Oil change -- what oil to use?

Chriztofor · 06-07-2011, 02:50 PM

By the way, here is my e-mail to Royal purple. If they respond, I will post it.

Hello,

I have a 2006 BMW 325i. As per the owner's manual, it requires LL-01 oil. There are two oils that carry this certification Castrol 0w-30 and Mobil 1 0w-40. Does your oil carry a LL-01 certification? If not why not? If you claim that Royal Purple exceeds manufacturer's specs. Can you be more specific.

For example, Castrol 0w-30 and Castrol 5w-40, does not meet API SN, does not meet SM, meets SL, SJ, ACEA A3, B3, and B4. Castrol 0w-30 is LL-01 approved and Castrol 5w-40 is not LL-01 approved. Therefore, I have to go with 0w-30 because BMW requires LL-01 oil.

Also, Castrol 10w-40: MEETS API SN, SM, SL, SJ, ACEA A3, B3, and B4 but it is not LL-01 approved. This oil meets two other criteria API SN and SM more than 0w-30 and 5w-40 and it is not LL01 approved. Since Castro's 10w-40 EXCEEDS 0w-30 but is NOT LL-01 certified I still have to use Castrol 0w-30 as per BMW.

With that in mind, here is my question. Why should I use royal purple over Castrol 0w-30 and/or Mobil 1 0w-40 when they are both LL-01 (Longlife) approved?

Thank you!

Your future customer,
Chris

DieselDiner · 06-07-2011, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chriztofor

0w-30 is LL-01 approved and 5w-40 is not, why?

Could it be that Castrol did not submit 5W-40 to BMW for LL01 approval? Mobil has a similar situation with 5W-30 EPS vs. 5W-40 EPS for BMW LL04; the 5W-30 is approved, the 5W-40 is not. Yet both grades have Mercedes 229.51 approval, which is arguably more stringent than LL04. I've always assumed that Mobil simply did not submit the 5W-40 for LL04, but don't know that for a fact.

NaTuReB0Y · 06-07-2011, 03:45 PM

I have been using Mobil 1 0W40 and Castrol 0W30 for the last 6 years........with no issues

5,000 miles intervals.......I've done 16 oil changes + 2 free oil change under warranty.....

currently at 94,197 miles.......next oil change in a few weeks.

Chriztofor · 06-07-2011, 08:21 PM

I don't want to keep double posting so read this link http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=1#post9770500

ALL4_3SERIES · 06-29-2011, 02:14 PM

Hello all! I am a newbie here and recently purchased a 2011 E90. My question is this I took delivery of my car in Europe as I am stationed here in the military. I assume my car had LL-01 from the factory, but I am not sure. I have about 1037 miles and would like to change the oil at 1200 miles (following Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance plan). So should I run a LL-04 oil for now (I move back to the states in six months), then change the oil again to meet the LL-01 standard while I am in the states or can I keep the LL-04? I have heard these standards are due to high sulfur content in the gasoline in the states, and a low sulfur gasoline in Europe. If my car in fact had LL-01 in the car from the get go, did I harm the car by keeping that oil in there for the break in period using European gasoline? I honestly didn't have the choice to change it, as the Germans are sticklers on wasting oil products. They didn't even want to change my oil at 1200 miles, but they finally agreed to make the appointment. Sorry lots of questions, but I love this car and want to take good care of it. Help anyone?

F32Fleet · 06-29-2011, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALL4_3SERIES

Hello all! I am a newbie here and recently purchased a 2011 E90. My question is this I took delivery of my car in Europe as I am stationed here in the military. I assume my car had LL-01 from the factory, but I am not sure. I have about 1037 miles and would like to change the oil at 1200 miles (following Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance plan). So should I run a LL-04 oil for now (I move back to the states in six months), then change the oil again to meet the LL-01 standard while I am in the states or can I keep the LL-04? I have heard these standards are due to high sulfur content in the gasoline in the states, and a low sulfur gasoline in Europe. If my car in fact had LL-01 in the car from the get go, did I harm the car by keeping that oil in there for the break in period using European gasoline? I honestly didn't have the choice to change it, as the Germans are sticklers on wasting oil products. They didn't even want to change my oil at 1200 miles, but they finally agreed to make the appointment. Sorry lots of questions, but I love this car and want to take good care of it. Help anyone?

No harm to your car. LL01 have higher TBN to combat additional acids created by higher sulfur laden US fuel and you don't have a diesel. US gas can have more sulphur when compared to ULSD
r

ALL4_3SERIES · 07-01-2011, 01:33 PM

So can I keep using LL-01 without any issues? Or should I switch to LL-04 for the time being?

F32Fleet · 07-01-2011, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ALL4_3SERIES

So can I keep using LL-01 without any issues? Or should I switch to LL-04 for the time being?

I would use LL04 in europe to keep intake deposits down to a minimum.

Bimmer37 · 07-02-2011, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

I have been using Mobil 1 0W40 and Castrol 0W30 for the last 6 years........with no issues

5,000 miles intervals.......I've done 16 oil changes + 2 free oil change under warranty.....

currently at 94,197 miles.......next oil change in a few weeks.

niice!

Glim · 07-14-2011, 12:04 AM

In Canada, keep an eye on the Canadian tire flyers, the German Castrol 0-30 goes on sale quarterly for $7.49 per lt.

altheg02 · 09-17-2011, 12:56 PM

I looked for Castrol syntec and my local store carried the EDGE with SPT 5W-40 which the label says if for BMW. Is this a new formula or just renaming? I hope I used the right oil.

Blue Streak · 09-21-2011, 01:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by altheg02

I looked for Castrol syntec and my local store carried the EDGE with SPT 5W-40 which the label says if for BMW. Is this a new formula or just renaming? I hope I used the right oil.

It's the same. They just changed the name recently. I think it even says that on the bottles. If it's "LL01" approved, you're good.

F32Fleet · 09-21-2011, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by altheg02

I looked for Castrol syntec and my local store carried the EDGE with SPT 5W-40 which the label says if for BMW. Is this a new formula or just renaming? I hope I used the right oil.

Castrol consolidated their naming conventions just a few months ago. The only LL01 sold outside the dealerships in the US is their 0w-30. It Castrol Edge with Syntec. The 5w40 you speak about used to be a LL98 IIRC.

USAF Rick · 09-23-2011, 04:16 PM

K I have a question that I havent really found here yet. With disregards to the warranty and BMW approved oil, what kind of oil do you guys think will be better than the recommended stuff? Stuff like redline? royal purple? I have an 08 335i and my warranty is over so I want to start doing my own thing. I know redline oils are not cheap, but are they worth it??

tibra1 · 09-23-2011, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhuynh619

K I have a question that I havent really found here yet. With disregards to the warranty and BMW approved oil, what kind of oil do you guys think will be better than the recommended stuff? Stuff like redline? royal purple? I have an 08 335i and my warranty is over so I want to start doing my own thing. I know redline oils are not cheap, but are they worth it??

Not found yet??..

This question has been asked more than any other question in the history of all questions ever asked in the universe..EVER!!

X5Suren13 · 11-11-2011, 09:44 AM

Motul v-power 5w 40 is hands down the best oil. its an over the top oil that is very expensive but if you want the best, it is the best. Its higher than any of the existing standards of any oil in the market. Ive done research on this, ive consulted with many racing professionals and they all agree... believe me or not, it doesnt matter to me... ive been running this oil in my car and i couldnt be happier... def noticed a 2-3 miles per gallon increase.

Glim · 11-13-2011, 01:44 AM

I run 7500 mi intervals with bertolli 0w-30 olive oil.

Tom K. · 11-13-2011, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glim

I run 7500 mi intervals with bertolli 0w-30 olive oil.

Virgin or Extra Virgin?

Tom

Glim · 11-13-2011, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom K.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Glim

I run 7500 mi intervals with bertolli 0w-30 olive oil.

Virgin or Extra Virgin?

Tom

Virgin

It makes the car smell and taste better than extra virgin

F32Fleet · 11-15-2011, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhuynh619

K I have a question that I havent really found here yet. With disregards to the warranty and BMW approved oil, what kind of oil do you guys think will be better than the recommended stuff? Stuff like redline? royal purple? I have an 08 335i and my warranty is over so I want to start doing my own thing. I know redline oils are not cheap, but are they worth it??

First one has to define "better". In a basic sense all LL01 oils of the same grade will reform the same over the long haul under designed operational parameters of the vehicle. Outside of that people are really guessing based upon the fact their engine still runs on X. Not very scientific nor reliable.

psre08 · 11-15-2011, 12:46 PM

I tried a bunch of different types and none of them were any good on either my E46 or my E90. This summer I just switched to the BMW oil from the dealer. The E90 runs fine because it's newer, so time will tell. But the E46 is a new car, the annoying pre-ignition rattle is gone and it consumes less oil than before. I'm just not going to bother anymore with constantly trying something new.

F32Fleet · 11-16-2011, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psre08

I tried a bunch of different types and none of them were any good on either my E46 or my E90. This summer I just switched to the BMW oil from the dealer. The E90 runs fine because it's newer, so time will tell. But the E46 is a new car, the annoying pre-ignition rattle is gone and it consumes less oil than before. I'm just not going to bother anymore with constantly trying something new.

I know what you mean. IMO our engines run well on Castrol oils and I just wish we had more Castrol products to choose from such as a 0-40w.

06-07-2011, 02:50 PM	#23
Chriztofor Colonel 80 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	By the way, here is my e-mail to Royal purple. If they respond, I will post it. Hello, I have a 2006 BMW 325i. As per the owner's manual, it requires LL-01 oil. There are two oils that carry this certification Castrol 0w-30 and Mobil 1 0w-40. Does your oil carry a LL-01 certification? If not why not? If you claim that Royal Purple exceeds manufacturer's specs. Can you be more specific. For example, Castrol 0w-30 and Castrol 5w-40, does not meet API SN, does not meet SM, meets SL, SJ, ACEA A3, B3, and B4. Castrol 0w-30 is LL-01 approved and Castrol 5w-40 is not LL-01 approved. Therefore, I have to go with 0w-30 because BMW requires LL-01 oil. Also, Castrol 10w-40: MEETS API SN, SM, SL, SJ, ACEA A3, B3, and B4 but it is not LL-01 approved. This oil meets two other criteria API SN and SM more than 0w-30 and 5w-40 and it is not LL01 approved. Since Castro's 10w-40 EXCEEDS 0w-30 but is NOT LL-01 certified I still have to use Castrol 0w-30 as per BMW. With that in mind, here is my question. Why should I use royal purple over Castrol 0w-30 and/or Mobil 1 0w-40 when they are both LL-01 (Longlife) approved? Thank you! Your future customer, Chris __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
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06-07-2011, 03:45 PM	#25
NaTuReB0Y Powered By 36DD 267 Rep 7,379 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Inland Empire iTrader: (12)	I have been using Mobil 1 0W40 and Castrol 0W30 for the last 6 years........with no issues 5,000 miles intervals.......I've done 16 oil changes + 2 free oil change under warranty..... currently at 94,197 miles.......next oil change in a few weeks. __________________ 2006 E90 330i Jet Black \| 20" WORK VS-XX \| FK452 \| H&R Sport on Koni Yellow \| REMUS QUAD
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06-07-2011, 08:21 PM	#26
Chriztofor Colonel 80 Rep 2,783 Posts Drives: '06 325i and '13 X5 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Chicago Burbs iTrader: (1)	I don't want to keep double posting so read this link http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=1#post9770500 __________________ If no codes are being thrown use Chevron Techron fuel injector cleaner (concentrate). It solves rpm fluctuating upon cold start-up. Also, for most BMW problems start off by scanning your car with the Peake Research Tool. It contains the actual BMW codes. If you want to register a newly installed battery for free (just buy a $10 cable) and google/download BMWLogger
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2011, 02:14 PM	#27
ALL4_3SERIES New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328XI Sedan Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	U.S. Spec Car in Europe Hello all! I am a newbie here and recently purchased a 2011 E90. My question is this I took delivery of my car in Europe as I am stationed here in the military. I assume my car had LL-01 from the factory, but I am not sure. I have about 1037 miles and would like to change the oil at 1200 miles (following Mike Miller's Old School Maintenance plan). So should I run a LL-04 oil for now (I move back to the states in six months), then change the oil again to meet the LL-01 standard while I am in the states or can I keep the LL-04? I have heard these standards are due to high sulfur content in the gasoline in the states, and a low sulfur gasoline in Europe. If my car in fact had LL-01 in the car from the get go, did I harm the car by keeping that oil in there for the break in period using European gasoline? I honestly didn't have the choice to change it, as the Germans are sticklers on wasting oil products. They didn't even want to change my oil at 1200 miles, but they finally agreed to make the appointment. Sorry lots of questions, but I love this car and want to take good care of it. Help anyone?
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07-01-2011, 01:33 PM	#29
ALL4_3SERIES New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328XI Sedan Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	So can I keep using LL-01 without any issues? Or should I switch to LL-04 for the time being?
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07-14-2011, 12:04 AM	#32
Glim Captain 18 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 2006 330i & 2013 X5 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Victoria, BC iTrader: (0)	In Canada, keep an eye on the Canadian tire flyers, the German Castrol 0-30 goes on sale quarterly for $7.49 per lt.
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09-17-2011, 12:56 PM	#33
altheg02 New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Jose,CA iTrader: (0)	I looked for Castrol syntec and my local store carried the EDGE with SPT 5W-40 which the label says if for BMW. Is this a new formula or just renaming? I hope I used the right oil.
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09-23-2011, 04:16 PM	#36
USAF Rick Private First Class 12 Rep 162 Posts Drives: Montego Blue 08 335i e92 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: San Diego/Riverside, CA iTrader: (4)	K I have a question that I havent really found here yet. With disregards to the warranty and BMW approved oil, what kind of oil do you guys think will be better than the recommended stuff? Stuff like redline? royal purple? I have an 08 335i and my warranty is over so I want to start doing my own thing. I know redline oils are not cheap, but are they worth it??
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11-11-2011, 09:44 AM	#38
X5Suren13 Yezzsur. Big it up. Go Lakers. 116 Rep 1,263 Posts Drives: 2007 Space Gray 335 coupe Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: A place where you vacation iTrader: (0)	Motul v-power 5w 40 is hands down the best oil. its an over the top oil that is very expensive but if you want the best, it is the best. Its higher than any of the existing standards of any oil in the market. Ive done research on this, ive consulted with many racing professionals and they all agree... believe me or not, it doesnt matter to me... ive been running this oil in my car and i couldnt be happier... def noticed a 2-3 miles per gallon increase.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2011, 01:44 AM	#39
Glim Captain 18 Rep 780 Posts Drives: 2006 330i & 2013 X5 35i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Victoria, BC iTrader: (0)	I run 7500 mi intervals with bertolli 0w-30 olive oil.
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11-15-2011, 12:46 PM	#43
psre08 Second Lieutenant 11 Rep 205 Posts Drives: 330i E90 & 330Ci E46 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Ottawa iTrader: (3)	I tried a bunch of different types and none of them were any good on either my E46 or my E90. This summer I just switched to the BMW oil from the dealer. The E90 runs fine because it's newer, so time will tell. But the E46 is a new car, the annoying pre-ignition rattle is gone and it consumes less oil than before. I'm just not going to bother anymore with constantly trying something new.
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