Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 as fleet oil

[Ptm121]

Hey all,

I’m running Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 in my tuned M57 X5.

Any reason other than cost that this wouldn’t be a great oil for my M54 BMW gassers? I’m currently running Mobil 1 Euro 5W40. No track use or anything, just normal daily driver duty.

How about my wife’s new Toyota Grand Highlander with the turbo 4? It calls for 5W20 but I’m running Quaker State Ultimate Protection 5W30 right now.

It would be nice to only stock one oil if possible.

Thanks!
-Phil

 

[Boomer]

Does it meet the BMW spec?

 

[Ptm121]

The M54s call for LL-01. The ESP is LL-04, which is basically the low-SAPS version. My understanding is that LL-04 superceeded LL-01 at some point, although it’s not what’s in my 20-year-old owners manuals because it didn’t exist then.

So… yes, I think?

 

[Rand]

I bet @edyvw knows.

 

[Cujet]

I use the 5W-30 or 10W-30 EP in everything. With the exception of the mega boost turbo engines. The reason is the AN base, zero deposits and superb lubricity. Zero issues, absolutely no deposits.

However, if your engine is tuned and originally spec'd a more viscous oil, stepping down to a 5W-30 with an HTHS of about 3.1 (for both the 5W and 10W) might carry some rod bearing risk if oil temps are not carefully managed. Some later BMW engines use wider rod bearings to eliminate the need for higher viscosity oils.

FYI, I use the 5W-30 in my Jaguar F-Type S. Tuned V6. The engine was originally spec'd for 0W-20 and 18K OCI's. The result of that low a viscosity: even the DLC coating is unable to prevent wear.

 

[CleanSump]

BMW release shows LL04 as suitable where LL01 was the original spec if you have ULSF, and yes, that now includes BMW approval for use of LL04 in USA gassers previously specced with LL01.
Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 has been in my X3 N52 for the last 5500 miles and passes my no lifter tick, smooth running, fast cranking, and butt dyno tests.

 

[CleanSump]

The M54s call for LL-01. The ESP is LL-04, which is basically the low-SAPS version. My understanding is that LL-04 superceeded LL-01 at some point, although it’s not what’s in my 20-year-old owners manuals because it didn’t exist then.

So… yes, I think?

LL-01 is current spec and continues to be updated. BMW did, however, allow the use of LL-04 in place of LL-01 as I stated in Post #6. I keep an eye on these things as we currently have 2 BMWs in the family and a Mercedes Diesel that requires 229.52 that ESP meets. So one size fits all has been working until our BMWs get HPL Supercar next week.

 

[edyvw]

The M54s call for LL-01. The ESP is LL-04, which is basically the low-SAPS version. My understanding is that LL-04 superceeded LL-01 at some point, although it’s not what’s in my 20-year-old owners manuals because it didn’t exist then.

So… yes, I think?

It didn’t. Officially LL01 engines should use LL01. This is not what VW did with VW504.00.
In reality, LL04 is lower SAPS version of LL01. BMW uses LL04 on all gas and diesel engines in EU since 01/2009. In US they used LL01 bcs. higher sulphur in gas. However, once we got ULSG they never switched to LL04. Why? BMW in general is sloppy when it comes to oil recommendations. New cars use LL17FE and LL220FE+, which are basically thin LL04 oils. But, if you need to add oil it says LL01! No sense whatsoever.
You can use ESP in M54. Now, I personally don’t like new ESP 5W30 as it has low ZDDP. In M54 I would stick to higher ZDDP oils. ESP 0W30 has ZDDP on level of full SAPS oils. It doesn’t have LL approval but has MB229.51/52, so that will do it.
Don’t go ILSAC oils.

 

[Ptm121]

Thanks all! Great info as always.

 

[MK5B58]

It didn’t. Officially LL01 engines should use LL01. This is not what VW did with VW504.00.
In reality, LL04 is lower SAPS version of LL01. BMW uses LL04 on all gas and diesel engines in EU since 01/2009. In US they used LL01 bcs. higher sulphur in gas. However, once we got ULSG they never switched to LL04. Why? BMW in general is sloppy when it comes to oil recommendations. New cars use LL17FE and LL220FE+, which are basically thin LL04 oils. But, if you need to add oil it says LL01! No sense whatsoever.
You can use ESP in M54. Now, I personally don’t like new ESP 5W30 as it has low ZDDP. In M54 I would stick to higher ZDDP oils. ESP 0W30 has ZDDP on level of full SAPS oils. It doesn’t have LL approval but has MB229.51/52, so that will do it.
Don’t go ILSAC oils.

Hi Edy,

Would you run Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 in your B58 gen 2(B58B30O1) Supra if you own one? Stock, no tune.

 

[edyvw]

Hi Edy,

Would you run Mobil 1 ESP 5W30 in your B58 gen 2(B58B30O1) Supra if you own one? Stock, no tune.

Absolutely.

 

[Titan]

Absolutely.

But would you prefer ESP 0w30 instead? I think I would....

 

[edyvw]

But would you prefer ESP 0w30 instead? I think I would....

Yes. But, i see hesitation because ESP 0W30 doesn’t have BMW approval, and for some people that matters.

 

[MK5B58]

But would you prefer ESP 0w30 instead? I think I would....

I would jump on that if it has BMW approval. Hopefully soon... 1st choice would be Castrol Edge Euro 0w30 (edy's picks) but not available at Walmart. I know you can get it elsewhere but to me, no point wasting more money for something that's similar at Walmart for better price and short OCI.