My niece just got a 2023 Countryman. The manual recommended oil is LL-14 FE+ or LL-17FE+. From what I can find, these will be 0W-20. Would you advise her to go with something like a 0W-30 or even higher viscosity? My gut is 0W-20 is all about fuel economy. Some say these engines (B48) really should run something with a higher vis. Still under wtty so I imagine she will want to stick with the recommended oil but I thought I'd offer my 2 cents worth.
2023 Mini Countryman
- Thread starter GJM120
- Start date
If she's like my sister and her Cooper S, the thing will never see over 3500 RPM and 0w20 is more than adequate.
Probably a good assumption except she has a boyfriend who will drive it sometimes and may be a little more aggressive.
If the car is in TX i see no need for a 0w oil. Unless your warranty depends on it.
Coast of SC so close to same climate as TX. I think I'll advise her to stick to recommended oils then consider something else when the wtty expires. Only 0W20 is listed in the owner's manual.
Thanks for the replies!
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Does manual says anything about LL01FE?
Assuming that she is the first owner, maintenance is included for 3 years/36,000 miles. So, all she has to do is take it to the dealer and let them worry about it.
Nope she bought if from an Audi dealer and I think the maintenance cover isn't transferable unless the car is transferred within a direct family.
no. Only LL-14FE+ and LL-17FE+.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
You can definitely use LL01 or LL04. However, during the warranty period, I would stay with LL17FE.
Yes, you are correct. It isn't transferable. Oh well... I hope she got a good deal; the complimentary maintenance is pretty nice. The dealer here charges $100.00 for an oil change. I would see what her local dealer charges and if it's in the ball park, just let them service it. Then there will be no question if there is ever a warranty issue. Factory warranty is 4 years/ 50,000 miles.
And, I don't know of any source for LL-14 FE+ or LL-17FE+ oil other than the dealer. And the dealer gets $10.00/Liter. Another $25. for the filter and there is very little reason not to let the dealer take care of it.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Yes, 2023 is B46. During warranty, stick to Ll17FE. Engines do not explode bcs. someone drives it hard occasionally.
You will be fine. After the warranty period switches to off-the-shelf LL01 or LL004 (LL04 is basically LL17FE, just higher HTHS).
wemay
Site Donor 2023
During warranty, stick with what's preferred by the manufacturer in the manual.
Wonder what the Audi dealer she got it at uses if she brought it to them for OCI. I know the bulk oil at mine uses the VW/Audi labeled Mobil 1ESP X2 0W-20, which is an excellent oil for low visc. speced applications. It's VW508/509 and ACEA C5, but don't know if the M1 is BMW rated at all. But if they would use that and a Mann/Mahle/Hengst filter, I can't see really going wrong there.
Even after warranty, don't know if there would be a real NEED for anything higher unless specific use dictates it, ie; track use, etc.
Even after warranty, don't know if there would be a real NEED for anything higher unless specific use dictates it, ie; track use, etc.
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It was a trade in to the Audi dealer where she purchased it. I'm trying to find out who, when and at what mileage the last oil change was done. She is on her own for maintenance, I'm going to suggest 7,000 mile or 1 year oci's. Is this overkill or too little?
Using the recommended 0w20 LL17FE+ oil is the right thing to do. Higher RPM usage, though, does not make a case for different oil weights.
Naw.
The B48 was designed with 20w oils in mind and IMO for a daily driver the 0w20 is fine. We have the same engine (230i). BMW does a good job with managing oil temps.
No, but higher oil temperatures would, which is more to the point.
I am not a thickie by any means, I use 20 grade in cars that call for it, but I would probably go to 30 grade BMW approvals if driving situations dictate oil temps start exceeding about 240 or so.
