[P2]

I just did an off schedule oil change today at an Indy. It's the second oil change. While looking through my paperwork I see that my first oil change, which was at the dealer, was done with 0W-20 LL-14. The invoice did not say what viscosity so I looked up the noted part number (83-21-2-365-954) and it's clearly the 0W-20. Obviously this is not a viscosity listed in the M235 manual nor the require LL-01 or LL-01FE. I had the 0w20 in for 6k.

So what do you guys think? I'm trying to get some info and educate myself before I call the service manager.

[123Britt]

I have always heard that it must be changed in a US car (due to our fuel quality) at 5-6k max ~ using LL-04 oil. The fact you live in a cold winter climate the 0W-20 - it is ok.
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If I were you (in Chicago) -- LL-01 5W-30 in winter and 5W-40 for the one summer change in late spring OR 5W-30 year around.
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Here in Dixie I run 5W-40 year round.
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[zipphreak]

I use 0w40 Castrol Edge or Mobil 1 Full Synthetic European Formulas which are both BMW Longlife 01 approved. These are both around $25-30 for a 5qt jug.

If you look at the electronic manual on the car it will show you what oils they recommend, and if you open the hood it will show you too (usually right near the oil fill cap) For the reason that you don't put the wrong oil in lol.

[overcoil]

When I bought oil at the dealers in the spring the parts counter tried giving me 0w20 then after questioning it they got me the 5w30.
I would think a tech at a dealer would know what to use, unless they use a novice person for oil changes.

[MarcoZandrini]

We can't use LL04 oil in our gasoline engines in the USA as our gas has too much sulfur. The LL04 oil can be used in diesel cars in the USA as our diesel fuel is ultra low sulphuric.

I recommend you change the oil to an LL01 oil such as the 0W30 from the dealer. 0W20 is put in our cars to improve fuel economy.

[123Britt]

Agree that US cars are to use LL-01 but LL-04 will work however the TBN will drop below acceptable levels somewhere around 5-6k miles. A 10k OCI does not work in the USA for LL-04 oils.
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It is all so simple - use the BMW/Shell/Pennzoil oil.
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If you are simply looking for a LL-01 oil -- yes the Walmart's Castrol 0W-40 is LL-01 but remember that the NOACK of a 0W-40 oil is higher than say a 5W-30 or 5W-40. Higher NOACK % can lead to intake valve carbon build up which was notorious on the N54 but not so much on the N55 ; although I hear that the B58 may have some issues and require a catch can to help mitigate the issue.
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Bobistheoilguy has shown that the BMW oil (Shell Pennzoil Euro) 5W-40 has a NOACK of 6.8% where the Castrol 0W-40 is above 9% but less than the
LL-01 10% max requirement. Best I have seen is the Redline 5W-30 which is a thick ester based Grp V oil with 6% NOACK.

[P2]

This discussion is going sideways.
The dealer put 0w-20 LL-14 in my N55. This is not a compatible oil according to the manual.
The oil is no longer in the engine. I had it changed to a 5w-40 LL-01.
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The questions are:
1. Is 0w-20 LL-14 now allow in the N55? If so where do I find that written?
2. If they put in a non-compatible oil, how should I proceed with BMW?

Thanks for the help. I know I eventually have to call the service manager, but I like asking questions when I know some of the answers.