[Ramos]

Here is the difference:
2017 and earlier (1st picture)
Vs.
2018 (second picture, my car - engine sticker says SAE 0W-20)

So basically for 2018, they removed LL01 and the corresponding 5W-30 and 5W-40

Does this make sense to anyone? Isn't it the same exact engine??

Notice how on my 2018 they list LL01 as an alternative oil (to add only up to 1 quart) but no longer as a suitable oil.

[Ramos]

And how about this? I just found this in my research. Seems like a good compromise

[auburnf30x]

Originally Posted by Ramos

You must have a 2017 or earlier car.
I would like to understand why BMW changed the manual for 2018 and only recommend 0-20 or 0-30. As far as I know the engine in 2028 didn't change from prior MY's.

I would like to use 5w-40 which is what my tuner is recommending (Motul or Liqui Moly) but am slightly concerned that the engine is not built for such heavy oil?? Quite confused at this point.

Originally Posted by Ramos

Here is the difference:
2017 and earlier (1st picture)
Vs.
2018 (second picture, my car - engine sticker says SAE 0W-20)

So basically for 2018, they removed LL01 and the corresponding 5W-30 and 5W-40

Does this make sense to anyone? Isn't it the same exact engine??

Notice how on my 2018 they list LL01 as an alternative oil (to add only up to 1 quart) but no longer as a suitable oil.

Originally Posted by Ramos

And how about this? I just found this in my research. Seems like a good compromise

BMW changes the oil certifications, restrictions, and recommendations every time an employee farts in the parking lot.

In reality, their engine's oil needs have changed not nearly as vastly as they would like you to believe.

Ordinarily, I would say oil weight matters very little. From the factory these cars can safely run 0W-20 all the way up to 5W-40. The main reason for the drastic shift towards the lighter weight oil is primarily driven by a desire to attain the best fuel efficiency ratings as possible, and far less to do with engine protection.

Having said that, you say you are tuned (or implied it), I'm in agreement with the 5W-40 recommendation. Past that, don't overthink the actual brand too much.

The most important thing is to get an oil that has a high resistance to shearing. Oil shearing reduces its effective viscosity and reduces the oil's ability to protect. Euro spec oils tend to have high shear resistance, but with a tuned car, off the shelf Euro oil generally doesn't go quite far enough. Exception being a select few Pennzoil & Castrol products.

Just breezing by the past few posts, I've seen Motul, LiquiMoly, and Castrol (Euro only). All fine choices. Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W-40 and Amsoil are also good options.

Regardless of which one you choose, afterwards, it is important to keep up with how it is working for you. I would do your first two or three changes at 5,000 miles religiously and send in a sample to Blackstone for each. After that, you should have a good idea of how it is working for you and establish your own interval. I would continue to send samples afterwards periodically just to check on your car's health, but you can switch to every other change or so.

[Runt330i]

Im in Socal, wondering what oil my car needs. I dont really know if there's a difference in the oil a b46 and b58 use, but I'm thinking of using 5w40. It's like 90+ Degrees out lately and I just went stage 1. Any tips yall I'm new here

[kriszty]

Originally Posted by Runt330i

Im in Socal, wondering what oil my car needs. I dont really know if there's a difference in the oil a b46 and b58 use, but I'm thinking of using 5w40. It's like 90+ Degrees out lately and I just went stage 1. Any tips yall I'm new here

5w40 will do for your car

[hayko_M340]

I am in SoCal and have been using 0W-30 BMW Oil since the beginning. 2020 M340i been in climates where it has been 110 Fahrenheit plus up to 125 multiple times and don't burn a drop of Oil. Nearing 25k Miles now about to do my fifth oil change using 5k intervals and it does not drop from full even with aggressive driving, track days, and very hot temperatures. I hear 0W-40, 5W-30/40 are also great but will stick to what works for me. 100 bucks every couple months for a Genuine BMW 0W-30 Oil change kit is nothing if it means preserving the longevity of the engine.

[kern417]

Originally Posted by hayko_M340

I am in SoCal and have been using 0W-30 BMW Oil since the beginning. 2020 M340i been in climates where it has been 110 Fahrenheit plus up to 125 multiple times and don't burn a drop of Oil. Nearing 25k Miles now about to do my fifth oil change using 5k intervals and it does not drop from full even with aggressive driving, track days, and very hot temperatures. I hear 0W-40, 5W-30/40 are also great but will stick to what works for me. 100 bucks every couple months for a Genuine BMW 0W-30 Oil change kit is nothing if it means preserving the longevity of the engine.

Track time is one thing, but people put too much focus on climate. Your engine oil doesn't run hotter on a 110F day vs 40F. When it's up to temp, it does a good job maintaining it. The only thing that could be relevant is the cold viscosity rating.

[Jnat]

This is a highly opinionated topic for sure... I've personally had three WRX/STI's and four Bimmers (N54,N55 and now B58)
All modified with parts and tunes and i have used Rotella T6 5w-40 in each of them.
This is over the last 12 years.
Without it, all the cars used oil, with it no consumption to note.
Valve train always very clean with this oil, very happy with the product and change every4-5k.
My 2 cents.

[G.Newt]

Originally Posted by Jnat

This is a highly opinionated topic for sure... I've personally had three WRX/STI's and four Bimmers (N54,N55 and now B58)
All modified with parts and tunes and i have used Rotella T6 5w-40 in each of them.
This is over the last 12 years.
Without it, all the cars used oil, with it no consumption to note.
Valve train always very clean with this oil, very happy with the product and change every4-5k.
My 2 cents.

T6 is a great oil! A lot of turbo cars use it. I had my eccentric shaft replaced, and my valvetrain looked clean as a whistle using Castrol 0W-40, with no oil consumption. I think staying on top of the consistent oil changes every 5-6k miles is the most important thing.

[Jnat]

Originally Posted by G.Newt

T6 is a great oil! A lot of turbo cars use it. I had my eccentric shaft replaced, and my valvetrain looked clean as a whistle using Castrol 0W-40, with no oil consumption. I think staying on top of the consistent oil changes every 5-6k miles is the most important thing.

Couldn't agree with you more!
Shaft worn or broke (at what mileage)

[Hxngs]

Would 5W-30 be enough if I'm completely stock in California?

[blacksapphire440i]

Originally Posted by Hxngs

Would 5W-30 be enough if I'm completely stock in California?

Yes I run 5W-30 as well but tuned.

[SilverCheetah]

Originally Posted by Ramos

Here is the difference:
2017 and earlier (1st picture)
Vs.
2018 (second picture, my car - engine sticker says SAE 0W-20)

So basically for 2018, they removed LL01 and the corresponding 5W-30 and 5W-40

Does this make sense to anyone? Isn't it the same exact engine??

Notice how on my 2018 they list LL01 as an alternative oil (to add only up to 1 quart) but no longer as a suitable oil.

��Buddy, I did the same comparison. There must be a reason that BMW made the change. So for me, I will choose the specs that are written as proper in both manuals. Since I live in Canada, I use BMW 0W30 in winter time and Liqui Moly 5w30 for the rest of the year. I believe 0w20 is a bit too thin for my stage 2 motor like some fellows.

[Ramos]

Originally Posted by SilverCheetah

��Buddy, I did the same comparison. There must be a reason that BMW made the change. So for me, I will choose the specs that are written as proper in both manuals. Since I live in Canada, I use BMW 0W30 in winter time and Liqui Moly 5w30 for the rest of the year. I believe 0w20 is a bit too thin for my stage 2 motor like some fellows.

Agree, I'm also sticking to 5w-30

[AspektUSA]

Originally Posted by G.Newt

T6 is a great oil! A lot of turbo cars use it. I had my eccentric shaft replaced, and my valvetrain looked clean as a whistle using Castrol 0W-40, with no oil consumption. I think staying on top of the consistent oil changes every 5-6k miles is the most important thing.

This is the open secret on BITOG.

You can hem and haw about oil brands all day long, but what's most important is that you're consistent with oil changes and don't beat on the car when it is still cold.


My stock 340i doesn't use a drop of 0w-20, and gets me 28mpg even though I sit comfortably at 80-100mph on the highway.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Runt330i

Im in Socal, wondering what oil my car needs. I dont really know if there's a difference in the oil a b46 and b58 use, but I'm thinking of using 5w40. It's like 90+ Degrees out lately and I just went stage 1. Any tips yall I'm new here

Those external temps have no impact on oil performance because oil in the sump and coolant temps are well over it.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by hayko_M340

I am in SoCal and have been using 0W-30 BMW Oil since the beginning. 2020 M340i been in climates where it has been 110 Fahrenheit plus up to 125 multiple times and don't burn a drop of Oil. Nearing 25k Miles now about to do my fifth oil change using 5k intervals and it does not drop from full even with aggressive driving, track days, and very hot temperatures. I hear 0W-40, 5W-30/40 are also great but will stick to what works for me. 100 bucks every couple months for a Genuine BMW 0W-30 Oil change kit is nothing if it means preserving the longevity of the engine.

Euro specs revolve around HTHS. LL01/LL04 (ACEA A3/B4, C3) have a min HTHS of 3.5cst. Higher the better for tracking. The majority of Euro spec oils with this rating hover between 3.5-3.7 HTHS regardless of weight.

Some boutique oils like Redline and some diesel oils will be slightly higher.

note: LL01FE (ex, BMW 0w30) has a HTHS range of 3.5 - 3.0.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by Hxngs

Would 5W-30 be enough if I'm completely stock in California?

Of course. Outdoor temps have very little impact on oil performance because the environment inside the engine is multiples hotter.

[Hxngs]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Of course. Outdoor temps have very little impact on oil performance because the environment inside the engine is multiples hotter.

Just picked some up. Will be doing the change tomorrrow

[hayko_M340]

Originally Posted by F32Fleet

Those external temps have no impact on oil performance because oil in the sump and coolant temps are well over it.

Actually my coolant temp has never surpassed my oil temp...coolant for me hovers around 200-210F wheras oil is from 226-232F.

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by hayko_M340

Actually my coolant temp has never surpassed my oil temp...coolant for me hovers around 200-210F wheras oil is from 226-232F.

Which is fine and these temps are both well over 90F.

[Honeybadger23]

Originally Posted by J3Vr6

When doing oil changes at the dealership, could you actually ask them to put in a different oil than spec (like 5w-40)?

this is my second F30
I've been running Penzoil 5W30 platinum full synthetic.

2013 bmw 328i N20
bm3 stage 2
130k miles never had issues

my current
2016 BMW 340i Msport
B58
bm3 stage 2
42k miles
Penzoil 5W30 Platinum full synthetic
no issues.

has been a great oil!!!