[fortythirtyfive]

Booked in for my first service and I'm providing the oil myself to save around £120 ish.

The dealer is suggesting Shell 0W-30, or any high grade reputable brand.

Shell's website suggests "Shell Helix Ultra Professional AM-L 5W-30" - can anyone tell me what the difference is between the AM-L, AR-L, AF, AG, or even easier what they stand for? There seems to be a substantial price difference between them all (yes newbie alert I have no knowledge on engine oils).

[John in VA]

The Shell site will tell you the specs of the oils (http://www.shell.com/motorist/oils-l...synthetic.html), but you'll have to dig deeper to find out what it all means, like at http://www.oilspecifications.org/acea.php. Any of the Shell Helix oils will be fine - just use the proper viscosity for your environment.

You can get real smart by studying at https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

It's been said on many BMW forums, if you can't afford [fill in the blank] you shouldn't be driving a BMW. I realize we don't all have tools or places to work, but unless your car is still under warranty (where in most case the oil change is free) you should be doing this yourself or have your local import-friendly independent shop do this job for you. Report back to tell us how it went. Good luck!

[fortythirtyfive]

Originally Posted by John in VA

The Shell site will tell you the specs of the oils (http://www.shell.com/motorist/oils-l...synthetic.html), but you'll have to dig deeper to find out what it all means, like at http://www.oilspecifications.org/acea.php. Any of the Shell Helix oils will be fine - just use the proper viscosity for your environment.

You can get real smart by studying at https://bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

It's been said on many BMW forums, if you can't afford [fill in the blank] you shouldn't be driving a BMW. I realize we don't all have tools or places to work, but unless your car is still under warranty (where in most case the oil change is free) you should be doing this yourself or have your local import-friendly independent shop do this job for you. Report back to tell us how it went. Good luck!

The oil change isn't free though for us over here, that's the fact I'm trying to make.. I have just under a year left on my warranty too - I have already enquired.

I can afford £302 for an oil change however it is a pretty extortionate labour charge if you ask me.. any saving I make can go towards something else on the car.

[John in VA]

~$25 for a 5-quart jug of Castrol or Mobil 1 synthetic and <$10 for the oil filter gets the job done here. I feel your pain!