[Cosmo Kramer]

So, my new to me 2014 328d is getting close to an oil change. I am a diy guy, so I plan on doing it myself. I checked the Idrive manual and it says to use LL-12 FE and only use LL-04 as add oil. I have read many posts here recommending to use LL-04. The newer spec oil is pretty tough to find, maybe they are saying this to try and get you to take it to the dealership.

Will I be ok with LL-04?

[rbreding]

LL04 is perfectly fine.

[jnecr]

Huh, first time I've heard of this LL-12 FE oil. I've only heard of using LL-04..

Amazon only has one LL-12 oil and it's Ardeca?? Never heard of them before.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by rbreding

LL04 is perfectly fine.

This.

While the LL-12 oil appears to be designed by BMW for our engine (N47D20O1): http://www.oilspecifications.org/bmw.php I would stick to the proven LL-04. If you really want to try the LL-12, search on Shell/Pennzoil's site - they certainly will make one, being BMW's OEM supplier.

[Cosmo Kramer]

Thanks for all the response LL-12 is a bitch to source other then at BMW. I will use LL-04. It's winter here what viscosity do you guys run?

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Cosmo Kramer

Thanks for all the response LL-12 is a bitch to source other then at BMW. I will use LL-04. It's winter here what viscosity do you guys run?

Viscosity doesn't really matter: BMW's spec restricts the weights to 0W or 5W, with 30 or 40 as the hot side viscosity. Most manufacturers only offer one viscosity, usually 5W-30 or 5W-40. There are a couple that are 0W-30.

[Cosmo Kramer]

Originally Posted by floydarogers

Viscosity doesn't really matter: BMW's spec restricts the weights to 0W or 5W, with 30 or 40 as the hot side viscosity. Most manufacturers only offer one viscosity, usually 5W-30 or 5W-40. There are a couple that are 0W-30.

OK, most here are 5w30 and 5w40. I use Total Quartz INEO 5w40 in my 2009 ML320 Bluetec, it carries the LL-04 and MB 229.51 designations. I will use it in the 328d makes add oil in the garage that much simpler.

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Cosmo Kramer

OK, most here are 5w30 and 5w40. I use Total Quartz INEO 5w40 in my 2009 ML320 Bluetec, it carries the LL-04 and MB 229.51 designations. I will use it in the 328d makes add oil in the garage that much simpler.

Perfect!

[jdr78569]

I found Walmart has penoil euro formula (ll-04) in 1qts and I believe valve (yellow jug) with the bmw ll-04 spec. I haven't used them since I'm not due but it meets the specs. Not bad for 6$ a quart or 25ish for the jug.

[Experimental]

Originally Posted by jdr78569

I found Walmart has penoil euro formula (ll-04) in 1qts and I believe valve (yellow jug) with the bmw ll-04 spec. I haven't used them since I'm not due but it meets the specs. Not bad for 6$ a quart or 25ish for the jug.

Good to know! Thanks!

[Sanelko]

Shouldn't be using LL-04 oils outside of Europe according to BMW. Should be using LL-01 (or LL-12 FE). I believe it has to due with the differences in the amount of sulfur content in the fuel.

Edit: Whoops, for diesels I think you guys are correct with the LL-04 though.

[rbreding]

Originally Posted by Sanelko

Shouldn't be using LL-04 oils outside of Europe according to BMW. Should be using LL-01 (or LL-12 FE). I believe it has to due with the differences in the amount of sulfur content in the fuel.

Edit: Whoops, for diesels I think you guys are correct with the LL-04 though.

You gassers.

[jnecr]

Originally Posted by Sanelko

Edit: Whoops, for diesels I think you guys are correct with the LL-04 though.

There's no thinking about it. LL-01 is the wrong oil for diesels.

[eugene89us]

I honestly feel uneasy using LL-04 oil that the manual specifically states for use to top off only and not for oil changes. Should warranty claim come up, BMW will likely deny it due to not following their recommended oil type. Although I don't see how N47 is any more special than similar-spec TDI that uses the same oils as LL-04 and has not had any problems.

And, of course, there are no sources of LL-12 FE oil. I always use ID Parts for my TDI oil changes, which has been perfectly compliant with VW certifications. LL-12 FE is impossible to find anywhere online outside Europe. It comes with 0W-30 specs. I am hoping it becomes available once these newer MY vehicles are out of their "free" maintenance period.

[CleanKM]

I've only ever used BMW OEM Diesel Oil (Re-branded Castrol) LL-04 (Part# 83212365949) for every oil change. Never heard of LL-12 for my 2014 328d.

[eugene89us]

Originally Posted by CleanKM

I've only ever used BMW OEM Diesel Oil (Re-branded Castrol) LL-04 (Part# 83212365949) for every oil change. Never heard of LL-12 for my 2014 328d.

It appears from my research the new LL-12 FE requirement is from MY 2016 and later. My manual is pretty clear about LL-12 FE versus LL-04.

Amazon carries Ardeca brand, which seems legit, but I have never personally experienced this oil. Plus, it only comes in 5L containers - I believe we need 5.2L of oil for oil change. Does anyone have any idea of total volume actually needed? On many of my older vehicles, there was always some oil left over and required a bit less new oil to fill to the top. Does N47 engine dump all 5.2L of oil or would 5L suffice for adequate fill?

I found a few sites that sell BMW Branded LL-12 FE oil for Diesel Engines. BWM part number: 83212365951. Googling the part number, I would personally get it from ECS Tuning, as I have dealt with them before for my VW needs - they seemed pretty good and trustworthy. Bunch of other sites popped up too, but I have never heard of them before. The one on ECS runs for $8.60/liter, so $51.60 for an entire oil change doesn't seem too bad. Then add a filter plus a new oil pan bolt, and you're all set. That is just my two cents.

[stylinexpat]

I got my first oil change at 2800 Miles today and it set me back about $216
Dealer said first oil change is due at 10,000 Miles but I wanted to do the first one earlier on and paid for this out of my own pocket. All my previously bought new cars I always did the first oil change at 1000 miles.

[jnecr]

Originally Posted by eugene89us

It appears from my research the new LL-12 FE requirement is from MY 2016 and later. My manual is pretty clear about LL-12 FE versus LL-04.

And as far as I'm aware there are no difference in the N47 in a 2014MY 328d to a 2016MY 328d. In Europe they get the B47 engine, but we haven't gotten that engine yet.

[eugene89us]

Originally Posted by jnecr

And as far as I'm aware there are no difference in the N47 in a 2014MY 328d to a 2016MY 328d. In Europe they get the B47 engine, but we haven't gotten that engine yet.

Yeah, I completely agree. The engine remains N47D20O1, so I am personally a bit uncertain why BMW decides to change its recommendations. Maybe just a money grab. The LL-12FE is 0W-30 vs LL-04 being 5W-30/40. Unsure if they determined less viscous oil would be better?

My feeling is this - for the first 3 years, the oil changes are prepaid ("Free") and dealer should use appropriate oils. After that, I would be inclined to use LL-12 until warranty expires to eliminate any possible warranty denials from BMW for minor non-compliance with the service manual. Then switch to widely available LL-04 after warranty is up, since as you mentioned, there is no reason for this change given that engine itself did not change. If pre-2016 had LL-04 recommendation, then post-2016 should be able to use it given same engine type. Hopefully in the next 3 years, more LL-12 oils become available to drive prices down, so maybe then the choice will come down to the preference instead of price/availability.

[DieselSport]

Just an update to this, there are 3 legit retailers selling the LL-12 oil when you google the part number. My manual states only LL-12 oil, so that is what i shall use.

[335icandy]

Quick question here - I accidentally purchased Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W-30 Fully Synthetic .... then realized our hood sticker and manual recommended 0w30.... should I be worried and go exchange for 0w30? Or is 5w30 perfectly okay as well?

Anyone using this oil? Thoughts?

[mafatbhai]

Originally Posted by 335icandy

Quick question here - I accidentally purchased Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W-30 Fully Synthetic .... then realized our hood sticker and manual recommended 0w30.... should I be worried and go exchange for 0w30? Or is 5w30 perfectly okay as well?

Anyone using this oil? Thoughts?

You should be good. 0W30 means its good for 0 to 30 deg C weather.

5W30 means its good for 5 deg c to 30 deg C weather.

it all relates to viscosity of oil at that temp. and all this FE or fuel efficiency means oil has to be less viscous (Ford drove that requirement).. Now since oil is less viscous, it flows better at 0 deg C. Hence they changed it to 0w30 to get some more brownie marketing points.