Specifications and keeping an oil inventory (stash) at home

[wemay]

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...astrol-edge-0w-40-lost-ll-01#Post5038988

The link above is used as reference to show that EDGE 0w40 no longer shows BMW approval yet it has for some time befor this.

When it comes to specs, how can a manufacturer insure which one you used? As far as I know, they can't. That could lead to the OEM saying you used an oil out of spec if the current standing of said oil is such yet you used a jug from your stash that was IN spec.

I really doubt that scenario occurs in any significant number.

Conversely, the average joe who used "Edge 0w40" because the first time he read the bottle it had the LL spec, may not read the bottle on subsequent purchases and now be out of spec but I doubt the dealership will care.

 

[OilUzer]

short of major abuse (nasty sludge, low or no oil damage, etc.), I don't think dealership will or can test if the oil meets certain spec. Can uoa determine what spec the oil doesn't meet and win in the court? idk

As far as buying a wrong oil, you need to pay attention every time you buy.

Last but not least, imho buying the right grade, is the most important thing. I see a lot of nice cars & BMW's in quick lube places (I drive by a few) and i doubt if any of them use/have the exact spec.
Not saying you should ignore the spec but that's the way it is in real life. Average Joe thinks oil is oil

Some of these European cars better improve their cars & engines instead of requiring special oil. lol

 

[wemay]

Valvoline Instant Oil Change here does. I've seen them receive a shipment of 5w40 MST etc while there.

 

[RooflessVW]

Originally Posted by OilUzer
Some of these European cars better improve their cars & engines instead of requiring special oil. lol

Yep, those darn European Chevys and Chrysler's and Fords!

 

[OilUzer]

Originally Posted by rooflessVW
Originally Posted by OilUzer
Some of these European cars better improve their cars & engines instead of requiring special oil. lol

Yep, those darn European Chevys and Chrysler's and Fords!

However I rather drive any of the above over a BMW

Used to like European cars when I was in high school.
I now like American cars like Toyota Tundra built in TX y'all. lol

 

[wemay]

Delete post

 

[LotI]

Regarding the stash. I feel that if the oil meets the specifications of the vehicle when purchased, then keep a stash. I have 5 year old oils that I use with confidence. I am always on the lookout for oils for a great price. At one point I had over 150 quarts of various grades but have managed to chisel away at it, currently at 80. I service 3 cars, 3 bikes, and numerous OPE. There will always be an engine or friend in need of oil. It has been shown it doesn't go bad sitting on a (relatively) climate controlled shelf.

I service a supercharged R53 MINI that requires LL-01. If I saw a bottle that met all the other Euro specs but not BMW's, I would seriously consider it, especially if it were a great price. The average Joe, probably not. The filler cap on the MINI says 5w30 with Castrol mentioned. We know that there aren't many 5w30 LL-01 oils out there so the average Joe will grab some GTX and fill 'er up. Same thing at the quick lube.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

Originally Posted by wemay
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/foru...astrol-edge-0w-40-lost-ll-01#Post5038988

The link above is used as reference to show that EDGE 0w40 no longer shows BMW approval yet it has for some time befor this.

When it comes to specs, how can a manufacturer insure which one you used? As far as I know, they can't. That could lead to the OEM saying you used an oil out of spec if the current standing of said oil is such yet you used a jug from your stash that was IN spec.

I really doubt that scenario occurs in any significant number.

Conversely, the average joe who used "Edge 0w40" because the first time he read the bottle it had the LL spec, may not read the bottle on subsequent purchases and now be out of spec but I doubt the dealership will care.


The vast majority of cases the vehicle will be out of the factory warranty period so it's a moot point. Of course there's always a chance that BMW NA or the third party warranty could request a UOA to confirm something like viscosity if there's no visible sign of sludge which could indicate either a lack of changes and/or incorrect oil.