[ndog14]

As we all know these cars need an extra 1/2 qrt to 1 qrt of oil between changes. It is time for my car. I'm 3.5k away from a free oil change for the 45k service so I am going to add a little oil to hold me over. What is the SAE synthetic blend? If I recall it is 5w-30 but I do not want to be mistaken. Also, what is the spec or something like that? What I am referring to is the other specification one has to check for oil such as if it runs LLAN-01 or other specs? Any help would be great, thank you.

[RoundelM3]

It'll be in your owner's manual, and if not there, it's easy to search for online. You might also check the stickers under your hood. There is also an M-spec oil that is something like 5W-60 that many people prefer in place of the "standard" high-performance BMW synthetic (made by Castrol).

That said, my car has never needed oil between changes...but I only have 33K miles on it. Plus, I'd always change it every 7500 miles on my own nickel (although every change is on my nickel now that my maintenance has run out). I'd never go 15K miles before changing oil and filter, no matter what the manufacturer's recommendation is.

[xG35c]

These cars actually take 5W-40 synthetic, but for a few thousand miles you can put half a quart of whatever is cheapest to get you to the oil change!

[ndog14]

The previous owner had it changed at a dealer every 5k. I do not know why he did that especially since he bought an extended maintenance which I'm taking advantage of. The car is at 41.5k and the next oil change is at 45k so I do not want to run the risk for how cheap a qrt of oil is compared to a new engine.

So I found this list in the DIY section, http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=478346. It clarifies that for US bimmers they need LL-01 oil.

What gets me is the different SAEs. On this DIY, http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...1-e92-e93.html, it says to use 5W30 BMW Oil or Mobil 1 0W40 oil or Castrol European Formula 0W30. I do see the Mobil 1 oil but I do not see the designated Castrol oil. As long as the Castrol is synthetic LL-01 0W30 will it be fine?

[witeagle]

if you are worried about using castrol synthetic or mobil 1 5w30 or 0W30/40, just go to the dealer and pick up a quart of oil with the overpriced 'BMW' stamp on it!

[ndog14]

How much does a quart of bmw oil cost?

[ctuna]

You are being ripped off.

Its about the same as any full synthetic you would buy off the shelf.
Its basically Euro Spec Castrol.

I actually think 8 bucks is kind of a rip but thats what you find full synthetic at pep boys
or autozone at now.

[ndog14]

Because the previous owner only took it to the dealer my concern is mixing the BMW 5W30 with either the Mobil 1 0W40 or the Castrol 0W30.

[queensfield]

My suggestion would be not to mix oils. They may use different additives that may reduce their effectiveness.

[ndog14]

I am going to spend the extra $3 to match.