Engine Oil on 2011X35D

[RUHHYAN]

I was recently handed down a 2011 x35d from my uncle for free, and I’ve never worked on BMW cars.

- I’m planning on doing maintenance, what brand of oil do you guys use? I stay in california and it only gets to around 40°F/4°C.
- I’m pretty sure I read something where you can’t just buy any 5w-30 oil at the store to start with it has to be LL04 (No clue what that means).
- I would also like to know what brand/specific oil you guys use for the transmission, and transfercase.

Thank you!
(Attached a photo of the bad boy)

[StradaRedlands]

You have a good uncle! It looks great! Sport seats?

I don't know a super lot about the M57 (although I'm diesel-curious!), so happy to be corrected by others with more knowledge! Here are some good conversations that are based around the 335d but apply to the 35d X70 as well:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1334283

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1615184

Here are some links to FCP Euro, which is a really good resource for BMW owners:

Motor oil (LLO4 is specific to BMW diesel engines): https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/5w3...itan-800360175

Cheaper version: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pennzoil-...uart/495194903

Transmission (Trans is made by ZF, follow their guidelines, not BMW's): https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...4117571227kit2

Transfer Case: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...t-atc300svckit

Differentials (I like Redline fluids): https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...it-33117525064

EGR valve is the weak spot in the M57... probably needs to be removed and cleaned at the least. Read up on delete options. There are kits out there for deleting it and the cooler. Sounds like you're in CA, so anything you do needs to be reversible when smog check comes around. Look up paperclip delete. It's very straightforward and you can leave everything in place. Gives you a CEL, but supposedly reversible when you re-pin it every two years.

Valve cover gasket and oil pan gaskets are problematic on all modern BMWs, so be prepared to replace those. Unfortunately they aren't easy jobs.

I'd recommend buying Bimmergeeks Protools and learning to use it. There are others out there, but a great tool IMO.

But even with all the above, can't beat free!!! Post updates and be part of the community here, it's a good one!

[x5tima]

These cars are impossible to own and drive unless you delete them. Otherwise, you will have a shockingly expensive check engine light come on once a month. Nox sensors, def heater, DPF, SCR, EGR. Thousands every time.

Horrible car with stock emissions. One of the greatest cars BMW ever made when deleted. You live in california so you won't be able to delete. I recommend getting rid of it for that reason.

[jbash87]

Originally Posted by RUHHYAN

I was recently handed down a 2011 x35d from my uncle for free, and I’ve never worked on BMW cars.

- I’m planning on doing maintenance, what brand of oil do you guys use? I stay in california and it only gets to around 40°F/4°C.
- I’m pretty sure I read something where you can’t just buy any 5w-30 oil at the store to start with it has to be LL04 (No clue what that means).
- I would also like to know what brand/specific oil you guys use for the transmission, and transfercase.

Thank you!
(Attached a photo of the bad boy)

Strada gave you all the links you need. But I'll add some advice.

1. If this is your first BMW, sell it immediately. It can be a FANTASTIC car, but not for your first try with BMW. Mostly because its a diesel and you live in Cali.

2. Oil brand recommendations are meaningless. Find oil that is certified to what BMW recommends for your engine and forget the rest. Don't buy the cheapest oil you find at the dollar store and you'll be OK. For diesel, with all the EPA nannies, make sure the oil is diesel specific.

Looks like a pretty decent spec'd X5d! I'm sure someone will gladly take it off your hands.

[POBEP]

I try to stay away from critical feedback, however:

Originally Posted by x5tima

These cars are impossible to own and drive unless you delete them.

I bought mine new in 2012. All stock.

Originally Posted by x5tima

Otherwise, you will have a shockingly expensive check engine light come on once a month. Nox sensors, def heater, DPF, SCR, EGR. Thousands every time.

also not true. you can get these parts for next to nothing if you politely ask forum members.

Originally Posted by x5tima

Horrible car with stock emissions.

works for me

Originally Posted by x5tima

You live in california so you won't be able to delete

not true

Originally Posted by x5tima

I recommend getting rid of it for that reason.

yes - please gift it to me or StradaRedlands (sarcasm)

take care of it and enjoy!

Looks like you have Sport package.
Adaptive drive (a sport button next to shifter) ?

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

Valve cover gasket and oil pan gaskets are problematic on all modern BMWs, so be prepared to replace those.

Not a M57 issue. VCG may harden over the time, but nothing like N52

Mine is bone dry after 12Y/127,000mi

[RUHHYAN]

Crazy because after changing thermostat, NOx and DEF heater, my EGR cooler is now throwing a code.

I appreciate all of the responses from here, I do have a plan for it right after getting my smog donr in California, met some people who made their x35d “reliable” by doing, you know what I mean to the car haha

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by RUHHYAN

I was recently handed down a 2011 x35d from my uncle for free, and I’ve never worked on BMW cars.

- I’m planning on doing maintenance, what brand of oil do you guys use? I stay in california and it only gets to around 40°F/4°C.
- I’m pretty sure I read something where you can’t just buy any 5w-30 oil at the store to start with it has to be LL04 (No clue what that means).
- I would also like to know what brand/specific oil you guys use for the transmission, and transfercase.

Thank you!
(Attached a photo of the bad boy)

engine oil: use BMW LL04 (5W30) and BMW Oil filter only (unless deleted)
transmission: get ZF fluid
transfer case: BMW branded oil
check engine temp after 15 min of driving - if at or below 80C replace thermostat ASAP

[RUHHYAN]

Originally Posted by POBEP

engine oil: use BMW LL04 (5W30) and BMW Oil filter only (unless deleted)
transmission: get ZF fluid
transfer case: BMW branded oil
check engine temp after 15 min of driving - if at or below 80C replace thermostat ASAP

Right after I did my NOx, I decided to change the thermostat as well, but now I have a EGR cooler code (4873, EGR Cooling Plausibility) but i’m replacing the whole EGR cooler itself, and with the EGR code I have a 4D16 SCR Efficiency code, most likely On because of the EGR cooler (hopefully).

[POBEP]

RUHHYAN - you'll hear lots of horror stories about M57Y must be deleted or else.

yes, M57 will "feel" better without emission systems.

however, after one read-the-(service-emissions)-manual for M57Y - it is not a rocket science to address occasional emissions issues.

I am not a mechanic, yet I was able to educate myself and with right diagnostic tools most "scary emissions issues" are actually fairly simple to diagnose and fix.

[POBEP]

Originally Posted by RUHHYAN

Right after I did my NOx, I decided to change the thermostat as well, but now I have a EGR cooler code (4873, EGR Cooling Plausibility) but i’m replacing the whole EGR cooler itself, and with the EGR code I have a 4D16 SCR Efficiency code, most likely On because of the EGR cooler (hopefully).

4D16 is a "parent" (generic) SCR efficiency code. (on MY 2013 it is 4D18)
All it means: "there is an issue with SCR system - perform diagnostics"

After you changed NOx sensors, did you ran ISTA service function to tell the car that it has new ones?

4873 - check vacuum lines and connection to the EGR cooler vacuum switch.
also check its return spring operation

(it looks to me) that during T/S replacement you missed something on EGR cooler reassembly