Since we have a thread about oil can I jump in here and ask a question?

Is it true when you get BMW value service at the dealership for 79.99 that they use a different oil than the full price oil change?

It is unlikely that dealer will use non-OEM oil. Do check the part number(s) on the invoice, mine usually shows a BMW part number that corresponds to 5w30 bulk(in 50-gallon drum) or something similar(on bimmers under as well as out of warranty).

The purpose of value service is to encourage late model cars to be serviced at dealers. Usually late model cars may require more than oil change, but one can decline any added-on other than the oil change.

[BravoJohny33]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

It is unlikely that dealer will use non-OEM oil. Do check the part number(s) on the invoice, mine usually shows a BMW part number that corresponds to 5w30 bulk(in 50-gallon drum) or something similar(on bimmers under as well as out of warranty).

The purpose of value service is to encourage late model cars to be serviced at dealers. Usually late model cars may require more than oil change, but one can decline any added-on other than the oil change.

Thanks. That sounds right not sure why there are people saying they use kendal oil for value service.

[PhaseP]

Originally Posted by JustDriveIt

Okay, Well I emailed Castrol and asked them about BMW LL-01 approved oils. Here is their response:


"Castrol <contactus@bp.com>
10:36 AM (15 minutes ago)
From: contactus@bp.com
To: me
Subject: BMW LL01

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

We no longer make an oil for BMW. However we do have an approved motor oil that meets BMW Longlife 01 requirements which is the BMW specification for their gasoline engines with the exception of M series vehicles which require an approved 10W-60 oil (Castrol EDGE 10W-60 has BMW exclusive approval for BMW M-models that require a 10W-60 lubricant).

The product that we have meeting the BMW Longlife 01 specification (which is what the oil we made for BMW met) is called Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation.

For BMW diesels, oil meeting BMW Longlife 04 is required so the product that we have which is approved for this BMW specification is Castrol EDGE 5W-30 for European Diesels.

Castrol Consumer Relations"


So yes, they do have an approved oil and apparently it is the Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation not the 0w-40.

This is getting ridiculous.
I sent an email to them yesterday specifically asking 0w40 and professional oe. They sent me the exact verbatim email as thus one.
This thread about Castrol ll01 approved or just meets is nonsense imo.
Castrol was making the BMW branded 5w30 oil. So they know what is ll01 or not, and how to make it. They don't sell 5w30 European formula, can't find it.they write in the list 5w30 European formula product "claims" to be ll01.
So this is all ridiculous. The bottle says ll01 and from Castrol just use it!

The professional and professional oe seems to be boutique products with UV paint and claimed extra filtering. Nothing to do with ll01 spec or not.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by BravoJohny33

Thanks. That sounds right not sure why there are people saying they use kendal oil for value service.

Keeping a separate stock of non-OEM oil will cost the dealer extra money. In addition the BMWNA AVP bonus program dictates brand recognition, and using non-OEM oil(if reported) can hurt the dealer's score for the bonus program.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

The professional and professional oe seems to be boutique products with UV paint and claimed extra filtering. Nothing to do with ll01 spec or not.

It will be interesting to see a VOA on these professional oe, what does extra filtering mean to the oil?

[bavarianride]

BTW, in another forum there is post with a reply from a Mobil 1 rep, and it says the reason M1 FS 0w40 does not have LL-01 approval is due to the addition to the BMW testing requirement of a more severe N20 2L turbo test. So maybe the M1 FS 0w40 is still good for non-turbo(?).

[PhaseP]

Mobil 0w40 dropped more than BMW ll01 spec from the list behind the bottle.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by PhaseP

This is getting ridiculous.
I sent an email to them yesterday specifically asking 0w40 and professional oe. They sent me the exact verbatim email as thus one.
This thread about Castrol ll01 approved or just meets is nonsense imo.
Castrol was making the BMW branded 5w30 oil. So they know what is ll01 or not, and how to make it. They don't sell 5w30 European formula, can't find it.they write in the list 5w30 European formula product "claims" to be ll01.
So this is all ridiculous. The bottle says ll01 and from Castrol just use it!

The professional and professional oe seems to be boutique products with UV paint and claimed extra filtering. Nothing to do with ll01 spec or not.

Don't our cars say BMW recommends Castrol somewhere on the motor, forget if the oil cap.

Reminds me of the HS students on the forum who said, "If you put Costco gas in your car, you don't deserve a BMW." As if they know the definition of deserve.

Then Costco pays the top tier fee and suddenly has top tier signs and pictures of Corvette C7's. The fuel did not change overnight.

[John 070]

Originally Posted by JustDriveIt

Okay, Well I emailed Castrol and asked them about BMW LL-01 approved oils. Here is their response:


"Castrol <contactus@bp.com>
10:36 AM (15 minutes ago)
From: contactus@bp.com
To: me
Subject: BMW LL01

Thank you for contacting Castrol North America.

We no longer make an oil for BMW. However we do have an approved motor oil that meets BMW Longlife 01 requirements which is the BMW specification for their gasoline engines with the exception of M series vehicles which require an approved 10W-60 oil (Castrol EDGE 10W-60 has BMW exclusive approval for BMW M-models that require a 10W-60 lubricant).

The product that we have meeting the BMW Longlife 01 specification (which is what the oil we made for BMW met) is called Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation.

For BMW diesels, oil meeting BMW Longlife 04 is required so the product that we have which is approved for this BMW specification is Castrol EDGE 5W-30 for European Diesels.

Castrol Consumer Relations"


So yes, they do have an approved oil and apparently it is the Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 European Formulation not the 0w-40.

Wonderful so it is not the $23 oil online

edit--Castrol needs to work on their website, but when I put in 2007-10 E92, it said this is suitable 5W30 or 0W40, both say A3/B4 whatever that means

Crankcase
Service Refill Capacity: 6.5* Litres.
CASTROL EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4
Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 is a fully synthetic, SAE 5W-30, engine oil. It gives you the confidence to demand maximum engine performance from today's highly tuned four cylinder and latest technology engines, operating with tighter tolerances, requiring lower viscosity and stronger oils for variable service intervals. Castrol EDGE 5W-30 A3/B4 is proven in tests to deliver outstanding oil strength.
or
CASTROL EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4
Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 is a fully synthetic, SAE 0W-40, engine oil formulated for prestige and high performance engines. Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 provides outstanding wear protection in performance engines designed to run at their optimum level on lower viscosity oils. Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 should be used in engines where maximum efficiency and protection is demanded This product is not suitable for vehicles fitted with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF).