i hope its ok to ask you guys ( i did tried searching) but first is i cant remember which one i use last time when i got the idrive msg "engine oil in in minimum level" now i just want to make sure i'll be getting the correct match for my car, ive read that the brand castrol is the best to use so is the castrol syntec 0W30 ok on my car??? thanks in advance, sorry for maybe a bit lazy and did not search further :D thanks again!!! :D

I tried "Q" High Performance oil this time around, but I didn't see a huge improvement in gas mileage or engine idle. I think Castrol Syntec or Mobile One Synthetic may be some of the better performing oils.

so the castrol syntec 0W30 is ok correct?? thanks man!!!! :D :thumbsup:

It has to meet certain criteria, look on the back of the bottle for:

1) ACEA A3 certification
2) BMW LL-01 certified

And obviously be synthethic. I used Mobil 1 ow-30 (IIRC, myabe -40)

But just because the weights are the same doesn't mean it has those certifications, so double check for them.

we use either castrol or mobil 1 :)

many thanks again guys!! gotta love the E60 family here!!! :D :thumbsup:

i use lubro moly 5w40
Great oil, but pretty expensive.
Ive also been told to try 5w60

Isn't it bad to mix different oil viscosity? I think the dealership puts 5W30 in our cars. Has anyone tried using Amsoil 5W30?

yes, I use 10w60 on my 545i that is an M oil and works perfectly on non-m cars. I am using it for 1 year and zero problem. the car runs very smooth and that oil is very helpful for high rpms.

oops yea, 10w60

German castrol (available at autozone, "european formula").

Or believe it or not, the exact same stuff at the dealer is like $1 less a quart (BMW oil)

German Castrol is 0W30 and BMW oil is 5W30.

Where did you get the information indicating they are the same?

i use Castrol 5w30...should i be using 0w30? does that even exist lol..

it does exist autozone :D

I think the whole oil debate is overrated. Get a name brand synthetic in the right visco and you're set. Honestly, has anyone heard of engine failures due to improper oil(sans non-synthetic)? People can debate over additives and detergents till the cows come home. Just my $.02
Will

Well you can say that if you want, but when your talking about a $50K+ investment, I think it would be who of you to at least use the proper oil as designated by BMW. This isn't an ancient push-rod engine.

I agree that brands names don't mean much, but getting an oil that has the proper certification is important, whether you want to think so or not.

https://5series.net/forums/uploads/m...1249121764.jpg
I've used Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 twice.

BMW Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market:
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
- Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
- Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
- Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30

I just can't believe Craig hasn't thrown any smoothies at anyone here :P You guys, oil is oil - get the right viscocity, use synthetic and you'll be just fine. Obviously avoid shady stuff and you're good :thumbsup:

beh... car is a depreciating asset :lol:

stick with mobil 1

where do you guys buy your oil? I've been buying it from the dealer. Is it cheaper in autozone, kragen or peppboys or do they even have it?

-thanks

Try Wal-mart. They have all the major brand synthetics with the same viscosities, additives, ratings and certifications that the auto places have at rock bottom prices. And they have multiquart containers. :thumbsup:

oh i m in deep s***
i poured 1L of castrol magnetec 10w-40
was desperate, idrive went off saying i am below minimum level of engine oil, i was on middle of an isolated highway and thats the best they had at the closest gas station

I buy the recommended BMW oil and filter from my dealer and then install it myself.

Righto. Which is why I lease. I think of a car financially as a liability and not an asset. It technically is an asset but all but the most rare and collectible cars lose so much of their initial value so quickly.

Right, as long as you're making payments on it. That is why I "DON'T" lease. I would much rather buy and pay it off. I am the type that will keep a car for 7 to 10 years before getting another.

Buying is the only way to go if you keep your cars that long.

I always want to be under warranty and I get bored of a car after 3 years and want a new one. Then again, I never did get bored of my 540i Sport and turning it in at lease end was so very depressing. But I did not want it post-warranty expiration.

I love cars :wub:
(just felt like sharing that with you guys, in case you didn't know it :P )

:whistle: :lol: :lol:

a man was getting 4yrs in prison for loving his car in public :D

The first time I got that message, I stopped and called BMWNA. They stated that they recommend Mobil 1 synthetic 5W30. They did say that as long as it met certain criteria (dont remember now), that it would be ok. Hope it helps.

In the tailpipe... or the keyhole? Bwhahaha :lol: