Freaked out that I used the wrong oil with cold temps here

natesi · 01-13-2017, 02:54 PM

Howdy all.

I have a 2016 328i xDrive with the n26 engine

After my break in I did a drain and fill using Castrol EDGE 5W-30 (rated for BMW Longlife-01). Link here (https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03037.../dp/B0161A4CKG). I also attached the specs, of which Castrol does not supply a lot of metrics about, such as HTHS rating, below.

Anyway, as you all know, no one but BMW has the new 0W-20 LL-14 FE+. I also read reports of dealerships simply putting in 5W-30 when they do the "free" maintenance oil changes. And I don't think I read of a single dealership actually using the new 0W-20 LL-14 FE+ oil (yet). The manual also says you CAN use 5W-30 LL-01.

So I thought I was good to go, but now I'm doubting my decision.

We don't normally get real cold winters, but this year has been a big exception -- getting down into the teens and staying there. I took my digital thermometer and measured the snow at 5 degrees (which is what the oil pan essentially resting on when I park in a lot full of snow).

I'm a worried that I'm doing significant premature damage to my engine (at start up) and I'm considering putting a 0-20 or 0-30 in.

The problems is that there are not a lot of Longlife-01 oils out there, and even fewer that are 0W-20 or 0W-30. Do you think I'll be safe to run down the parts store and put Mobile 1 full synthetic 0W-20 or 0W-30 -- without the longlife-01 designation? I'm guessing there's more to the LL-01 designation besides additives that make it last longer -- like maybe high temp high sheer qualities. But trying to become an oil formula expert over night (to check my decision and see what substitutes might be safe) has become mind boggling. Hoping to get some feedback here.

Thanks,

-Nathan

natesi · 01-13-2017, 03:11 PM

Hmm... I just noticed LL-O1 FE is different than just LL-01 (which I'm using) and the FE version has a lower HTHS rating than LL-01.

To the layman (me), it sounds like there's even less risk switching to a non LL-01 oil then.

123Britt · 01-13-2017, 05:17 PM

I would not worry at all -- at start-up most of your days will be above freezing and 5W-30 LL-01 is excellent. I am of the opinion that 0W-XX is only beneficial in areas where -0F is the norm.
.
.
In summer, I would be more concerned with the 20 wt especially if your car oil temps rise above 220F like mine.
.
.

01-13-2017, 02:54 PM	#1
natesi Lieutenant 204 Rep 499 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	Freaked out that I used the wrong oil with cold temps here Howdy all. I have a 2016 328i xDrive with the n26 engine After my break in I did a drain and fill using Castrol EDGE 5W-30 (rated for BMW Longlife-01). Link here (https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-03037.../dp/B0161A4CKG). I also attached the specs, of which Castrol does not supply a lot of metrics about, such as HTHS rating, below. Anyway, as you all know, no one but BMW has the new 0W-20 LL-14 FE+. I also read reports of dealerships simply putting in 5W-30 when they do the "free" maintenance oil changes. And I don't think I read of a single dealership actually using the new 0W-20 LL-14 FE+ oil (yet). The manual also says you CAN use 5W-30 LL-01. So I thought I was good to go, but now I'm doubting my decision. We don't normally get real cold winters, but this year has been a big exception -- getting down into the teens and staying there. I took my digital thermometer and measured the snow at 5 degrees (which is what the oil pan essentially resting on when I park in a lot full of snow). I'm a worried that I'm doing significant premature damage to my engine (at start up) and I'm considering putting a 0-20 or 0-30 in. The problems is that there are not a lot of Longlife-01 oils out there, and even fewer that are 0W-20 or 0W-30. Do you think I'll be safe to run down the parts store and put Mobile 1 full synthetic 0W-20 or 0W-30 -- without the longlife-01 designation? I'm guessing there's more to the LL-01 designation besides additives that make it last longer -- like maybe high temp high sheer qualities. But trying to become an oil formula expert over night (to check my decision and see what substitutes might be safe) has become mind boggling. Hoping to get some feedback here. Thanks, -Nathan Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-13-2017, 03:11 PM	#2
natesi Lieutenant 204 Rep 499 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	Hmm... I just noticed LL-O1 FE is different than just LL-01 (which I'm using) and the FE version has a lower HTHS rating than LL-01. To the layman (me), it sounds like there's even less risk switching to a non LL-01 oil then.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2017, 05:17 PM	#3
123Britt Captain 289 Rep 864 Posts Drives: 15 M235i AT Join Date: May 2008 Location: Madison, Alabama iTrader: (0)	LL-01 I would not worry at all -- at start-up most of your days will be above freezing and 5W-30 LL-01 is excellent. I am of the opinion that 0W-XX is only beneficial in areas where -0F is the norm. . . In summer, I would be more concerned with the 20 wt especially if your car oil temps rise above 220F like mine. . .
	Appreciate 0 Quote