Originally Posted By: StuDawg
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: StuDawg
Originally Posted By: OVERKILL
Anyways, my point is that I don't think the BMW 5w-30 is a bad oil. But I don't think it is necessarily a great oil either. There are better choices like M1 0w-40, PU 5w-40....etc that carry the BMW endorsement.
As I stated earlier, those oils no longer carry the BMW endorsement. I say again,
the only oil endorsed by BMW is BMW 5w30, except for M cars where a Castrol oil is on the list.
If you're referring to the marketing-driven text on BMWUSA's website, then it can be misleading. It's been crafted in a way to scare the customer into only using BMW 5w-30 oil. In reality, any oil meeting the LL-01 spec can be used, and this includes oils such as M1 0w-40, PU 5w-40, Castrol 0w-30, Castrol 0w-40, etc.
updated BMW approved oils
For non-M vehicles, they dont even say anything about LL01, they just say "we recommend BMW 5W30", and thats it.
It is just how they word it:
Originally Posted By: BMW USA
BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is
recommended for scheduled engine oil changes.
Note they are saying RECOMMENDED, not REQUIRED
As QP noted, the intention is to scare the consumer into using BMW's branded lubricant.
Also, you might find this funny (or maybe not) but the US market is the only one that BMW went back on their recommendation for LL-01 lubricants in the S62 post 03/00. Canada, Germany....etc all still call for LL-01 oils in this engine, whilst the USA calls for TWS 10w-60, LOL!
The other BMW global sites have different verbiage:
http://www.bmw.ie/ie/en/owners/maintenance/Oil.html
Quote:
The Castrol 0W-30 lubricant offers a 1% fuel saving due to its low friction qualities. It also reduces emissions, prolongs catalyst and diesel particulate filter life and increases wear protection. This is the oil that is in the car when it leaves the factory. In short it helps to deliver the Efficient Dynamics package in full.
BMW Service Authorised Workshops only use oils that meet BMW requirements thereby ensuring extended service intervals and the continued benefits of BMW Efficient Dynamics.