Question on 2 BMW's 2018 X3 xDrive 30i and 2017 X5 xDrive35D (Diesel)

[notchy]

I have recently purchased 2 BMW's
- 2018 X3 xDrive 30i
- 2017 X5 xDrive 35d


I want to do my own oil changes as the dealership charges high amounts for something that I can do for a DIY.

So the manual states the X3 is supposed to use LL01-FE, which seems only available from the dealership (overpriced).
Will it be ok to use oil that has BMW LL-01 spec instead?

Also the X5 diesel needs LL-04 oil and that I can find Penzoil and Castrol in Ontario Canada

My question is:

I will be changing my oil every 10,000 km which is 6213 miles

1) Can I buy LL-04 oil and also use it in the X3, which is non diesel ?

2) If I can't find BMW spec oil on sale, can I use any synthetic oil that is A3/B4 for LL01 spec equivalent for X3 and C3 for LL04 spec equivalent for X5 diesel?

 

[RooflessVW]

I would for sure use the same LL04 oil in both cars and run the full 10,000km.

Napa Canada should have a few choices of LL04 for you on the shelf, or online.

 

[notchy]

I would for sure use the same LL04 oil in both cars and run the full 10,000km.

Napa Canada should have a few choices of LL04 for you on the shelf, or online.

Oh so LL04 can be run in both vehicles.

 

[RooflessVW]

Oh so LL04 can be run in both vehicles.

Absolutely.

 

[notchy]

Is my 6200 miles OCI an ok number using the BMW spec oil or go with BMW recommended oil change at 9320 miles = 15,000km

 

[RooflessVW]

Is my 6200 miles OCI an ok number using the BMW spec oil or go with BMW recommended oil change at 9320 miles = 15,000km

I think you'd be fine running the full interval, but I'm more comfortable running decreased intervals.

And 10,000 km is a rounder number. Easy to remember

 

[andreigbs]

Welcome!

+1 on the LL-04, it's what I run in my X3d. Good stuff.

I've used easy to find (and cheap) Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5w30, was happy with it but opted for a slightly better oil since I'm tuned.

I also run the full interval.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Based on your expected interval I see no reason why you can't use LL04 for both.

 

[edyvw]

Run LL04 in both vehicles, and run 10,000km. LL04 is lower-SAPS version of LL01. Since it is lower SAPS (you can research that here) shorten interval in gas engines is desirable. Basically, anything approved for LL04 you can run.
If you cannot find LL04, you can run anything approved for MB229.51 and/or MB229.52 and/or VW504.00/507.00 and/or Porsche C30/C40.