2006 Z4 3.0si N52 Oil Recommendation

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Sep 24, 2020
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Hi everyone,

Longtime lurker & first time poster. I've had a few N52 vehicles over the years and never strayed from BMW's TPT 5w30 - I just ordered an oil change kit and when it showed up there was the new LL-01FE 0w30 in the box.

I know a lot of folks suggested the German Castrol 0w40 in past years, would the same apply for this BMW TPT 0w30 over the LL-01 spec 5w30? I like the idea of a thinner weight oil as we go into fall but it would be run through the summer next year until I change it prior to storage in the fall again.

Alternative: Order BMW TPT 5w30 from a different supplier OR Walmart seems to be carrying an assortment of other LL-01 oils in various weights now.

For more data points: 28k miles on the engine :D, may end up stored in an unheated New England garage late fall-spring (will start it semi-frequently), oil changed annually due to low mileage. Never tracked.
 
The Mobil or Castrol 0w40's will be quite close to what you were using. They are only about 10% thicker at operating temp, its not much difference. Otherwise any Euro A3/B4 0/5w30 will be ok too, especially if it still carries LL01.
 
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Thanks for the quick replies!

I thought about using the LL-01FE but the more I read into it, the lower HTHS and the arbitrary backward compatibility put me off to it.

I couldn't find much on UOA of the two - does anyone have any good comparisons?

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Thanks for the quick replies!

I thought about using the LL-01FE but the more I read into it, the lower HTHS and the arbitrary backward compatibility put me off to it.

I couldn't find much on UOA of the two - does anyone have any good comparisons?

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A UOA won't tell you much between the basic elements in the oil - not its actual chemical composition or performance. As the BMW and the chart you posted suggest, LL01FE is suitable for your engine.

A thinner oil may be better suited to your driving style than the original specification.
 
If your driving style is normally cruising and relatively easy going, I tend to think a lighter oil is a negative. These engines run very hot and run the hottest when not being pushed hard.

(by lighter I meant lower HTHS)
 
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I would not allow someone to bring LL01FE to my garage, let alone put in my car. N52 oil temperature in normal driving conditions is around 109-113c.
Pennzoil Platinum 5W40 Euro carries LL01, and it is IMO in same performance category of Mobil1 0W40 (which I will put in the engine next week) or Castrol 0W30 and 0W40.
Valvoline European Vehicle 5W40 is another good option.
Castrol Egde 5W30 and 5W40 available in Wal Mart are OK oils, but IMO step below.
 
Full disclosure I’m a mechanical engineer by training and spent several years designing rotating equipment early in my career - many years ago and prior to several career changes. We had chemical guys and specialists working on bearing assemblies, but clearances were always coordinated closely with them. I even recall designing special bearing caps for a customer that refused to stock more than one grease type on their offshore rigs.

Appreciate the commentary so far. I’m certainly no expert but skepticism comes with the territory LOL.
 
Update - my local Walmart only carried Mobil 1 0w40 Euro Formula, on sale for $22 no less. Going to use that for now as the car will see no more than 5k miles before it’s next change. If I decide to track the car next year it will get a change even sooner.

Though this thread may just serve as confirmation bias of my prejudice against LL-01FE ...
 
Update #2 - Stopped by my storage unit for some tools and found a case of 2016/2015 MFR Date Motul 8100 X-cess 8100 5w40. Must have purchased that about 3 years ago on clearance from Advance Auto Parts.

From what I've read this is on the edge of being usable, no? We're a long way from the days when I'd top up one of my many Honda's with Super Tech from Walmart 😅
 
Update #2 - Stopped by my storage unit for some tools and found a case of 2016/2015 MFR Date Motul 8100 X-cess 8100 5w40. Must have purchased that about 3 years ago on clearance from Advance Auto Parts.

From what I've read this is on the edge of being usable, no? We're a long way from the days when I'd top up one of my many Honda's with Super Tech from Walmart 😅
Use it.
 
I use the BMW branded CTEK on my Club Sport. I bought the Comfort Connect socket that permanently mounts to the battery terminals and it makes connecting the tender very easy.
 
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