Oil decision: 0W-40 or 5W-30?

[adc]

Folks, I noticed that during the 1200 mile service (done in Europe), they put 5W-30 in the engine. It's been running just fine, with no oil consumption so far.

For the next oil change, which one of the accepted formulations should I go for? 0W-40 or 5W-30?

I'm curious if there is any consensus on this. Much appreciated!

[JamesGames]

Originally Posted by adc

Folks, I noticed that during the 1200 mile service (done in Europe), they put 5W-30 in the engine. It's been running just fine, with no oil consumption so far.

For the next oil change, which one of the accepted formulations should I go for? 0W-40 or 5W-30?

I'm curious if there is any consensus on this. Much appreciated!

BMW allows either or..

Go OEM BMW Oil,
or
Castrol GC 0W-30
Mobil 1 0W-40

Personally I like the 0W-40 because of the price and overall oil analysis always has good results. 0W30 GC is great oil as well, but usually cost a lot more. M1 0W40 can be found at walmart for 25 bucks I think for 5 quarts.. a steal

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

I would go factory fill but it may be different in Europe and is usually climate dependant. I believe the proper fill is either 5W30, 0W30 or 0W-40 depending on region. I would go with 0W in cold climates and 5W in hot climates.

Mike

[JamesGames]

Originally Posted by Mike@N54Tuning.com

I would go factory fill but it may be different in Europe and is usually climate dependant. I believe the proper fill is either 5W30, 0W30 or 0W-40 depending on region. I would go with 0W in cold climates and 5W in hot climates.

Mike

Even then, if going strictly by the number rating on the oil, the 0W-40 would be technically better than a 5w30 in hot climate. Cold starts will always be better based on the lower first number, and in hot climates at fully warmed up the 40 weight will do a better job. But I'm splitting hairs here, as I see them as pretty much equivalent, the m1 0W40 warmed up viscosity is close to the 30.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

Even then, if going strictly by the number rating on the oil, the 0W-40 would be technically better than a 5w30 in hot climate. Cold starts will always be better based on the lower first number, and in hot climates at fully warmed up the 40 weight will do a better job. But I'm splitting hairs here, as I see them as pretty much equivalent, the m1 0W40 warmed up viscosity is close to the 30.

Ya I don't think there is a significant difference between all 3. I personally like 0W40 but sometimes it just depends on what the dealer decides they want to use I think my dealer uses 0W40.

Mike

[adc]

Thanks guys.

I was asking because I found this one: https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2817517/...1REaAkGb8P8HAQ

[Anthony123]

Originally Posted by adc

Folks, I noticed that during the 1200 mile service (done in Europe), they put 5W-30 in the engine. It's been running just fine, with no oil consumption so far.

For the next oil change, which one of the accepted formulations should I go for? 0W-40 or 5W-30?

I'm curious if there is any consensus on this. Much appreciated!

Some good info here: https://www.zoniv.com/5w30-vs-5w40/

[Tommy L Garage]

I don’t think you can find a non BMW branded 0w30 that’s LL-01

That’s why I went with Castrol 0w40

[BadM4]

I run the same love the Castro’s 0w-40 good price protection no blow by or oil burning

[G4BR13L]

Click on the links for the enclosures.

S55 without PPF

• BMW LL-01
• BMW LL-01 FE
• BMW LL-04 (1)
• BMW LL-12 FE (1)

S55 with PPF

• BMW LL-04
• BMW LL-12 FE

(1) For petrol engines, only BMW Longlife-04 and BMW Longlife-12 FE oils are permitted in Europe (EU plus Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein). They must not be used outside this area.

Source:
Technically suitable engine oils for petrol engines

Note:
if you have a PPF it no longer states that you should not use BMW LL-04 or BMW LL-12 FE oil outside Europe.
My car is running LL-04 0W30.

[Groganrocket]

I use 0-40

[JamesGames]

Originally Posted by Tommy L Garage

I don’t think you can find a non BMW branded 0w30 that’s LL-01

That’s why I went with Castrol 0w40

Actually there has always been a 0w30 LL-01. It was originally GC (German made) and then they stopped and started making it in belgium. Both original GC and newer BC 0w30 have PAO group IV base oils and are pretty stout oils. Belgium Castrol (BC) 0w30 is LL-01 certified and carries other certs as well. It's what I use, NOACK is lower than GC Castrol 0w40, I prefer the 0w30 for our DI turbo for that reason, but the 0w30 / 0w40 are almost identical oils in terms of base oils and additives.

Link to BC 0w30
https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-06244.../dp/B007G7PUMS

Personally, hard to beat the 0w40 5 liter price, but if you can get 0W30 for same price or on sale that would be my pick.
P.s. just used your diy guide this weekend for the oil change lol.

[kyleb350]

40 weight sounds nice...

[Tommy L Garage]

Originally Posted by JamesGames

Actually there has always been a 0w30 LL-01. It was originally GC (German made) and then they stopped and started making it in belgium. Both original GC and newer BC 0w30 have PAO group IV base oils and are pretty stout oils. Belgium Castrol (BC) 0w30 is LL-01 certified and carries other certs as well. It's what I use, NOACK is lower than GC Castrol 0w40, I prefer the 0w30 for our DI turbo for that reason, but the 0w30 / 0w40 are almost identical oils in terms of base oils and additives.

Link to BC 0w30
https://www.amazon.com/Castrol-06244.../dp/B007G7PUMS

Personally, hard to beat the 0w40 5 liter price, but if you can get 0W30 for same price or on sale that would be my pick.
P.s. just used your diy guide this weekend for the oil change lol.

Nicely said. Just learned something. And I agree - 0w40 price is hard to beat . Thanks !