10-18-2020, 07:37 AM | #1 |
Lieutenant Colonel
529
Rep 1,546
Posts |
Why is it a pain every year to find out what oil BMW recommends?
Every few years BMW changes their recommended oil. It was Mobil 1 LL-04, then Castrol LL-04 A3/B3... Why is is such a pain to find what the latest approved oil brand/type/spec is for the current year?
Trying to find what the latest BMW approved oil is for a 2012 328i sedan N26 engine (after May 2012 manufacture). I am not interested in racing formulas. Last edited by fe7565; 10-18-2020 at 08:38 AM.. |
10-18-2020, 07:59 AM | #2 |
Lieutenant Colonel
988
Rep 1,934
Posts |
Because you are making your life difficult. You would be fine with any fully synthetic oil and a good OCI. Use FCPEURO to source the goods.
__________________
F30 335iX | Remus Axleback | Fabspeed Catted DP | VRSF Comp IC | 18X9 ET35 19lb MT1 | 255/40/18 ECS | Ohlins RT Millway Street | Millway Control Arm Bushings | Turner Endlinks | TMH 75mm 14x1.5 Studs | BMW MPerf LSD | XDelete | Pipercross Filter | MHD Stg2 93
|
Appreciate
1
Billfitz8169.50 |
10-18-2020, 09:24 AM | #4 |
Lieutenant General
8170
Rep 15,964
Posts |
LL isn't an oil industry spec, it's a BMW designation. LL on a label means that oil company is paying BMW for the right to put it on the label. The numbers that follow LL refer to the year that particular formula came out. When Mobil 1 had LL04 on the label it's because they paid the BMW royalty. When it was dropped from the label it's not because the oil changed, it's because they stopped paying the royalty. What BMW 'approved' really means is that BMW is getting a piece of the action.
|
Appreciate
1
pdxdbo331.00 |
10-18-2020, 09:44 AM | #5 |
Lieutenant Colonel
529
Rep 1,546
Posts |
Thanks for the replies. I have 90,000 miles, do not see any oil usage, live in the DC area, normal driving. What viscosity do you recommend? BMW says 5-30. I am looking at 0-30, 0-40.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2020, 10:56 AM | #6 |
Lieutenant General
8170
Rep 15,964
Posts |
0w is only of benefit in very cold climates during winter. DC is not a very cold climate. 30 is a general all purpose weight, 40 is more of a hot climate during summer or track weight.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2020, 11:05 AM | #7 |
Private First Class
93
Rep 172
Posts
Drives: 2015 328i
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Germany
|
Not really a pain, the listing is available on newtis. Or just pay the $5/qt and get BMW branded one and no guesses needed. Oil in Europe is so expensive (15-20€ / qt aftermarket), getting BMW at 5 is a steal.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-18-2020, 07:32 PM | #8 | |
Lieutenant General
3540
Rep 10,329
Posts |
Quote:
Oh, and BTW.. the dealer oil is really good stuff and is formulated to the most recent update. ex, LL01(2018), LL01FE(2018).
__________________
"Drive more, worry less. "
435i, MPPK, MPE, M-Sport Line |
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-19-2020, 02:32 PM | #9 |
Captain
391
Rep 849
Posts
Drives: BMW 435i
Join Date: Jul 2019
Location: Swansea, IL
|
What I find funny is the parts department at the dealership will sell the BMW branded oil, but if you take a look in the service bays you'll see barrels of Mobil 1, Castrol, Penzoil, etc.
Some times it even rotates depending on what they bought...probably based on prices from their suppliers.
__________________
Stop by and check out my blog: The Car Geek
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-19-2020, 03:47 PM | #10 |
Lieutenant General
8170
Rep 15,964
Posts |
Dealers aren't the only ones to do that. BMW regularly changes its oil supplier, depending on who gives them the best price. Over the last 20 years they've rebranded Valvoline, Castrol and Shell/Pennzoil, probably others as well.
|
Appreciate
0
|
10-25-2020, 09:37 AM | #13 |
Lieutenant Colonel
529
Rep 1,546
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|