Mobil 1 Euro 0w40 in a BMW e46 -good idea when without LL-01

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Jul 9, 2022
Messages
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After reading more threads, would Mobil1 euro 0w40 with its POA content be superior to Pennzoil Euro 5w40 for an e46. Or is there another oil that would be preferable that I am overlooking ? How important is it that the Mobil 1 lacks all 01 now but does have MB 229.5 ?
 
After reading more threads, would Mobil1 euro 0w40 with its POA content be superior to Pennzoil Euro 5w40 for an e46. Or is there another oil that would be preferable that I am overlooking ? How important is it that the Mobil 1 lacks all 01 now but does have MB 229.5 ?
LL 01 certificate that is
 
It's not a certificate it's an approval. And if it were me, I would use the oil yes.

I thought you made a decision here?


Pick one, it won't make a bit of difference.
 
Hi Kschachn -Your posts are often the most helpful. Are you referring to Mobil 1when you write “I would use the oil” ?
 
It's not a certificate it's an approval. And if it were me, I would use the oil yes.

I thought you made a decision here?


Pick one, it won't make a bit of difference.
It's not a certificate it's an approval. And if it were me, I would use the oil yes.

I thought you made a decision here?


Pick one, it won't make a bit of difference.
thanks- I half suspected that.
 
Oils I used in last 18 months in BMW:
Mobil1 0W40 (track too).
Castrol Edge 0W40 (track too).
Castrol Edge 0W30 (no track).
Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40 (track too).
Motul 300V 5W40 (track too).
This again is quite helpful.
 
mckenzie, I've been running Castrol exclusively since I bought my E46 brand new. Castrol 0W-30 Euro 80% of the time, Castrol 0W-40 Euro 20% of the time.

Most people on this forum know that my E46 is maintained to an extremely high standard. I choose nothing but the best. The Euro 0W-30 version has gotten harder to source lately, but the 0W-40 is more commonly available. I'd use either without hesitation. For the life of my E46 it's had 3K OCIs. It uses absolutely ZERO oil between changes. And no leaks or seepage anywhere, including the drivetrain, which is also meticulously maintained with only the finest fluids. I bleed my brakes every year and change coolant every 2 or 3.

A few pictures to show you the meticulous care my E46 receives, which BTW has been 100% done by me, literally 100%, including both maintenance and modification. Except for California bi-annual emissions testing, alignments (but I have my own special guy), and the airbag recalls, no other hands have touched it. Literally. I interviewed three BMW dealerships before choosing the one to do the airbag recall. And I made my expectations 100% clear. Yes, I am that particular.

The other oils mentioned above should be fine, but I strongly suggest you use Castrol Edge 0W-40 Euro. The fact that it's no longer LL-01 rated is absolutely ZERO problem. My only question for you is, where does the vehicle live? What kind of climate? How will it be driven? Any track time anticipated?

To put the level of care my E46 receives into context, and to give myself some credibility with respect to your question, my E46 has over 90K miles on it in all of the pictures that follow.

If you have any E46 questions, PM me. I'd be happy to help you with anything that may come up.

Scott
=============================================
PS My list of modifications, all selected and installed by me.

2003 BMW E46 330Ci ZSP Modifications:
BBS CH 19x8.5, 35mm offset
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2; 235/35-19
or
BMW OEM Style 225M, 37mm offset front, 39mm offset rear
Michelin Pilot Sport P4S; 235/35-19 front, 245/35-19 rear
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Bilstein B8 Sport Struts/Shocks, E36 M3 Versions On Rear
BMW Motorsport Front Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates
Rogue Engineering Rear Shock Mounts
H&R Sport Adjustable Anti-Roll Bars, 27mm front, 21mm Rear
Turner Motorsports Adjustable, Ball Jointed Front Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
Mason Engineering Adjustable, Spherical Bearing Rear Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
BMW M3 Front Strut Brace
BMW ZHP Front Control Arms
BMW M3 Engine Mounts
BMW M3 Transmission Mounts
Meyle HD 66mm Front Control Arm Bushings
BMW M3 Rear Control Arm Bushings
Turner Motorsports Rear Control Arm Bushing Limiters
BMW M3 Spherical Bearing Rear Lower/Outer Control Arm Bushings
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines F/R
BMW Motorsport Cross-drilled, Fully Floating Front Brake Rotors
Jurid Front Brake Pads
BMW M3 Rear Brake Pads
Turner Motorsports Brass Brake Caliper Bushings
Borla Catback Stainless Steel Exhaust
Meyle Heavy Duty Rear Differential Mounts
BMW ZHP Finned Rear Differential Cover/Cooler
BMW ZHP Shift Knob
B&M Short Shift Kit
UUC Stainless Steel, Weighted Shift Rod
Mason Engineering Quick Shift Geometry Clutch Pedal Arm
Stewart Engineering Water Pump
Rogue Engineering Underdrive Pulley Set
BMW M3 Trunk Lid Spoiler Lip
BMW Motorsport Alcantara Steering Wheel
Center Arm Rest Delete


IMG_2820.jpeg
A-IMG_5853.jpeg
A-IMG_5841.jpeg
Front Center 1.jpeg
Rear Center 2.jpeg
RF 6.jpeg
RR 4.jpeg
RF 9.jpeg
Rear Diff.jpeg
Engine Top 3.jpeg
 
Last edited:
I want to clarify my previous post. I think I may have come on too strong.

First, both kschachn and edyvw are reliable sources of good information on this forum. Any of the oils they suggested would work fine for you. My post was directed at the E46 itself as much as it was oil selection, and is more of a "if you have any questions about your E46, send me a PM" kind of thing.

That said, I do strongly recommend Castrol Euro 0W-40 for no other reason than it has served me very well in my bought new by me E46.

Enjoy your E46. I hope you got a nice, solid, unmolested example. If well cared for and not abused an E46 can be every bit as reliable as even the most reliable Honda. Let me know if you have any questions about your car.

Cheers,

Scott
 
I want to clarify my previous post. I think I may have come on too strong.

First, both kschachn and edyvw are reliable sources of good information on this forum. Any of the oils they suggested would work fine for you. My post was directed at the E46 itself as much as it was oil selection, and is more of a "if you have any questions about your E46, send me a PM" kind of thing.

That said, I do strongly recommend Castrol Euro 0W-40 for no other reason than it has served me very well in my bought new by me E46.

Enjoy your E46. I hope you got a nice, solid, unmolested example. If well cared for and not abused an E46 can be every bit as reliable as even the most reliable Honda. Let me know if you have any questions about your car.

Cheers,

Scott
Scott,
Actually lately 0W30 is easier and cheaper to get than 0W40. On Amazon 0W40 goes for $67, while 0W30 is $50 for 6qt.

OP, I would second Scott. If price is not an issue, Edge 0W30 is IMO still “best” full SAPS oil for European cars. I put best in quotations as it is impossible to say which oil here is “best,” but that oil has good HTHS, low KV100. It does excellent in every environment.
 
mckenzie, I've been running Castrol exclusively since I bought my E46 brand new. Castrol 0W-30 Euro 80% of the time, Castrol 0W-40 Euro 20% of the time.

Most people on this forum know that my E46 is maintained to an extremely high standard. I choose nothing but the best. The Euro 0W-30 version has gotten harder to source lately, but the 0W-40 is more commonly available. I'd use either without hesitation. For the life of my E46 it's had 3K OCIs. It uses absolutely ZERO oil between changes. And no leaks or seepage anywhere, including the drivetrain, which is also meticulously maintained with only the finest fluids. I bleed my brakes every year and change coolant every 2 or 3.

A few pictures to show you the meticulous care my E46 receives, which BTW has been 100% done by me, literally 100%, including both maintenance and modification. Except for California bi-annual emissions testing, alignments (but I have my own special guy), and the airbag recalls, no other hands have touched it. Literally. I interviewed three BMW dealerships before choosing the one to do the airbag recall. And I made my expectations 100% clear. Yes, I am that particular.

The other oils mentioned above should be fine, but I strongly suggest you use Castrol Edge 0W-40 Euro. The fact that it's no longer LL-01 rated is absolutely ZERO problem. My only question for you is, where does the vehicle live? What kind of climate? How will it be driven? Any track time anticipated?

To put the level of care my E46 receives into context, and to give myself some credibility with respect to your question, my E46 has over 90K miles on it in all of the pictures that follow.

If you have any E46 questions, PM me. I'd be happy to help you with anything that may come up.

Scott
=============================================
PS My list of modifications, all selected and installed by me.

2003 BMW E46 330Ci ZSP Modifications:
BBS CH 19x8.5, 35mm offset
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2; 235/35-19
or
BMW OEM Style 225M, 37mm offset front, 39mm offset rear
Michelin Pilot Sport P4S; 235/35-19 front, 245/35-19 rear
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Bilstein B8 Sport Struts/Shocks, E36 M3 Versions On Rear
BMW Motorsport Front Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates
Rogue Engineering Rear Shock Mounts
H&R Sport Adjustable Anti-Roll Bars, 27mm front, 21mm Rear
Turner Motorsports Adjustable, Ball Jointed Front Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
Mason Engineering Adjustable, Spherical Bearing Rear Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
BMW M3 Front Strut Brace
BMW ZHP Front Control Arms
BMW M3 Engine Mounts
BMW M3 Transmission Mounts
Meyle HD 66mm Front Control Arm Bushings
BMW M3 Rear Control Arm Bushings
Turner Motorsports Rear Control Arm Bushing Limiters
BMW M3 Spherical Bearing Rear Lower/Outer Control Arm Bushings
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines F/R
BMW Motorsport Cross-drilled, Fully Floating Front Brake Rotors
Jurid Front Brake Pads
BMW M3 Rear Brake Pads
Turner Motorsports Brass Brake Caliper Bushings
Borla Catback Stainless Steel Exhaust
Meyle Heavy Duty Rear Differential Mounts
BMW ZHP Finned Rear Differential Cover/Cooler
BMW ZHP Shift Knob
B&M Short Shift Kit
UUC Stainless Steel, Weighted Shift Rod
Mason Engineering Quick Shift Geometry Clutch Pedal Arm
Stewart Engineering Water Pump
Rogue Engineering Underdrive Pulley Set
BMW M3 Trunk Lid Spoiler Lip
BMW Motorsport Alcantara Steering Wheel
Center Arm Rest Delete


View attachment 110465View attachment 110466View attachment 110467View attachment 110468View attachment 110469View attachment 110470View attachment 110480View attachment 110481View attachment 110482View attachment 110483
Stop posting porn 😂
 
Scott,
Actually lately 0W30 is easier and cheaper to get than 0W40. On Amazon 0W40 goes for $67, while 0W30 is $50 for 6qt.

OP, I would second Scott. If price is not an issue, Edge 0W30 is IMO still “best” full SAPS oil for European cars. I put best in quotations as it is impossible to say which oil here is “best,” but that oil has good HTHS, low KV100. It does excellent in every environment.
Yes, I agree. 0W-30 has always been my preferred choice, and the price is reasonable IMO. In fact, I have 34 quarts of it in the garage, along with 20 quarts of 0W-40.

Here's a link to purchase. In stock.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007G7PUMS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

And here is a VOA of a big batch I bought in late 2020.

Enjoy,

Scott

VOA Castrol 0W-30 2020 2.jpg
 
Last edited:
@slo town Where was the 0W-30 made? What does it say on the back of the bottle?
Made in Belgium but interestingly, the last batch I just got a few days ago, also says "Repackaged in USA". I'm assuming it's shipped to the USA in bulk and bottled here. That was never the case previously. And if you go back far enough it used to be made in Germany.

Because I'm the paranoid type about certain things, for the last several years I've done VOAs of new batches to verify authenticity. I'll send in a sample of this batch when I have time.

Scott

IMG_6816.jpeg
 
Last edited:
mckenzie, I've been running Castrol exclusively since I bought my E46 brand new. Castrol 0W-30 Euro 80% of the time, Castrol 0W-40 Euro 20% of the time.

Most people on this forum know that my E46 is maintained to an extremely high standard. I choose nothing but the best. The Euro 0W-30 version has gotten harder to source lately, but the 0W-40 is more commonly available. I'd use either without hesitation. For the life of my E46 it's had 3K OCIs. It uses absolutely ZERO oil between changes. And no leaks or seepage anywhere, including the drivetrain, which is also meticulously maintained with only the finest fluids. I bleed my brakes every year and change coolant every 2 or 3.

A few pictures to show you the meticulous care my E46 receives, which BTW has been 100% done by me, literally 100%, including both maintenance and modification. Except for California bi-annual emissions testing, alignments (but I have my own special guy), and the airbag recalls, no other hands have touched it. Literally. I interviewed three BMW dealerships before choosing the one to do the airbag recall. And I made my expectations 100% clear. Yes, I am that particular.

The other oils mentioned above should be fine, but I strongly suggest you use Castrol Edge 0W-40 Euro. The fact that it's no longer LL-01 rated is absolutely ZERO problem. My only question for you is, where does the vehicle live? What kind of climate? How will it be driven? Any track time anticipated?

To put the level of care my E46 receives into context, and to give myself some credibility with respect to your question, my E46 has over 90K miles on it in all of the pictures that follow.

If you have any E46 questions, PM me. I'd be happy to help you with anything that may come up.

Scott
=============================================
PS My list of modifications, all selected and installed by me.

2003 BMW E46 330Ci ZSP Modifications:
BBS CH 19x8.5, 35mm offset
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2; 235/35-19
or
BMW OEM Style 225M, 37mm offset front, 39mm offset rear
Michelin Pilot Sport P4S; 235/35-19 front, 245/35-19 rear
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Bilstein B8 Sport Struts/Shocks, E36 M3 Versions On Rear
BMW Motorsport Front Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates
Rogue Engineering Rear Shock Mounts
H&R Sport Adjustable Anti-Roll Bars, 27mm front, 21mm Rear
Turner Motorsports Adjustable, Ball Jointed Front Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
Mason Engineering Adjustable, Spherical Bearing Rear Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
BMW M3 Front Strut Brace
BMW ZHP Front Control Arms
BMW M3 Engine Mounts
BMW M3 Transmission Mounts
Meyle HD 66mm Front Control Arm Bushings
BMW M3 Rear Control Arm Bushings
Turner Motorsports Rear Control Arm Bushing Limiters
BMW M3 Spherical Bearing Rear Lower/Outer Control Arm Bushings
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines F/R
BMW Motorsport Cross-drilled, Fully Floating Front Brake Rotors
Jurid Front Brake Pads
BMW M3 Rear Brake Pads
Turner Motorsports Brass Brake Caliper Bushings
Borla Catback Stainless Steel Exhaust
Meyle Heavy Duty Rear Differential Mounts
BMW ZHP Finned Rear Differential Cover/Cooler
BMW ZHP Shift Knob
B&M Short Shift Kit
UUC Stainless Steel, Weighted Shift Rod
Mason Engineering Quick Shift Geometry Clutch Pedal Arm
Stewart Engineering Water Pump
Rogue Engineering Underdrive Pulley Set
BMW M3 Trunk Lid Spoiler Lip
BMW Motorsport Alcantara Steering Wheel
Center Arm Rest Delete


View attachment 110465View attachment 110466View attachment 110467View attachment 110468View attachment 110469View attachment 110470View attachment 110480View attachment 110481View attachment 110482View attachment 110483
Thanks Scott for your thoughtful and generous response. We obviously both love our e46s. I bet your baby will be worth more than when new in a few years.
My 2002 325it has 270000on it now. I have had it since it was 5 try’s ops (59000k mi). Like you I used GC for several hrs until Castrol 0w40 was most available. I wish I could say it never burnt any oil but until recently it would lose 1 quart/1000 mi. in the last 2 months it was loosing a qt every 250-500 mi. My most talented (unlike me) just replaced the oil filter housing gasket and I have my fingers crossed that’s the issue. The increased loss of oil made me start reviewing my choice of oil. I have researched the current Castrol 0w40 and have heard quite good things about Pennzoil Euro 5w40, Quaker State Euro 5w40 as well as Mobil 1 4w40 Euro and Castrol 5w30 and 5w40euro. Pentosin 5w40 also has high praise. Edyvw just made a great suggestion about Csstrol 0w30 which is close to bmw’s original recommendation way back.
There have been questions about hsht
mckenzie, I've been running Castrol exclusively since I bought my E46 brand new. Castrol 0W-30 Euro 80% of the time, Castrol 0W-40 Euro 20% of the time.

Most people on this forum know that my E46 is maintained to an extremely high standard. I choose nothing but the best. The Euro 0W-30 version has gotten harder to source lately, but the 0W-40 is more commonly available. I'd use either without hesitation. For the life of my E46 it's had 3K OCIs. It uses absolutely ZERO oil between changes. And no leaks or seepage anywhere, including the drivetrain, which is also meticulously maintained with only the finest fluids. I bleed my brakes every year and change coolant every 2 or 3.

A few pictures to show you the meticulous care my E46 receives, which BTW has been 100% done by me, literally 100%, including both maintenance and modification. Except for California bi-annual emissions testing, alignments (but I have my own special guy), and the airbag recalls, no other hands have touched it. Literally. I interviewed three BMW dealerships before choosing the one to do the airbag recall. And I made my expectations 100% clear. Yes, I am that particular.

The other oils mentioned above should be fine, but I strongly suggest you use Castrol Edge 0W-40 Euro. The fact that it's no longer LL-01 rated is absolutely ZERO problem. My only question for you is, where does the vehicle live? What kind of climate? How will it be driven? Any track time anticipated?

To put the level of care my E46 receives into context, and to give myself some credibility with respect to your question, my E46 has over 90K miles on it in all of the pictures that follow.

If you have any E46 questions, PM me. I'd be happy to help you with anything that may come up.

Scott
=============================================
PS My list of modifications, all selected and installed by me.

2003 BMW E46 330Ci ZSP Modifications:
BBS CH 19x8.5, 35mm offset
Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2; 235/35-19
or
BMW OEM Style 225M, 37mm offset front, 39mm offset rear
Michelin Pilot Sport P4S; 235/35-19 front, 245/35-19 rear
Eibach Pro-Kit Springs
Bilstein B8 Sport Struts/Shocks, E36 M3 Versions On Rear
BMW Motorsport Front Strut Tower Reinforcement Plates
Rogue Engineering Rear Shock Mounts
H&R Sport Adjustable Anti-Roll Bars, 27mm front, 21mm Rear
Turner Motorsports Adjustable, Ball Jointed Front Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
Mason Engineering Adjustable, Spherical Bearing Rear Anti-Roll Bar Endlinks
BMW M3 Front Strut Brace
BMW ZHP Front Control Arms
BMW M3 Engine Mounts
BMW M3 Transmission Mounts
Meyle HD 66mm Front Control Arm Bushings
BMW M3 Rear Control Arm Bushings
Turner Motorsports Rear Control Arm Bushing Limiters
BMW M3 Spherical Bearing Rear Lower/Outer Control Arm Bushings
Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines F/R
BMW Motorsport Cross-drilled, Fully Floating Front Brake Rotors
Jurid Front Brake Pads
BMW M3 Rear Brake Pads
Turner Motorsports Brass Brake Caliper Bushings
Borla Catback Stainless Steel Exhaust
Meyle Heavy Duty Rear Differential Mounts
BMW ZHP Finned Rear Differential Cover/Cooler
BMW ZHP Shift Knob
B&M Short Shift Kit
UUC Stainless Steel, Weighted Shift Rod
Mason Engineering Quick Shift Geometry Clutch Pedal Arm
Stewart Engineering Water Pump
Rogue Engineering Underdrive Pulley Set
BMW M3 Trunk Lid Spoiler Lip
BMW Motorsport Alcantara Steering Wheel
Center Arm Rest Delete


View attachment 110465View attachment 110466View attachment 110467View attachment 110468View attachment 110469View attachment 110470View attachment 110480View attachment 110481View attachment 110482View attachment 110483
 
Thanks Scott for your thoughtful and generous response. We obviously both love our e46s. I bet your baby will be worth more than when new in a few years.
My 2002 325it has 270000on it now. I have had it since it was 5 try’s ops (59000k mi). Like you I used GC for several hrs until Castrol 0w40 was most available. I wish I could say it never burnt any oil but until recently it would lose 1 quart/1000 mi. in the last 2 months it was loosing a qt every 250-500 mi. My most talented (unlike me) just replaced the oil filter housing gasket and I have my fingers crossed that’s the issue. The increased loss of oil made me start reviewing my choice of oil. I have researched the current Castrol 0w40 and have heard quite good things about Pennzoil Euro 5w40, Quaker State Euro 5w40 as well as Mobil 1 4w40 Euro and Castrol 5w30 and 5w40euro. Pentosin 5w40 also has high praise. Edyvw just made a great suggestion about Csstrol 0w30 which is close to bmw’s original recommendation way back.
There have been questions about hsht
Sorry-got dropped there. As I started to write, There were some concerns raised about Novak levels and HTHS in the Castrol 0w40 reformulation. Any thoughts or also any opinion about flash point? I do like Edyvw’s idea about Castrol 0w30.

Thank you again and looking forward to further discussions with you. Jerry
 
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