[rotarypower101]

Mobil 1 0W-40 is what everyone is saying here via search.
But the manual states Mobil 1 10W-40

Why the disparity of stated weight?
Why is it OK to go directly against what the manual states?
Typo???

How important is the LL01 rating?
Do I need to make sure this rating is on the packaging?
Does this take precedence over weight somehow?

Which oil selections can I make if I want to source oil locally?

I read about full oil change and filter kits from "Tisher" (dead links) being a good way to do it...,who are the current suppliers of a BMW "oil change kit" ?

Any good threads that will clarify and simplify my understanding of what oil to use based on my location for ease of use and easy accessibility to find the correct oils?

TIA

[cmg5461]

So the "W" in oil ratings is the viscosity at cold temperatures. The lower the number, the faster & easier it flows at colder temperatures (very important for cold climates and turbos). Running 0W instead of 10W effectively means the 0W will lubricate the engine quicker when it's cold. Usually the deciding factor comes down to cost for OEMs. If you live in a warm climate, 0W and 10W will be nearly the same during startup. Both 40 weights will behave the same at operating temp (identical brands).

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Just go with LL-01 and you'll be fine. The manual only has known brands and products at the times of publication.

In your case, Mobil 1 0W-40 is correct.

[floydarogers]

The LL01 spec allows oils in a specific cold and hot viscosity range. Those ranges encompass oils with cold viscosity of 0-10 and hot of 30-40. The LL01 spec also has a bunch of other things regarding shear, hths, TBN, phosphates, sulfur and other junk.

The SAE weight of the oil is much less important than the LL01 spec. SAE ratings are essentially useless for current engine oils. The ACEA ratings are much more descriptive (of synthetic oils), but still not as specific as the LL01 and ratings used by other German manufacturers.

[elinstylez]

Factory spec is Mobil 1 0w-40. I've found 1 gal. jugs for $20 at Walmart.

But I recently had an oil change done at the dealer and the invoice says 5w-30 so...

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by elinstylez

Factory spec is Mobil 1 0w-40. I've found 1 gal. jugs for $20 at Walmart.

But I recently had an oil change done at the dealer and the invoice says 5w-30 so...

The dealer's 5w30 is the OEM BMW branded Castrol. My manual says nothing about Mobil 1, but the only US Mobil 1 approved by BMW is the 0w40.

Tom

[elinstylez]

Originally Posted by Tom K.

The dealer's 5w30 is the OEM BMW branded Castrol. My manual says nothing about Mobil 1, but the only US Mobil 1 approved by BMW is the 0w40.

Tom

Good to know. Thanks, Tom!

[thomas88162]

M1 0W-40 is a great oil. It protects engine parts in a wide range of temperatures, provides stellar lubrication, and it does a very good job of keeping the engine clean. I will use it on anything that has been neglected, just because it is that good at cleaning out engines. The LL01 rating means a lot to most, but I wouldn't let it sway you away from a known good oil either. Truthfully, it doesn't matter what you use as long as it is synthetic and you change it routinely.

[PureE92]

I personally use 10W-40 because its hot as fuck in texas.

[mansito]

As others have said, any LL01 oil is fine. I use the viscosity recommended by BMW. All the following synthetic brands meet BMW LL01 requirements and are widely available in the US: Valvoline, Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, and Havoline

I buy any of these brands that is on sale. Walmart, Autozone, Advance Auto, O'Reilly, Costco, etc., usually have sales these oils. I also change my oil at approximately y 7.5K miles.