[AngryInch]

What oil is everyone using in these cars? The hood and manual calls for 0w30. I tried to find Motul, but it only comes in 5w30.

The manual doesn't say much about using different oils, just says BMW engine oil and long life spec...

Looking for guys that do their own mid interval changes, not the keyboard warriors that don't know which way to turn a bolt.

[AngryInch]

https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united...-supplier.html

Just found this. Looks like the BMW stuff is Castrol...

Castrol search under BMW USA says it can't find anything, however, if you search BMW EU, it says 5w30...

[Danny D]

Liqui Moly
Motul
Total
All have 0w30
Personally I use redline 0w30 between the stupid free dealership intervals

[AngryInch]

Thanks I will look into those! The dealer service is way way too long.

[pbonsalb]

I am just going to put LL-01 in, probably Castrol 0W30.

[Maverik259]

I think people worry about the "perfect" oil a bit too much. There is no one "right" answer. Proven by the simple fact BMW changes the "approved" oil every couple years. Mid cycle. Most of it is to meet efficiency regulations anyway.

Pick a good quality oil and choose the weight based on where you live (environmental). If the manual says 0w-30 then adjust from there. Simple as that. No need for 50 separate threads discussing the same question.

[AngryInch]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

I think people worry about the "perfect" oil a bit too much. There is no one "right" answer. Proven by the simple fact BMW changes the "approved" oil every couple years. Mid cycle. Most of it is to meet efficiency regulations anyway.

Pick a good quality oil and choose the weight based on where you live (environmental). If the manual says 0w-30 then adjust from there. Simple as that. No need for 50 separate threads discussing the same question.

This is not what Im asking, Im asking for what oil these cars take, not to find the perfect oil, but to find the OIL that is used... BMW oil is made by someone and that is what I was looking for.

And no, not pick a good quality oil and go, it says specifically on the hood 0w30 and there is a specific spec for the oil to be used, not just go out and grab any good oil you think might work. This is terrible advise. Put some thought into it if you're going to reply.

[AngryInch]

Originally Posted by Danny D

Liqui Moly
Motul
Total
All have 0w30
Personally I use redline 0w30 between the stupid free dealership intervals

Redline is the only 0w30 that has the correct spec so far (BMW LL-01 FE)

[AngryInch]

Note: BMW has discontinued 5W30 LL-01 TwinPower Turbo in favor of 0W30 LL-01FE. The 0W30 oil is back compatible to vehicles that used 5W30 from the factory. This new oil offers better protection across a wider array of operating temperatures and due to its lower cold viscosity will also help improve cold start oil pressure and flow better for added protection while still providing the same level of protection at operating temp. Compared to conventional engine oils, this BMW oil exhibits better viscosity properties, reduced friction and minimized propensity for evaporation.

[pbonsalb]

I don’t know that thinner fuel economy FE oils are better. Better for fuel economy but maybe not performance.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by AngryInch

This is not what Im asking, Im asking for what oil these cars take, not to find the perfect oil, but to find the OIL that is used... BMW oil is made by someone and that is what I was looking for.

And no, not pick a good quality oil and go, it says specifically on the hood 0w30 and there is a specific spec for the oil to be used, not just go out and grab any good oil you think might work. This is terrible advise. Put some thought into it if you're going to reply.

God give me the strength. Maybe you should go back and actually slow down when you read what someone says trying to answer your question. Good "quality" has nothing to do with oil weight. Maybe you should do some research about what oil is before posting questions that have been answered time and time again. Coming from someone who clearly knows a lot more about oil than you, you don't need to use BMWs flavor of the week manufacturer of oil. A few years ago it was Castrol. Right now I believe it's shell last I heard. And yes. Going with a QUALITY oil as already mentioned above (liqi-moly, redline, castrol, etc) you will be fine. It doesn't have to be exactly what manufacturer bmw has a contract with.

[Mcc420]

I use gulf 5w40 for the summer and 0w20 for the winters here in Montreal.

[AngryInch]

Originally Posted by Mcc420

I use gulf 5w40 for the summer and 0w20 for the winters here in Montreal.

You’re not concerned with the running temp viscosity difference vs the spec 30 weight??

[pbonsalb]

He is actually using oil suited for the weather conditions he drives on rather than the one-size compromise oil BMW specs. In the old days, car makers would spec oil for the conditions the cars are used in, but that is too much trouble for owners and dealers — BMW would not want to pay to change your oil 2x or 3x (back again after winter) per year as part of its 4 year free service on new cars.

I would be more concerned about the oil spec. The specs actually do mean something, particularly depending on the metallurgy of the engine block, the cylinder liners, and the sulphur in the gas. Bobistgeoilguy and 540rat are the places to learn if you are interested.

[Mcc420]

Originally Posted by AngryInch

You’re not concerned with the running temp viscosity difference vs the spec 30 weight??

Not at all.

[AngryInch]

Originally Posted by Mcc420

Not at all.

The engine is spec'd for 30 weight at running temp, those are both different weights of oil at temp. Why are you not concerned with changing the viscosity at running temp vs what is called for? Curious your thoughts on this.

[pbonsalb]

Do you think 0W30 is best both in the desert of Saudi’s Arabia at 120F and in Alaska at -30F? Is 0W30 best for driving in town and on a racetrack? Or is it a compromise chosen by BMW?

[Alberta]

I bought this bottle from my dealer when I got my car, back in 2018.

I thought that I would have to add oil between services, like it was the case with my F85 X5M, but so far no oil was requested by iDrive.

[California209]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Do you think 0W30 is best both in the desert of Saudi’s Arabia at 120F and in Alaska at -30F? Is 0W30 best for driving in town and on a racetrack? Or is it a compromise chosen by BMW?

Has to be the dumbest response of all time.
BMW test the oil at a 100C whats that work out to in F
The fact is yes it would be suitable but you are also talking about less than .001% of the population.
0w-30 or 5w-30 will be fine!

[NoMods]

Bob the oil guy is a good resource if the forum is still around also.

[Ryno 27]

Originally Posted by California209

Has to be the dumbest response of all time.
BMW test the oil at a 100C whats that work out to in F
The fact is yes it would be suitable but you are also talking about less than .001% of the population.
0w-30 or 5w-30 will be fine!

212°F

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by California209

Has to be the dumbest response of all time.
BMW test the oil at a 100C whats that work out to in F
The fact is yes it would be suitable but you are also talking about less than .001% of the population.
0w-30 or 5w-30 will be fine!

Right. Don’t worry whether your oil is like molasses when you start the motor in -20F and takes 10 minutes to warm up as long as eventually it gets to 212F. Don’t worry of it does not get hot enough to burn off contaminants in short city driving. And don’t worry if it is 120F in the desert and your oil went past 212F and is on its way to 300F. Don’t worry if it breaks down faster when subjected to hotter operating temperatures.

But yes, I agree that BMW compromised the oil spec for the average person … and maximum fuel economy.