Might be easiest to order BMW branded LL-01FE oil from one of the Euro car websites like ECS Tuning or FCP Euro. ECS has their oil change kit, with LL-01FE BMW oil, for your X5 for $105.
New to BMW Ownership - Bought an X5
- Thread starter BHopkins
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If your engine is B58TU then you will be ok using the full 3.5 HTHS LL01 as it is allowed in TIS. The TU2 engines that come with 0W-12 no longer allow the 3.5 HTHS specs for whatever reason.
4. BMW enthusiasts web sites are much better than for Mercedes. You just have to have patience to find what you looking for. In your case, being RWD it simplifies things dramatically. You only have to care about transmission fluid (ZF8) and rear differential, and brake fluid (DOT4 LV). That is it.
I see a bunch of transmission fluid options for the ZF8, including Liqui Moly, Red Line, Ravenol, BMW, ZF Lifeguard and others. Any strong preference?
Also, what diff fluid spec should I be using, when the time comes for a drain and fill?
Here is another question. In looking at the lug bolts, I found that they have a typical 17mm hex outer size. But the inside of the lug bolt head looks like it will take a T60? Torx. This is a first for me. Any strong preference, of one or the other, to remove and install these?
I see a bunch of transmission fluid options for the ZF8, including Liqui Moly, Red Line, Ravenol, BMW, ZF Lifeguard and others. Any strong preference?
Also, what diff fluid spec should I be using, when the time comes for a drain and fill?
Fortunately, I already have a shallow 32mm 6-point socket, so I'm prepared there.
Here is another question. In looking at the lug bolts, I found that they have a typical 17mm hex outer size. But the inside of the lug bolt head looks like it will take a T60? Torx. This is a first for me. Any strong preference, of one or the other, to remove and install these?
f355spider
$50 Site Donor 2025
Look at the post above yours...the poster said it came out of a BMW box and says both "BMW" and "UFI"....
To be fair sometimes this changes and also with the possible revisions etc I would also probably buy a genuine filter for a B58. The pic is from FCP but I can confirm the one I bought in NJ in November from a local dealer was marked UFI.
All these new BMW filters feel so cheap compared to the old ones. My S54 filters look like they could take 100x the abuse.
I’m pretty sure BMW filters are like this now for 4 and 6 cyls for genuine mfg filters:
B46/B48 - Mahle
B58 - UFI
S58 - Hengst
Yes, I noticed that. And I also noted that it says "for . . . B58". But what throws me is that the p/n shown on the filter in the picture, does not match the BMW filter p/n that I find, when I search for a genuine BMW filter for my X5, on sites such as FCP, ECS, Autohaus, and such.
Trust, but verify, right?
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
ZF8 fluid.
For rear differential, I think you will have to go BMW OE fluid. BMW differentials in G models require specific fluid with BMW specific additives, and aftermarket blenders are still behind in offering alternatives.
BMW and MB are both getting pretty picky during warranty claims -- I would keep receipts confirming the brand/model oil used.
I would ask the dealer to show you in TIS which oil spec is shown to be recommended for your VIN. Similar to Audi, BMW is only giving limited oil information in the owner's manual nowadays and the information given is geared towards top off, not a full change:
My guess is that your engine probably has LL-17FE+ listed to be the "recommended oil spec," but I would definitely have the dealer look this up for you.
This is probably the best deal going for a LL-17FE+ approved oil:
https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products/22048-MFG1457-V14902.aspx
Lastly, I am not entirely convinced that a LL-01 oil is a significant upgrade over a LL-17FE+ oil (unless you're chasing viscosity), but that is a different debate altogether.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Using Castrol 5W30 just because it is synthetic will definitely get you in trouble.
When they did warranty work on my X5 35d on SCR mixer, they asked me which oil I used, and it was Mobil1 ESP 5W30 LL04. That was the end of the inquiry.
If LL01FE is OK, I would purchase oil in dealership or this:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/sp...ZE-YDjvRHslfm4YYPsBGN9vuLlPie-VBoC-SkQAvD_BwE
It has pretty healthy dose of PAO.
Agreed. $12/L is pretty steep for a LL-01FE approved oil. As much as I dislike the LM fan club, $165 for 20L is a lot more reasonable:
https://www.rmeuropean.com/Products...1ECmCo4IslkflchP53TMsSC--1e3x-mikY8MkHsdFwqCd
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Yeah, if you are buying like that.
If no top-offs are required, the 20L jug is perfect for 3 oil changes (6.5L/ea).
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
Yes, it makes sense. That Liqui Moly aslo has some heafty dose of PAO.
Have no idea. My car +sits in an underground garage where the temps never get below 35*F.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2025
So how does it lubricate if clearances are that tight?
Thick oil is not an issue. Not something it is prudent to use if not necessary, but since B58 is 10yrs old engine, I bet you someone somewhere is using 15W50 to stop the oil consumption. God knows what people use on track.
f355spider
$50 Site Donor 2025
I've never noticed a difference in quality. The oem BWM/Hengst for my M62TU has been supplied by Hengst for like 25+ years.
The quality of the oem BMW/Mahle for my N63TU2 seems exactly the same, though a bit smaller. (but the engine holds 10 quarts versus 8 of the M62)
Personally, I have never had any issues use Mahle/Hengst and Mann. They all seem interchangeable and excellent quality.
UFI is/was used on my some older Ferraris I used to own (a 308GTS and 328GTS) and they were excellent. Many have been cut open and compared to competitive products from Fram, Mobil 1 and Baldwin on Ferrari forums. The Baldwin and UFI were comparable.
Not between the filter brands but between generations. Every generation the construction gets cheaper and more plastic + glue. M/S5x > N based engines > B engines.
Example, S54 filter:
f355spider
$50 Site Donor 2025
I've noticed no construction difference between the M62 and N63 V8 engine filters.
Okay, two more questions for all of the BMW owners here on BITOG. Particularly those that may have experience with the G05 platform, or newer BMW models.
I bought an extended warranty with my X5. But after reading through all the exclusions in the warranty contract, and after also reading so many positive comments about reliability of the B58 engine and ZF 8HP transmission, I'm starting to doubt if there is any value in keeping the warranty. It has a 30 day cancellation clause, allowing me to get a 100% refund.
Two systems on the car that I am concerned about, is the air suspension and all the electronics on the car. I have heard that both can be very expensive to repair. Are my concerns sound? Or no?
Second, I'd like to join a BMW discussion forum. Have any of you found any site that you are particularly impressed with the knowledge and helpfulness of the members there? Any sites I should avoid? I don't want to join a site that is a bunch of BMW chest pounding fan boys, but rather one where I can find real advice and experience, that will help me care for my X5.
please, I'm not interested in hearing from those of you who have a second cousin twice removed, that was the fourth owner of a BMW back in the '90's. Just those that are actually close enough to a newer model BMW, particularly a G05, to be intimately knowledgeable about it's reliability, or lack thereof.
I bought an extended warranty with my X5. But after reading through all the exclusions in the warranty contract, and after also reading so many positive comments about reliability of the B58 engine and ZF 8HP transmission, I'm starting to doubt if there is any value in keeping the warranty. It has a 30 day cancellation clause, allowing me to get a 100% refund.
Two systems on the car that I am concerned about, is the air suspension and all the electronics on the car. I have heard that both can be very expensive to repair. Are my concerns sound? Or no?
Second, I'd like to join a BMW discussion forum. Have any of you found any site that you are particularly impressed with the knowledge and helpfulness of the members there? Any sites I should avoid? I don't want to join a site that is a bunch of BMW chest pounding fan boys, but rather one where I can find real advice and experience, that will help me care for my X5.
please, I'm not interested in hearing from those of you who have a second cousin twice removed, that was the fourth owner of a BMW back in the '90's. Just those that are actually close enough to a newer model BMW, particularly a G05, to be intimately knowledgeable about it's reliability, or lack thereof.
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