Which oil is recommended to be used for oil change. On the BMW oil cap it says Castrol. But when you buy the oil from BMW themselves it just says bmw performance oil. Is it better to go with that, or can I goto my local autoparts and get the higher grade synthetic castrol stuff?

 

There you have it, again .

Read more here.

 

I'd say stick with one of the big names like Mobil 1, Shell, Castrol and choose a fully synthetic oil that meets or exceeds BMW requirement. In your case, I think it must be at least BMW LL04 (=LongLife 2004).

 

Depending on pricing.

I usually go to Autozone and pick up Castrol 0W-30 (German Castrol) or Mobil 1 European Formula 0W-40

Both are BMW LL01 or whatever the requirement is.

 

Well, I got rid off the Castrol last year.... I am using Lumbro Molly 10W60 on my 545i (yes it is the M oil) for months and it is amazing. An BMW independent veteran-expert told me that 10W60 is designed for M cars because they rev high but it can be used on non-M perfectly. I also was told that non-M cars can be programmed to 7000rpm if we used 10W60 oil. That type of oil keeps the engine cooler. That is another secret that BMW don't want us to know and they want we use normal sync oil. However the 10W60 is a expensive oil.

You would be surprised if you use 10W60 on non-M cars as I did.

 

Wow! $8.00 a quart (+shipping) from Bavauto.com

 

Yup, that one.

It is debatable, if you want to read a large thread regarding "10W60 or 5W30": http://www.m5board.com/vbulletin/e39-m5-e5...ch-carlson.html

IMO:

10W60 = spirited drivers
5w30 or 0W40 = comfortable drivers

It is your choice.

 

I was going to do a diy but decided against becauseee, all the oil, filters, plug came out to about $144cdn. Dealership charges $150cdn for oil change. hmmm lol But this 10w60 vs 5w30 has got me thinking, since 90% of driving is highly spirited lol