[Skip2017]

My wife's F48 just came off its there-year maintenance plan so my first time changing the oil (after doing so on every car I've owned for 50 years!).

Geez. Manual says oil should only be changed by BMW dealer. All kinds of "you'll screw this up if you do it yourself" warnings.

They also make it damned hard to figure out what oil to use, with all references simply saying "authorized BMW oil." I found in the text that they want 0W-30 LL-01.

I found plenty of full synth 5W-30, no 0W-30, but I cannot find anything that has the LL-01 designation. Did oil companies drop that designation?

Does anyone have suggestion on what oil will come closest or match factory spec? Right now I have Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 synth.

Thanks.

[ejw2011]

Bmw 0w30 LL01 oil
Castrol 0w30 oil

You can still use bmw 0w20 but is thinner

[Skip2017]

Originally Posted by ejw2011

Bmw 0w30 LL01 oil
Castrol 0w30 oil

You can still use bmw 0w20 but is thinner

Neither one of those cries the LL-01 designation, at least not now.

There are also many Catrol oils. Which one did you mean?

[Ridin'Dirty]

I got my last batch of genuine BMW LL-01 oil from here: https://www.faulknerbmwpartssource.com/oem-parts/bmw
(Just enter the BMW part number from the pic)
Runs $7.45/ltr and shipping was $8.23 for 6 liters to my zipcode. With tax my total bill was $56.11.

[ejw2011]

Originally Posted by Skip2017

Neither one of those cries the LL-01 designation, at least not now.

There are also many Catrol oils. Which one did you mean?

Not sure where you're getting your info or what you're reading. Both oil brands I mentioned have LL-01 (aka long life 01 oil) designation for many years.

Read the oil details:
https://www.bimmerworld.com/Fluids/O...wer-Turbo.html
https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-06244.../dp/B007G7PUMS

AS for the x1 F48, BMW recommends you use BMW 0w20 LL17, not 0w30, for better gas mileage. Some members including myself use 0w30 than 0w20.

[dbtraveler x1]

what about transmission and transfer case fluid...are they not to be changed
I bought cpo with 50k miles with extended warranty which will expire .in jan 2021 soon . should those fluids be changed or is it for the life of the car ?

[Ridin'Dirty]

BMW says that they are "lifetime" fluids and won't cover them in the service agreement. If you want to have them changed, it will be out of your own pocket...assuming that the dealer will even do it. Many of us have been exploring the option to make it a DIY project; taking a peek at how the MINI-JCW owners do it, nearly the same platform.

[knightarmor]

FCP Euro has the 0W30 LL-01 stuff, same thing that goes into my F80.

[Ridin'Dirty]

Originally Posted by knightarmor

FCP Euro has the 0W30 LL-01 stuff, same thing that goes into my F80.

Bimmerworld sells the genuine BMW 0w-30 (#83212365950) a buck cheaper per liter: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Fluids/O...wer-Turbo.html

[///Makis]

Originally Posted by Skip2017

Neither one of those cries the LL-01 designation, at least not now.

There are also many Catrol oils. Which one did you mean?

You can buy the oil at the dealership but they buy it from castrol or Mobil honestly. Just get a full synthetic 0w30 I'm sure castrol has one, or use a brand that you have experience with, just make sure it's full synthetic. And don't listen to bmw when they say it's good for 15k miles. I change mine every 5k or about 6 months on my e82 and the only time I had a problem was when I briefly switched to castrol European 0w40 Or 0w30 in the beginning of winter, it felt like the oil was too thin and it seemed like at temp there was a bit of ticking and that went away when I changed the oil back to 5w30.

If you're worried just got to the dealer and buy their oil. Make sure you have your vin number ready because they might ask that to make sure they're selling you the right oil...

[The_RealPorthos]

You do you, but I would highly suggest 5w 40 or changing your oil more frequently, like every 4 to maybe 5k. That oil is so thin that under heavy heat, it will quite literally vaporize.