Originally Posted by BMWTurboDzl
Originally Posted by JamesGames
I've owned the M4 since 2015 October. I can back @edyvw that this engine originally was designed around LL01, not FE because when I first got the car, the dealership would only change w/ with LL01 0w40 or LL01 5w30. 2 years after that they allowed for LL01-FE 0w30, and it started appearing in the new car manuals.
I feel all manufactures are moving towards the thinnest oil possible for the recommended drain period for CAFE / mpg reasons. I don't see how my car can call for LL01 initially (3.5 HTHS minimum?) and now the recommended version is a FE oil. Will there be any difference to the car in 100k miles? Probably not - but as an enthusiasts and someone that beats the [censored] out of the car I'll just stick to the original manufacturer recommended LL01.
All N-series engines (4,6,8,12 cylinder) and their S-derivatives (excl S62,S65) are spec'd for LL01 FE or the mid-saps equivalent LL12FE. Agree BMW has been all over the place and you'd think that they would offer a "track use" recommendation.
Originally Posted by wemay
I doubt that BMW, VW or any other mfcr just chooses any, off the shelf FE oil, slaps their approval on it and says, "now go drive your M or GTi at 65mph max.
Within the context of historically thicker euro oils, ya LL01FE is thinner but it's no thinner than say regular Mobil 1 5w30. BMW spec'd a 10w60 for a certain family of M-engines and some owners routinely ran M1 0w40 w/out a problem for street driving.
The S85 is the only engine you missed that isn't ok to use LL01 FE. I think the point I was trying to make was, the original spec for those engines listed were actually LL01. LL01 FE came later on, and was deemed ok by BMW to use. So long story short OP,
WHICHEVER works. My preference? LL01. You make your own move.