roadmax

Engine
When using BMW engine oil what would be a better choice 5W-30 or 5W40 ?

Transmission
110 K and not sure if automatic tranny pan/filter has been replaced, is it really required to be replaced or just the oil, what type and capacity?

twh

Either is fine. They should be synthetic and have BMW LL01 markings.

On the tranny...I'd change the filter and oil if I was you.

roadmax

Differential at the same time intervals as transmission?
What BMW oil types for tranny and differential?

twh

Differential is fine too if you want. IMO, differential is less needed than tranny.

I get my BMW transmission stuff from The California Transmission Supply Company.

westsidebalto

What brand are you looking at? It can be quite confusing, as there are many 5W-30 and 5W-40 oils that do NOT meet BMW spec. Most recently, Mobil 1 0W-40 became non-BMW approved and Mobil now has no offerings for BMW (don't use their 5W-30!)

Pennzoil has a couple of Euro offerings that work, but make sure they are the Euro spec and meet BMW spec on the back. Same with Castrol.

roadmax

Looking for BMW oils from the dealer, for engine, tranny and diff.
Are there only 1 type particularly for tranny and diff. or BMW offers multiple choices?
This would be for '08 550i automatic sport version.

twh

Engine oil....go to Walmart and get the Castrol European formula 0W-40. It is BMW LL01 listed. Get two 5 gallon jugs for about $24 each. Keep the leftover for the next oil change.

Transmission...get the correct pan and oil for your transmission from Genuine ZF Parts

Differential...get it from the BMW dealer.

roadmax

Is it Castrol Edge? There is Mobil European Formula...

twh

Yea, it is Castol Edge 0W-40 and says "European Formula" on the bottle someplace. Look at the label and it says BMW LL01. $22.97 at the local Walmart.

roadmax

About differential oil, BMW has few types, not sure what is the part number (or exact name) required for E60 550i differential.
Also have '99 3 series that most likely takes different BMW oil type for differential.


Any advise please?