olli_535d

If I'm doing everything right, you should be able to see a couple of PDF files attached, one being the latest namely approved oil list for BMW Longlife 04 and the other one for BMW Longlife 01. Not all oils will be available everywhere, due to regional availabilities. The list is, obviously, mainly EU based.
LL04 oils should not be used in petrol BMW outside the EU, as they might cause problems due to different petrol standards and qualities.

Thought I'd share them, as it might help to ease confusion (or add to it) for some

LL04.pdf
LL01.pdf

aybeesea

Thanks Olli.

Is it the case that only Castrol makes 0W-30 oil (and is that what would be best used in the 535d)?

I really like the fact that you can order the "BMW" oil by the lorry load!

ABC

olli_535d

It indeed looks like Castrol are the only 0w-30 manufacturers. If it is the ultimate one to use, i couldn't honestly say. And I know you like facts, only and not assumptions, but I am still sure it's most certainly one of the best on the list.
The crux with dealers (UK and also Germany) is that, as opposed to Daimler Chrysler, which buys oil centrally, BMW doesn't do that and dealers can use whatever they can get hold of cheapest, as long it's on the approved list. I know Sytner group uses the Mobil stuff and remember you saying that your dealer uses Castrol. There are also quite a few using the Shell products.
I have been using Castrol GTX 9 Magnatec on my first oil change (it's what is classed as "Motoroel Longlife 04 SAE 5w-30" with BMW label in the list) and it was fine. Just had my second change done last week and Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 went in for that one. Personally, I don't think it really makes a difference.

If you are happy and feel safer with the 0w-30 Castrol, then I'd stick with the Edge TD (formerly SLX LL04).
Again, I doubt there are differences in modern technology oils approved to the same spec that we will discover, even if we had the occasional track use, but then I would change at intermediate intervals anyway.

I know, in the end, no real answer to your question. Sorry.

Also like the idea of ordering a lorry load.

aybeesea

I was thinking not only of the engine but my twin baby turbos.

Does the oil grade have a bearing (ha ha) on this?

ABC

olli_535d

Nice word play.

Yes, it will, but not to a degree that Edge 0W-30 will make a difference to e.g. Mobil 1 ESP 5w-30. They are both extremely quick to get through the engine.

My turn now, The Castrol might have the "Edge" in extremely cold climates, which we will probably never see in the UK and even the scandinavian dealerships use 5w-30.

Straying off topic regards the turbo, I am of the opinion that our dual stage charging is much less likely to fail than the other models with single turbos. As we have two fixed vane turbos complementing each other compared to the variable vane setups of the single units, there is less technology in each of them hence less to go wrong. I used to be paranoid about that when I initially bought mine, but in the 2.5 years this engine now exists, I think I have heard of only one failure of the small unit, while 530d E60 owners still had their's replaced at a much higher rate. Might be milkmaid style thinking, but might have a point.

KAF

Bottom Line of the LL-04 page being ' BMW recommends Castrol.'

Wonder how much they get paid for that ?

my530i

Thanks, Olli

k44ent

So what oil should I be putting in my 520d, which list should I be using
Thanks

olli_535d

The LL04 list. Other than that, it's up to you

k44ent

Thanks for that