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I do the oil changes on my vehicles not covered by BMW under their free In warranty maintenance program.
Here in 🇨🇦, I was using LL 01 rated oil....but switched to LL 04.... Currently I use 5W30 year round (no change from dealer/manual). Currently using it in the E71 X6M.... and will switch our other vehicles once BMW quit the free servicing.
With time on my hands I researched the switch to LL04...specifically ACEA C3 / A3/B4 Low SAPS rated oil....
I also only used Top Tier ⛽️.
Wondering if anyone else is using LL 04...and in addition if “anyone” not just in a colder climate uses 0W30/40...either year round or through the winter months...
Below is the best info/link I have found to sum things up that is current. As much info is dated...or plain wrong. But the whole premise here is that our gas in North America is really in fact a lot closer to European specs since 2014....
“LL-04 (2005). API SN. ACEA C3 (similar to A3). SAE 5W30, 5W40. The LL-04 oils have been greatly misunderstood in the past but this is now in greater demand. Most LL-04 oils are intended for Diesels, although it was also approved for gas engines in Europe and other world markets. BMW never certified LL-04 for the US (see below). Diesel oil has long been valued by engine builders and tuners because of its higher levels of ZDDP and higher HTHS ratings, both are excellent indicators of engine protection at higher temperatures. LL-04 also has a lower SAPS value which is good news for direct-injection engines (all BMW turbo engines since 2007).
As part of the efforts to make engine oil more environmentally friendly, the US EPA required ZDDP levels to be reduced in gasoline oil. However, Diesel oil was exempt from ZDDP reduction. BMW never certified LL-04 for the US market because a) there weren't many Diesels for sale here, b) it was incompatible with the high amounts of sulfur and Ethanol in US fuel. However, since 2014 our gasoline more closely matches European formulas and interest in LL-04 has increased. LL-04 and LL-01 are interchangeable/compatible but LL-04 is preferred for its higher ZDDP and low SAPS.”
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