High Mileage 2018 BMW 330i (B46) Recommendation

[c230mike]

I have a high mileage 2018 BMW 330i xDrive F31 (B46) with 156K miles. It has had regular dealer oil changes its entire life with only BMW spec 0W-20 LL-17 FE+ or equivalent prior to the LL-17 spec. I'm hoping to prolong the engine as long as possible, as it currently has no leaks, concerning sounds, or other engine issues at the moment. I live in Central Ohio so I'm good with a 0W vs 5W oil.

However, I'm concerned that the 0W-20 may not be enough protection due to the high miles and potential wear. I was thinking of upping the viscosity to a 30 oil to get some additional protection, but I keep bouncing between oil with LL-17 or LL-01/LL-01FE specs vs just a "generic" Euro oil like Castrol Edge or Liqui-moly

Does anyone have any oil experience with late-model high mileage BMWs with B series engines? Any recommendations?

 

[chris719]

I mean, it's hard to argue against keeping on doing what you're doing. That said, I would probably run the BMW LL-01FE 0W-30 if you stick with a BMW oil. If you are going to switch away I would probably just go with something like M1 FS 0W-40 or PP Euro 5W-40. My father is running Motul Specific LL01FE 0W-30 (via FCPEuro) in his B46 but it is below 50k miles.

 

[c230mike]

I mean, it's hard to argue against keeping on doing what you're doing. That said, I would probably run the BMW LL-01FE 0W-30 if you stick with a BMW oil. If you are going to switch away I would probably just go with something like M1 FS 0W-40 or PP Euro 5W-40. My father is running Motul Specific LL01FE 0W-30 (via FCPEuro) in his B46 but it is below 50k miles.

Thanks. Any particular reason your father chose Motul Specific LL01FE 0W-30 vs the 0W-20 LL-17 FE+?

 

[chris719]

Thanks. Any particular reason your father chose Motul Specific LL01FE 0W-30 vs the 0W-20 LL-17 FE+?

A little bit higher HTHS (more margin) but it is still an allowed oil according to TIS for warranty purposes if there was ever some dispute.

 

[edyvw]

Go LL01 or LL04 from your local Wal Mart. I personally would run Mobil1 ESP 0W30.
And 156k is not high mileage. I track my BMW with that mileage.

 

[TomYoung]

How about sticking with the oil that has served you so well but shortening your OCI. I will also add that there may not be much wear at all on this engine, despite the mileage.

 

[c230mike]

How about sticking with the oil that has served you so well but shortening your OCI. I will also add that there may not be much wear at all on this engine, despite the mileage.

Thought about that. Castrol 0W-20 LL-17 FE+ is quite a bit less expensive than the BMW 17FE+, $8 vs $12-15 per quart. Just thought I might be able to get better protection with a 30 vs 20 oil. Full disclosure, I just bought it this past February with 154K miles. Full records. I will absolutely shorten the OCI going forward.

 

[JavierH19]

Downloaded the 2018 330i xdrive owners manual, this is what it says. ll-14 is the old 0w-20 and has been superseded by 17 but you don't have to use that and I never would have if I was doing the oil changes.

You can use the ll-01fe which is a 0w-30 or you can use good old ll-01 which can be a 0/5w-40 and I'd use that but walmart is carrying M1 esp 0w-30 as of recently which is phenomenal and although it doesn't state ll-01fe it's basically that since it has the mercedes 229.52 which is like ll-01fe. But you can't go wrong using any 0/5w-40 that states ll-01. I use it with nothing but great results instead of 0w-20.

 

[edyvw]

Downloaded the 2018 330i xdrive owners manual, this is what it says. ll-14 is the old 0w-20 and has been superseded by 17 but you don't have to use that and I never would have if I was doing the oil changes.

You can use the ll-01fe which is a 0w-30 or you can use good old ll-01 which can be a 0/5w-40 and I'd use that but walmart is carrying M1 esp 0w-30 as of recently which is phenomenal and although it doesn't state ll-01fe it's basically that since it has the mercedes 229.52 which is like ll-01fe. But you can't go wrong using any 0/5w-40 that states ll-01. I use it with nothing but great results instead of 0w-20.


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He can use LL04.
BMW manuals are very inconsistent. LL04 is basically thicker, non-energy conserving LL-17FE. Both are Low-SAPS with same additive and sulfated ash limits.
But I would go ESP 0W30, regardless that is it now LL04 or BMW approved as it is MB229.52 oil.

 

[c230mike]

Any reason why everyone is suggesting M1 ESP 0W30 vs other brands?

 

[Patman]

Any reason why everyone is suggesting M1 ESP 0W30 vs other brands?

It’s readily available at Walmart for $27 a jug and has a good amount of approvals on it. One of the best bang for your buck oils out there.

 

[chris719]

Any reason why everyone is suggesting M1 ESP 0W30 vs other brands?

The ESP 5W-30 is also a good oil if you want a BMW approval, but I do like the 0W better.

It’s not about the brand more about the composition of the ESP line of oils. Shell/Pennsoil, Castrol, and others have not been as active as Mobil in mid-SAPS Euro oil product updates and distribution it seems.

 

[edyvw]

Any reason why everyone is suggesting M1 ESP 0W30 vs other brands?

It is specifically ESP 0W30.
Base stocks are made mostly from true synthetics like esters and PAO, while it also has GTL. Unlike most LL17FE oils, it is also packed with higher amount of ZDDP, while still being a low-SAPS oil. HTHS is a minimum 3.5cP. HTHS is actually what matters when it comes to potential wear. 0W20 LL17FE oil has HTHS probably between 2.6 and 2.8, depending on the specific oil. HTHS is more important than grade, as it is measured at 150c. You can think of it as viscosity under pressure. 3.5cP gives you more margin when pushing hard etc. Actually, it gives you a lot of margin as 330 has a very well-executed oil cooling system. 0W20's are really all about EPA numbers. Thinner oil, less resistance, less fuel consumption. Now, you don't want to go crazy with HTHS, bcs. then it starts affecting performance. So oils like ESP 0W30 are IMO, a sweet spot. There are a lot of topics here about that oil. It is not BMW-approved as it has enough esters to bump base oxidation to the point where it exceeds BMW's limits. But that is just a theoretical issue. It is approved for MB229.51/52, which is generally a more stringent approval than BMW LL04.

 

[c230mike]

It is specifically ESP 0W30.
Base stocks are made mostly from true synthetics like esters and PAO, while it also has GTL. Unlike most LL17FE oils, it is also packed with higher amount of ZDDP, while still being a low-SAPS oil. HTHS is a minimum 3.5cP. HTHS is actually what matters when it comes to potential wear. 0W20 LL17FE oil has HTHS probably between 2.6 and 2.8, depending on the specific oil. HTHS is more important than grade, as it is measured at 150c. You can think of it as viscosity under pressure. 3.5cP gives you more margin when pushing hard etc. Actually, it gives you a lot of margin as 330 has a very well-executed oil cooling system. 0W20's are really all about EPA numbers. Thinner oil, less resistance, less fuel consumption. Now, you don't want to go crazy with HTHS, bcs. then it starts affecting performance. So oils like ESP 0W30 are IMO, a sweet spot. There are a lot of topics here about that oil. It is not BMW-approved as it has enough esters to bump base oxidation to the point where it exceeds BMW's limits. But that is just a theoretical issue. It is approved for MB229.51/52, which is generally a more stringent approval than BMW LL04.

Great explanation. Thank you!

 

[SEBZX79]

I have a high mileage 2018 BMW 330i xDrive F31 (B46) with 156K miles. It has had regular dealer oil changes its entire life with only BMW spec 0W-20 LL-17 FE+ or equivalent prior to the LL-17 spec. I'm hoping to prolong the engine as long as possible, as it currently has no leaks, concerning sounds, or other engine issues at the moment. I live in Central Ohio so I'm good with a 0W vs 5W oil.

However, I'm concerned that the 0W-20 may not be enough protection due to the high miles and potential wear. I was thinking of upping the viscosity to a 30 oil to get some additional protection, but I keep bouncing between oil with LL-17 or LL-01/LL-01FE specs vs just a "generic" Euro oil like Castrol Edge or Liqui-moly

Does anyone have any oil experience with late-model high mileage BMWs with B series engines? Any recommendations?

I have a 18 530e with same motor that is at 126k miles and nothing but a diet of bmw 0w20. I don't think you need to change anything. I would keep on running it

 

[c230mike]

I have a 18 530e with same motor that is at 126k miles and nothing but a diet of bmw 0w20. I don't think you need to change anything. I would keep on running it

Very helpful. Still digesting the feedback above but, I may just stick with the 20 LL17 FE+. I also have a 2017 740 that's been on a strict 20 LL17 FE+ diet, but only 53K miles on the B58

 

[Eugenius]

Very helpful. Still digesting the feedback above but, I may just stick with the 20 LL17 FE+. I also have a 2017 740 that's been on a strict 20 LL17 FE+ diet, but only 53K miles on the B58

I have the same car, same model year, and the same engine—with 85k miles on it.

The FE spec oils are built for better fuel economy, mainly to meet tight U.S. efficiency standards. That’s why they have lower HTHS —which is fine for fuel savings, but not ideal if you care about long-term protection, especially under harder driving.


If you check around major European oil brand sites and put your car as euro model, most of them recommend something with LL04 approval. I used to run bmw LL-01FE and LL-17FE+, but only for shorter OCI—never more than 5K miles—because of the lower HTHS. Definitely wouldn’t go the full 11K miles like the onboard computer suggests.


you’re better off picking a good oil with LL-04 approval, like above have already suggested. It’ll give you better wear protection

 

[c230mike]

I have the same car, same model year, and the same engine—with 85k miles on it.

The FE spec oils are built for better fuel economy, mainly to meet tight U.S. efficiency standards. That’s why they have lower HTHS —which is fine for fuel savings, but not ideal if you care about long-term protection, especially under harder driving.


If you check around major European oil brand sites and put your car as euro model, most of them recommend something with LL04 approval. I used to run bmw LL-01FE and LL-17FE+, but only for shorter OCI—never more than 5K miles—because of the lower HTHS. Definitely wouldn’t go the full 11K miles like the onboard computer suggests.


you’re better off picking a good oil with LL-04 approval, like above have already suggested. It’ll give you better wear protection

I only run 5K OCIs. I thought the LL-04 was more specifically for diesels? Which viscosity do you use? 0W20 or 30 or 40? Prefer a specific brand?

 

[edyvw]

I only run 5K OCIs. I thought the LL-04 was more specifically for diesels? Which viscosity do you use? 0W20 or 30 or 40? Prefer a specific brand?

LL04 and LL17FE are both Low-SAPS oils. Same additive limits. LL04 has minimum HTHS of 3.5cP. That is difference.

 

[Eugenius]

I only run 5K OCIs. I thought the LL-04 was more specifically for diesels? Which viscosity do you use? 0W20 or 30 or 40? Prefer a specific brand?

Any oil with LL04 approval (approved, not just recommended) off a Walmart shelf will have HTHS 3.5 and above.
Viscosity is not important, hths is, and LL04 commonly is w30

I am using now Liqui Moly with LL04, but also thinking to switch Motul