[Budfox27]

I need to add a quart to the 335. What brand and weight does BMW use in my car? I just can't remember! Thanks.

[ChrisTKHarris]

BMW OEM 5w30 or Mobil 1 0w40

[NoMods]

stop by your BMW dealer if you know the SA and ask for a quart of BMW oil under warranty - that's what I did - no hassle at all.

[HermesRider]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

stop by your BMW dealer if you know the SA and ask for a quart of BMW oil under warranty - that's what I did - no hassle at all.

I concur

[DrGP]

Originally Posted by armoredsaint

stop by your BMW dealer if you know the SA and ask for a quart of BMW oil under warranty - that's what I did - no hassle at all.

Are you aware that some dealerships will not do a FREE top off. Not sure if ALL will give you a qt of oil either. IMHO, its pretty lame if they don't especially since thay are advertising FREE maintenance. But BMWs shouldn't really burn oil should they? But that is another issue for another thread.

[ChrisTKHarris]

Originally Posted by DrGP

Are you aware that some dealerships will not do a FREE top off. Not sure if ALL will give you a qt of oil either. IMHO, its pretty lame if they don't especially since thay are advertising FREE maintenance. But BMWs shouldn't really burn oil should they? But that is another issue for another thread.

It's normal for cars to burn a bit of oil, but excessive amounts can be indications of more serious problems.

[NoMods]

Originally Posted by DrGP

Are you aware that some dealerships will not do a FREE top off. Not sure if ALL will give you a qt of oil either. IMHO, its pretty lame if they don't especially since thay are advertising FREE maintenance. But BMWs shouldn't really burn oil should they? But that is another issue for another thread.

but of course, it varies from dealer to dealer - i've known my SA for over 3 years now, so i guess that helps?

[742]

Originally Posted by Budfox27

I need to add a quart to the 335. What brand and weight does BMW use in my car? I just can't remember! Thanks.

ChrisTKHarris gave the answer.

But to approach it from another angle, "brand and weight" does not matter. What does matter is that the oil is approved under the BMW LongLife 01 specification (BMW LL01 or BMW LL-01). Such oils will say so in small print on the back of the bottle.

European cars need oils that meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Examples are BMW's LL01, VW's 502 and Mercedes Benz's 229.5. In general, in the United States, each oil brand will offer one very good oil that meets these standards. And you may have to go to a real auto parts store, or the dealer, to get them.

[ChrisTKHarris]

Originally Posted by 742

ChrisTKHarris gave the answer.

But to approach it from another angle, "brand and weight" does not matter. What does matter is that the oil is approved under the BMW LongLife 01 specification (BMW LL01 or BMW LL-01). Such oils will say so in small print on the back of the bottle.

European cars need oils that meet the manufacturer’s specifications. Examples are BMW's LL01, VW's 502 and Mercedes Benz's 229.5. In general, in the United States, each oil brand will offer one very good oil that meets these standards. And you may have to go to a real auto parts store, or the dealer, to get them.

LL-01 is important if you're sticking to BMWs oil change intervals. If you're like most of the guys with E46s we tend to change ours on a more frequent basis than the scheduled 15k intervals. Most E46 guys change them about every 5-7.5k miles. Is it overkill, perhaps. If you're going to stick with the BMW recommended intervals then go with the LL-01. I myself run Mobil 1 0w40 in my E46 and change it every 5k or sooner because I do track my car.

[footballer]

Originally Posted by DrGP

Are you aware that some dealerships will not do a FREE top off. Not sure if ALL will give you a qt of oil either. IMHO, its pretty lame if they don't especially since thay are advertising FREE maintenance. But BMWs shouldn't really burn oil should they? But that is another issue for another thread.

I don't think they are required to until the warning light comes on. then again you may not want to wait for that to happen.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Castrol 0W30 and Mobil 1 0W40 are both BMW LL-01

I have used both for my oil change at every 5k miles.............

[ChrisTKHarris]

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

Castrol 0W30 and Mobil 1 0W40 are both BMW LL-01

I have used both for my oil change at every 5k miles.............

European Formula

[Spydeputy]

i've got 12,000 mi w/ 2 oil changes, and never had to add a drop. might that be attributed to not getting hard on the gas pedal to often ?

[John 070]

Originally Posted by Spydeputy

i've got 12,000 mi w/ 2 oil changes, and never had to add a drop. might that be attributed to not getting hard on the gas pedal to often ?

Since we don't have dipsticks, all I can say is I've never seen my level at anything but full.

I question whether it's "normal" to have the oil level go down. On a new car maybe it's leaking, not being burned.

[ManyMoonsAgo]

I have never had to top-off before. My car has always registered at the 'max' marker.

I drained my factory oil @ 1,200 miles and replaced with Red Line 5W40 due to my location - south Florida is HOT year round.

The results have been awesome - my peak oil temperature with Red Line is 230-degrees F while the factory oil was 240-degrees F.

Disclaimer - Red Line is not a BMW Long Life oil; in fact Red Line is not 'recommended' by any manufacturer, but do your own research and you will see Red Line is one of the most respected synthetic motor oils (and transmission oils) on the planet. Also, Red Line is around $9.00/quart so be prepared for a little sticker shock with the needed 7 quarts for the N54.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Originally Posted by ChrisTKHarris

European Formula

My local Autozone carries them...........