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      04-03-2013, 11:49 PM   #1
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Mobil 1 5W-30 Motor Oil: Not Another Oil Thread!!!

Hello all.

I was hoping to receive some guidance and knowledge from the experts (while avoiding any nonconstructive comments) about motor oil.

Additionally, this post is specific to M54 engines equipped Z4s.


From what I read on page 87 of the (2005 Z4) owner's manual, BMW indicates to only use approved High Performance Synthetic Oils. Such as BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866 - BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil.

In the Service and Warranty booklet, on page 3, it states:
"Your BMW is factory-equipped with a newly-developed synthetic engine oil. At the time of the printing of this booklet BMW High-Performance Synthetic 5W-30 Oil (Part Number 07 51 0 017 866) and Mobil 1 5W-30 and 5W-40 oils are strongly recommended and approved by BMW for the BMW Z4 models. BMW is evaluating various synthetic oils for inclusion in our list of recommended motor oils."
On BMW's currently approved list of long-life rated LL-01 synthetic oils, it includes Mobil 1 0W-40, .... but not 5W-30.


My question/concern is why is Mobil 1 5W-30 not a "currently approved" oil?

In terms of viscosity it is an SAE 5W-30, just like the BMW Synthetic.
The only difference I see is:
The BMW synthetic meets all the requirements of ACEA A3/B3 and API SL, while...
Mobil 1 5W-30 meets ACEA A1/B1 and A5/B5 and API SM,SL
(for completeness, Mobil 1 0W-40 meets ACEA A3)


From my understanding both ACEA A1 and A5 are "Stable, stay-in-grade oil intended for use at extended drain intervals in high performance gasoline engines." Perhaps the main difference is the A5 is for "engines designed to be capable of using low friction low viscosity oils with a High temperature / High shear rate viscosity of 2.9 to 3.5 mPa.s."


So can Mobil 1 5W-30 be used on BMW Z4 models, (as stated in the service booklet)?
or, not, since it isn't rated BMW Long-life LL-01 nor does it meet ACEA A3?


Thank you for reading, and thanks for your cooperative input.

P.S. I've include some attachments with some information I looked-up.[/SIZE]
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      04-04-2013, 01:20 AM   #2
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I've been using various Mobil1 (5W30, 0W30, and 10W40) on my 2004 M54 X5 for almost 6 years now without issue - not burning a single drop of oil (well...may be 1/2 a quart every 8k to 9k miles if that). If I could get Mobil1 0W40 for a reasonable price, I would use that...but I couldn't find that at my local Walmart joint First 4 years of the cars' life was using BMW's oil under the "free maintenance" plan. As long as you change it out regularly (at least once per year for low mileage), I wouldn't sweat it. Any of the Mobil1 with API SM or better should be good.
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      04-04-2013, 04:08 PM   #3
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My understanding is ACEA A3 has a high-temperature-high-shear viscosity rating that is normally not met by common US oils formulated for fuel economy. There are also cam wear tests that the A3 oils excel, which I worry more about. Mobil 0W-40 Euro-Formula can be bought online often with free shipping and is worth the extra price to me. Mobil has pics on their web site showing this specific oil actually cleaning up sludge in a BMW engine after 4k miles. Disclaimer - I don't work for Mobil and often buy Motul 5W-40!
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      04-08-2013, 10:41 PM   #4
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yeah the 0w40 is hit or miss at local walmarts, some store has tons, some store have empty shelves
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      04-09-2013, 10:22 AM   #5
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Thanks for the input,

I agree, it shouldn't be a problem going with the Mobil 1 5W-30 as long as you perform regular maintenance. Engine oil consumption and integrity also depends on the particular driving style and habits. In my case, my Z4 is a low mileage vehicle and I never drive it hard - or at least I try not to. I'll supplement the jug with 2 quarts of the BMW High Performance 5W-30 Synthetic.

I bought a jug of Mobil 1 5W-30 from Walmart some time ago when it was on sale. I remember they also carried 0W-40 (European Formula)... I just can't recall which one of my local Wally-Worlds I was at.
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