BMW Longlife Specs... (LL01, LL04, LL19FE; N52 and B48)

I decided on the Mobil 1 ESP LL04 only because the oils recommended by BMW were not full saps. I thought hat I was closer to what was recommended by not going full SAPs. Probably the wrong choice for wtty as you pointed out but good for the engine. I have found oil spec sheets for BMW that show LL04 for the B46, but those are likely outside on NA.
One of the two recommended oils by BMW for this engine in the US are full saps, and most dealers until very recently fill every car with LL01FE. There’s no need to fear or avoid full saps as no one has ever demonstrated increased valve deposits (difference in engine and PCV dominate). BMW only fills M engines with full SAPS in the US to this day. RoW has GPF and that’s the reason all new specs are mid SAPS.
 
One of the two recommended oils by BMW for this engine in the US are full saps, and most dealers until very recently fill every car with LL01FE. There’s no need to fear or avoid full saps as no one has ever demonstrated increased valve deposits (difference in engine and PCV dominate). BMW only fills M engines with full SAPS in the US to this day. RoW has GPF and that’s the reason all new specs are mid SAPS.
I'm due for an oil change soon so maybe will go LL01 and just hold the Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 I bought till the next one. Probably no wtty concerns after that one given how little the car gets driven.

I had every intention of changing from the 0W20 months ago - never got around to it and have put hardly any miles.
 
I'm due for an oil change soon so maybe will go LL01 and just hold the Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 I bought till the next one. Probably no wtty concerns after that one given how little the car gets driven.

I had every intention of changing from the 0W20 months ago - never got around to it and have put hardly any miles.
It’s fine if you bought it, the odds are super low that you both have an issue and they ask about the oil or sample it.
 
BMW does not allow LL04 in any engine in North America. You can check TIS and verify. It doesn’t matter if the new specs are mid SAPS also. BMW never corrected since LL04 predated ULSG in the US. It will not be a functional issue, but I am just saying if you are concerned about warranty and need to supply receipts or evidence of oil purchased.
This is the wording in the BMW document:

"1) BMW Longlife-04, BMW Longlife-12 FE and BMW Longlife-19 FE oils are only permitted for gasoline engines in Europe (EU plus Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein). They are not allowed to be used outside this area."
 
This is the wording in the BMW document:

"1) BMW Longlife-04, BMW Longlife-12 FE and BMW Longlife-19 FE oils are only permitted for gasoline engines in Europe (EU plus Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein). They are not allowed to be used outside this area."

I would say BMW is behind on the reality of sulfur levels in US gasoline. But isn't LL17 FE same saps level as these?
 
I would say BMW is behind on the reality of sulfur levels in US gasoline. But isn't LL17 FE same saps level as these?
It is, but BMW doesn't back-specify or want to cause confusion I guess so they stick with what was true at the time the spec was created. LL19FE is an exception because even though it's post ULSG, LL19FE is not something BMW brings to the US as far as I know.
 
This is the wording in the BMW document:

"1) BMW Longlife-04, BMW Longlife-12 FE and BMW Longlife-19 FE oils are only permitted for gasoline engines in Europe (EU plus Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein). They are not allowed to be used outside this area."
i guess that is why there are so many oil change Jiffy Lube type businesses at the EU border. :)
 
BMW generally has a really good PCV. That is most important in mitigating intake valve deposits (IVD). On BMW only N54 had an issue with that.
Shell C3 5W30 is what is here, Pennzoil Euro L 5W30. It is a good oil. As for N52, you can run either that C3 Shell or 5W40. 5W40 SHell is really, really good oil if you are talking Helix PurePlus technology.
the m54 did not have a good PCV system. Here everyone have had to replace the whole thing to not have a milkshake under the oil fill cap.
 
BMW does not allow LL04 in any engine in North America. You can check TIS and verify. It doesn’t matter if the new specs are mid SAPS also. BMW never corrected since LL04 predated ULSG in the US. It will not be a functional issue, but I am just saying if you are concerned about warranty and need to supply receipts or evidence of oil purchased.
Who care what BMW America think? Just do what BMW Germany does and do that.
 
The m54 isnt from the 40s, the comment said that BMW has good pcv systems, which they have proven they don’t, maybe the b58 is good but who knows.
No, they do since at least 2006. No one cares about your ancient history n=1 anecdote.
 
The m54 isnt from the 40s, the comment said that BMW has good pcv systems, which they have proven they don’t, maybe the b58 is good but who knows.
The PCV system in relation to IVD. Obviously you didn’t fallow the topic and decided to parachute. M54 didn’t have IVD issues. It couldn’t.
 
The PCV system in relation to IVD. Obviously you didn’t fallow the topic and decided to parachute. M54 didn’t have IVD issues. It couldn’t.
No it didn’t have Ivd issues but for sure pcv issues, seen like 4-5 car just by my own eyes have milkshake under the oil cap.

Also I take Ivd means intake valve deposits. It’s known that m54s have bad pvc, at least here in Sweden. If you buy a E46 it’s the first thing you replace before the cooling.
 
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