I ask this question with a lot of hesitation, knowing that this is an oil-related question ... but here goes.

I used the BMW-branded synthetic for years on my 2008 550i during oil changes. Recently, I switched to Mobil 1 0w-40 European formula. Oddly, I noticed a slight vibration whenever the engine was idling. It's nothing serious, and very slight, but enough that I can notice it. I didn't think of this too much, but waited 7,500 miles before the next oil change and switched to the BMW oil again. The vibration stopped. After another 7,500 miles, I switched back to the Mobil 1 and the vibrations started again! I live in San Francisco so the ambient temperature / conditions didn't change much over this test period (about a year). It's odd given that the Mobil 1 fits BMW's criteria ...

There's no other issues and the vibration is very slight. I don't think I'm doing any damage to the engine, but this is perhaps an issue with the oil viscosity (5w-30 for BMW oil vs. 0w-40 for the Mobil 1). Again, being in a moderate climate which really only varies between 40-70 degrees probably pushes for the 5w-30, but curious if anyone has experienced this particular phenomenon.

Thanks and hopefully I haven't opened up a (bad) can of worms ...

 

I believe the oil could be the sole factor in your experience. I've had equally dramatic experiences in a couple of cars. My 2006 530xi LOVES Castrol Edge 0W40. Years ago i had a 2005 GTO, purred like a kitten with pennzoil platinum, yet ticked and clicked like a ford on Mobil-1. Once you find something your motor responds well too, keep it.

That said, i've read BMW oil is Castrol, so that may be worth checking out/trying.

 

BMW did source Castol and now uses Shell. Not trying to burst your bubble -- I don't believe you can tell any difference from one oil change to the next in an vibration using oils so similar. It is something else.

 

It could also easily be that your injectors need cleaning, spark plugs need replacing, or both. Neither is ever a bad idea.

 

Don't really think oil can be the cause of vibration as long as you still use fully synthetic and the same viscosity. In the end if you are putting the same viscosity and rating of oil in your car, you should be just fine. The Mobil 1 oil you are using should be BMW LL-01 certified so no problems there. You could try Castrol Edge 5w30 next oil change which you can get at walmart for pretty cheap and see if that makes a difference.

 

+1 I'm fairly skeptical as well that the brand of synthetic oil could result in engine vibration. Engine vibration would appear to point to a much more serious issue (e.g. insufficient lubrication).

 

I know this is an old post and I’m like 3 years late and all looool..

but it’s insane how much I can relate to this thread!

i searches “5w30 LL-01” on this website and found ur thread haha




anyways long story short same problem happened to me recently when I used castrol 5w40 the car (‘07 530xi)


shakes whenever I start it for the first 5-10 secs maybe but it’s more when I go for a ride and then idle a bit.. sometimes

it gets pretty violent.. one of my coils ended up misfiring that I had replaced already not that long ago.. ofc I use Bosch and when I took the old one out I noticed a s*it ton of oil inside the cylinder... I always had a little oil leak but nothing very serious (and no it didn’t become worst now) but it wasn’t like this.. now I know this may sound crazy but somehow I feel like different oil brands & grades react very differently.. I feel like somehow this last kind of oil I used was maybe a lot “smoother/lubricated” which May have caused more to spill but idk





Ive only ever put 5w30 different brands mostly and the one time I decided to try castrol 5w40 ll-01 this happened.. maybe it’s not castrol and it’s the filter itself coulda been a defect or just not the exact size.. or could be the 5w40




i just bought Pennzoil Euro 5w40 (LL-01) so if nothing changes I’ll try a euro 5w30 on the next oil change and we’ll see! If anyone ever wants to know the results just quote me here or message me.

 

My car used to burn through a qt or so every 5k miles with Mobil 1 0w30. Switched to Castrol 0W40, problem gone. Cheap at Walmart.

 

where avoids do u live? I’m told in Ottawa, Canada it’s not recommended to use 0w instead of 5w.. i admit I’m not very educated when it comes to European cars and their oils since this is my first bimmer I wish someone with a 07 530xi (or even 530i) could relate to my struggle(s) and just point me in the right direction lol!

 

Here is a link to point you in the right direction. www.bobistheoilguy.com

And no I am not Bob the Oil guy.

Salut, Bob P.