New BMW Oil Choices

[TJPark01]

I just bot a brand new 2011 BMW 535i with the new single turbo engine. The manufacturer is recommending 15k miles or 2 years which ever comes first oil change interval. I don't believe in this OCI, and plan to dump the factory fill at 2000 miles and change the oil myself. Am I correct in assuming the only oil choices I have are Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula or German Castrol 0W-30?

Keep in mind I want to buy this oil at Pepboys or Autozone, I don't want to order some oil from Amsoil or go through some convoluted distribution channel to get it.

 

[addyguy]

You can also buy 'BMW synthetic 5w30' oil at the dealership. It's a good oil.

 

[Quattro Pete]

That's probably it then.

Alternatives would be the BMW (Castrol) 5w30 oil that's sold at BMW dealerships. Valvoline also has a product that meets the specs, but I don't know how easy it would be to source it through NAPA auto parts.

 

[vinu_neuro]

I don't know if GC is still on the BMW LL-01 list, but it has been dropped by some German mnfr's. VOA's have also shown it's not the same oil it once used to be.

I'd stick with Mobil 1 0W-40. Probably one of the best oils out there at any price.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Mobil 1 0W-40 or German Castrol 0w30 or BMW synthetic 5w30 are the correct choices for BMW. If you change the oil and filter yourself, you should invest in the oil extractor it will make oil change as easy as a walk in the park.

It's a good idea to change the oil at 1/2 frequency as recommended by BMW, 7-8k miles or 1 year whichever is first.

 

[TJPark01]

I wanted to avoid the 5w30 BMW oil simply because I've heard good things about startup flow for 0W oils. Plus it's just re-branded Castrol as I understand, and I'd rather not give BMW dealer even more of my money.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: vinu_neuro
I don't know if GC is still on the BMW LL-01 list,

It is.

Quote:

VOA's have also shown it's not the same oil it once used to be.

Which doesn't mean it's a bad oil. used oil analysis are still showing good results, whether that can even be judged by a $20 test or not...

 

[fdcg27]

The GC I bought today was bottled in 2010, and still lists BMW LL-01 as a spec.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
If you change the oil and filter yourself, you should invest in the oil extractor it will make oil change as easy as a walk in the park.

Assuming his engine has an oil dipstick tube. Some newer BMW engines don't.

 

[TJPark01]

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Mobil 1 0W-40 or German Castrol 0w30 or BMW synthetic 5w30 are the correct choices for BMW. If you change the oil and filter yourself, you should invest in the oil extractor it will make oil change as easy as a walk in the park.

It's a good idea to change the oil at 1/2 frequency as recommended by BMW, 7-8k miles or 1 year whichever is first.

I have several low profile floor jacks, so getting under the car isn't an issue for me. For the other used oil analysis I've done, I have noticed high metal or element content for the initial break-in. Then the engine settles into a consistent pattern. I was planning on changing the oil early and often for the first year. Then settle into the OCI you describe above.

 

[TJPark01]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
If you change the oil and filter yourself, you should invest in the oil extractor it will make oil change as easy as a walk in the park.

Assuming his engine has an oil dipstick tube. Some newer BMW engines don't.

No dipstick for the N55 engines used in the 2011 535i.

 

[HangerHarley]

Originally Posted By: TJPark01
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
If you change the oil and filter yourself, you should invest in the oil extractor it will make oil change as easy as a walk in the park.

Assuming his engine has an oil dipstick tube. Some newer BMW engines don't.

No dipstick for the N55 engines used in the 2011 535i.

A "Sealed For Life" Engine!!??

HOW will BITOGers with N55 BMWs mess with their Oil?

Unless BMW did this Specifically so we WOULDNT be able to..

They went the Saab route. Some Saabs also dont have Dipsticks.

 

[garlicbreadman]

aren't oil changes free at BMW until warranty is over?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: garlicbreadman
aren't oil changes free at BMW until warranty is over?

Yes, but that means an oil change every 15k miles or every 2 years, whichever comes first. The OP does not wish to wait this long.

 

[HangerHarley]

Originally Posted By: garlicbreadman
aren't oil changes free at BMW until warranty is over?


This means NOTHING to a BITOGer.

Nor does the absence of a Dipstick in a "Sealed For Life" Engine (Think Transmissions that are "Sealed For Life.")

 

[cos]

So no dipstick tube means that you have to rely on a idiot light in the dash on newer BMWs and Saabs?

 

[Hessen]

Originally Posted By: HangerHarley
Originally Posted By: garlicbreadman
aren't oil changes free at BMW until warranty is over?


Nor does the absence of a Dipstick in a "Sealed For Life" Engine (Think Transmissions that are "Sealed For Life.")

Amen!

To the OP, I would think Pennzoil Ultra Euro would be on your short list whenever it becomes readily available

 

[JAG]

Since BMW doesn't expect you to change your oil yourself you can use whatever oil you want. I like Red Line oils in direct injection gas engines.

 

[Steve S]

Are you leasing or buying?

 

[Gene K]

I would use BMW 5W30 and change it this way.

Total Vehicle Mileage
1. 2,500 Miles (Owner)
2. 7,500 miles (Owner)
3. 15,000 miles (Dealer)
4. 22,500 miles (Owner)
5. 30,000 miles (Dealer)

At typical low temps in Hollywood I wouldnt be suprised if BMW 5W30 had better startup flow than GC 0W30 or Mobil 1 0W40.

PS Has anyone tried negotiating oil changes with the BMW dealer? IE you either throw in free 7500 mile changes until the 4 year service contract is up or I dont buy the car.