Need help choosing the RIGHT oil

Btruner · 08-21-2018, 05:37 PM

Hey Guys, I'm a new e90 owner and dont know a huge amount about cars in general - so some of this stuff may seem like silly questions but I want to make sure im doing everything right.

Ive got a new 2006 e90 325i(3.0L) that im going to be changing all the fluids on, starting with the oil.

From what research Ive done the go-to is 5w-30. Most of what we have at my local shops is castrol - but the only 5w-30 they have is the NON euro formula variant, and its not LL-01. Below is the oil that I have access to.

My other alternative is they carry a castrol 5w-40 that does have LL01. But im not sure if that oil rating will be good for my car (I live on the west coast in Canada, very moderate climate, dosent get any colder than a few degrees below freezing in the winter, the car also has around 200km on it, so im hoping to use the best oil option to give it its best shot a long life)

Anyway, my question is. Am I fine to use the non-euro, non LL-01 formula, or am I better off to use the 5w-40? Or is it a big enough deal where I should hold off and find another alternative.

Sorry if its a silly question, just trying to play it safe. Thanks allot in advanced !

The Nightman · 08-21-2018, 06:03 PM

Use the LL01 5w40. The viscosity won't be an issue

Alexdevera · 09-04-2018, 05:30 PM

Personally I've put 5W-40 into my car. I started with Castrol Edge at 5W-30, then I move to a 5W-40 oil of the same brand.

Upon discovering liqui-moly, I began using their 5W-40 oil. IMHO, the quality of the liqui-moly by comparison exceeded my expectations. It's a smoother, silkier oil from what I observed.

Currently, I'm looking into amsoil, as it is considered a group 5 oil. Essentially it is one of the best oils around. It sits in that category right next to motul.

Sgop335 · 09-04-2018, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alexdevera

Currently, I'm looking into amsoil, as it is considered a group 5 oil. [Incorrect, if youre lucky its group 4, butmostly group 3. Essentially it is one of the best oils around. It sits in that category right next to motul. Incorrect motul is group 3, look at their msds..

..

jericho_17 · 09-05-2018, 10:07 AM

I use Motul xcess8100 LL01 5w-40, i've been using in it for years in my 06 330i

jericho_17 · 09-05-2018, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sgop335

..

I agree with you. Motul is group III, Amsoil too.

08-21-2018, 05:37 PM	#1
Btruner Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Need help choosing the RIGHT oil - noob questions. Hey Guys, I'm a new e90 owner and dont know a huge amount about cars in general - so some of this stuff may seem like silly questions but I want to make sure im doing everything right. Ive got a new 2006 e90 325i(3.0L) that im going to be changing all the fluids on, starting with the oil. From what research Ive done the go-to is 5w-30. Most of what we have at my local shops is castrol - but the only 5w-30 they have is the NON euro formula variant, and its not LL-01. Below is the oil that I have access to. My other alternative is they carry a castrol 5w-40 that does have LL01. But im not sure if that oil rating will be good for my car (I live on the west coast in Canada, very moderate climate, dosent get any colder than a few degrees below freezing in the winter, the car also has around 200km on it, so im hoping to use the best oil option to give it its best shot a long life) Anyway, my question is. Am I fine to use the non-euro, non LL-01 formula, or am I better off to use the 5w-40? Or is it a big enough deal where I should hold off and find another alternative. Sorry if its a silly question, just trying to play it safe. Thanks allot in advanced ! Last edited by Btruner; 08-21-2018 at 05:47 PM..
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08-21-2018, 06:03 PM	#2
The Nightman Cometh 1090 Rep 1,303 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI "330i& ... [10.00]	Use the LL01 5w40. The viscosity won't be an issue
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09-04-2018, 05:30 PM	#3
Alexdevera Enlisted Member 2 Rep 46 Posts Drives: E92 BMW Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Eastern Bay Area iTrader: (0)	Personally I've put 5W-40 into my car. I started with Castrol Edge at 5W-30, then I move to a 5W-40 oil of the same brand. Upon discovering liqui-moly, I began using their 5W-40 oil. IMHO, the quality of the liqui-moly by comparison exceeded my expectations. It's a smoother, silkier oil from what I observed. Currently, I'm looking into amsoil, as it is considered a group 5 oil. Essentially it is one of the best oils around. It sits in that category right next to motul.
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09-05-2018, 10:07 AM	#5
jericho_17 Private 13 Rep 82 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: El Salvador iTrader: (0)	I use Motul xcess8100 LL01 5w-40, i've been using in it for years in my 06 330i
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