Hello, been visiting the forum occasionally for a few years but couldn't find much existing discussion or documentation regarding my question so I made an account.
I recently started using Pennzoil Euro LX 0W30 (VW504, C30, MB229.52) in both:
-2019 Golf GTI (EA888, VW508 sticker under hood)
-1998 BMW 540i (M62 pre-VVT, LL01/LL04 per BMW backspec)
Obviously, LX 0W30 doesn't carry any BMW specs, while the L 5W30 is LL04 approved. However, to me, I don't see any reason to buy a different oil for the BMW as they have very similar KV100°C (11.9 vs 12.1cSt) while the LX has a small advantage at 40°C (~60 vs ~70cSt) and both meet very similar ACEA and manufacturer specs. I haven't been able to find out what compromises, if any, were made to get LX to this high viscosity index. However, judging by the UOAs I found on this forum and the fact that it is approved for VW504 which many users seem to agree is one of the most demanding manufacturer specs, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be adequate for the M62.
Just wanted to hear some more knowledgeable opinions on this, as I can switch to either Euro L 5W30 or Euro 5W40 next change if there's a reason to.
I recently started using Pennzoil Euro LX 0W30 (VW504, C30, MB229.52) in both:
-2019 Golf GTI (EA888, VW508 sticker under hood)
-1998 BMW 540i (M62 pre-VVT, LL01/LL04 per BMW backspec)
Obviously, LX 0W30 doesn't carry any BMW specs, while the L 5W30 is LL04 approved. However, to me, I don't see any reason to buy a different oil for the BMW as they have very similar KV100°C (11.9 vs 12.1cSt) while the LX has a small advantage at 40°C (~60 vs ~70cSt) and both meet very similar ACEA and manufacturer specs. I haven't been able to find out what compromises, if any, were made to get LX to this high viscosity index. However, judging by the UOAs I found on this forum and the fact that it is approved for VW504 which many users seem to agree is one of the most demanding manufacturer specs, I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be adequate for the M62.
Just wanted to hear some more knowledgeable opinions on this, as I can switch to either Euro L 5W30 or Euro 5W40 next change if there's a reason to.