v_therussian

I decided to try out the OEM oil, instead of the Mobil One I've been using up to now. I must say, the engine does seem to run smoother and even the lifter noise is much lower now. Maybe it makes sense to use it after all? I'll keep you guys updated - I'm sending in a sample of my used Mobil 1 oil to the labs and will send a sample of the OEM oil when it gets worked out properly.

545felix

what weight M1 were you using? M1 runs thin in its rated viscosity for some reason

v_therussian

M1 was 5w30, as is the BMW oil I've just put in.

SilberGrauE60

Unfortunately, Mobil-1 5w30 is not the recommended one. BMW recommends Mobil-1 0w-40 European Formula in the USA.

sdg1871

That's correct. Here is BMW's list of recommended synthetic oils for non M cars: http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ngineOils.aspx

<P align=left>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

When my engine needs a quart of oil, which happens every 4-5k miles, I usually put in the Mobil 1 0W-40 because it is, by car, the easiest one to find.

Howitzer

Always use the BMW oil. Its worlds better.

ktlocklear

Dumb question......but how?

skylolow

Mobile 1 5w-30 has seen a big decrease in quality over the year(at least in oil terms).

Mobile 1 0w-40 is pretty good quality. Though as another user stated that it does run thin which can cause slightly more engine noise. I've noticed this slightly when I use Mobile 0w-40.

BMW's oil is Castrol's European formula repackaged. If your dealer isn't doing crazy mark ups they cost about the same as the Castrol stuff at an Auto Store.

pipper

which chain stores (if any) carry the castrol euro-version? the ones i always see all say made in the usa.

rctmthouse

Got mine at Autozone...$ 7.49 a quart. Gonna stop by my local dealer to find out how much they sell the OEM ones for the next time I do my oil change.