Oil Advice

[SgtGigglebox]

Hey guys, I've searched and didn't really see what I was hunting for...

I'm trying to find the best option for oil on a 2006 3.0si. Basically, the car has been sold to a family member that isn't excited about the almost $200 that BMW wants to change the oil.

Obviously, she can just pick up oil at the dealership, or a run of the mill synthetic 5W-40, but I was curious if there were any "we all love this oil" sort of situations. There seemed to be plenty of M guidance, but I couldn't find anything specific for the si.

Any intel would be appreciated.

[KLH]

Check the owners manual for oil specs.

There are several synthetics that meet and exceed BMW reqirements.

[SgtGigglebox]

Originally Posted by KLH

Check the owners manual for oil specs.

There are several synthetics that meet and exceed BMW reqirements.

Fair enough

[3point0]

if the si manual is anything like the pre-facelift one, the spec is: "use BMW approved oil, contact your dealer for more info"; not that useful in the grand scheme of things. googling BMW oil specs N54 might bear more answers

[WAMz4]

Keep in mind, if the car is a daily driver (Not going to be tracked or driven in extreme conditions) BMW only recommends the oil changed once a year. Considering I changed the oil on every other car I've ever owned 4 times a year or 3-5k miles. At 30-40 bucks each time, the once a year price pretty much breaks even.

I'll leave the argument about how often the oil should be changed to others. But it's probably a safe bet that under "average" driving conditions, BMW's recommended interval is ok, and fairly priced.

(Personally, I change the oil twice a year. Once at an indy shop, and once at the dealer where they reset the service interval. I think others in the forum do this as well.)

[brock5ga]

Mobil 1 0W40 specified for European Vehicles. Available in the 5 qt jugs at Wally World reasonably priced. I order a handful of Mann filters from Rock Auto when I order some other things as well. Come with the filter cover o-ring and the drain plug washer.

[wolfman1807]

Originally Posted by brock5ga

Mobil 1 0W40 specified for European Vehicles. Available in the 5 qt jugs at Wally World reasonably priced. I order a handful of Mann filters from Rock Auto when I order some other things as well. Come with the filter cover o-ring and the drain plug washer.

+1 on that.

[KLH]

Look for BMW LL-04 on the label. If it's there, you're good to go. If it's not, you risk catastrophic engine failure.

[Caddyshk]

Originally Posted by brock5ga

Mobil 1 0W40 specified for European Vehicles. Available in the 5 qt jugs at Wally World reasonably priced. I order a handful of Mann filters from Rock Auto when I order some other things as well. Come with the filter cover o-ring and the drain plug washer.

Rock Auto brokers the shipment and invoice from another company's warehouse...

[brock5ga]

Originally Posted by Caddyshk

Rock Auto brokers the shipment and invoice from another company's warehouse...

Still haven't found a better price. Most parts I order for the work I do at home are less than my wholesale price through the shop. There are a few things I will not order due to warranty concerns.

[Caddyshk]

Originally Posted by brock5ga

Still haven't found a better price. Most parts I order for the work I do at home are less than my wholesale price through the shop. There are a few things I will not order due to warranty concerns.

They have the best B2C Catalog going

[SgtGigglebox]

To confirm, Mobil 1 - 0W40 for the win?

[brock5ga]

Originally Posted by Caddyshk

They have the best B2C Catalog going

Watch if you order the closeout listings. I have had a few concerns along with one issue. Ordered a Ford ignition module listed as the higher end Standard part number, came in a ziploc bag with the number written on the bag and no markings. Ordered a Jeep fan clutch, box was covered in oil and only 2 of 4 new bolts were included. Ordered a window motor for a RAV4 which Cardone had recently changed to repair only, only to receive and not have enough ___ to lift the window. Looks like it could have been previously installed. Everything I have ordered new has been no issue.

[brock5ga]

Originally Posted by SgtGigglebox

To confirm, Mobil 1 - 0W40 for the win?

You can go to most major oil manufacturers websites and look up their application by vehicle. Mobil 1 is my preferred choice, though everyone has their opinions. If it does not meet the factory specs, they will usually show it as no listing. The Mobil 1 0W40 is the properly listed oil for your vehicle, and what I keep in the garage for my 03.

[brock5ga]

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx Required maintenance work or services should be performed for your vehicle by your authorized BMW center.

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is recommended for scheduled engine oil changes.

BMW High Performance SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Oil* (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866)

* Does not apply to M vehicles - see below

BMW recommends that you check your engine oil level whenever you add fuel to your vehicle.

If you need to add oil between oil changes and BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil is unavailable, you may top up the oil level with one of the following approved synthetic oils. For information on checking your engine oil level refer to your vehicle's Owner's Manual.

The oils listed below meet BMW's Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in BMW Passenger vehicles and SAVs in the US market with gasoline engines.

BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market:

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30



Use only oils with an API rating of SM or higher.

The choice of the right SAE grade is based on the climatic conditions in the region in which you normally drive your BMW.

To best determine which SAE grade is best suited for your vehicle, contact an authorized BMW center.

[ricanbandit]

I change my oil religiously every 3K miles. Overkill some may say, I say its a couple of sushi diners less and a whole lot more piece of mind. I usually use an Indy as I do not have the space to do so myself. But as stated above, you can't go wrong with any of these. Chose one and then stick with it.

Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30

Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40

Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30

Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

[SgtGigglebox]

Thanks guys!

[ricanbandit]

By the way Sarge... I am moving to the DC metro area in about a week, any tips regarding the area would be great. Germantown is where we are headed.

[SgtGigglebox]

Originally Posted by ricanbandit

By the way Sarge... I am moving to the DC metro area in about a week, any tips regarding the area would be great. Germantown is where we are headed.

You bet, but its going to be a lot less exciting than South Florida

I'll pm you my email.

[ANUSTART]

I went with the Valvoline option and it's worked fine. And best of all it's available at Wallyworld for around $25 for the 5quart container.