[BeemerPilot]

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Hi, I'm new here so please forgive the question. I would like to know the best oil to use for my X3 28d. I spent some time searching the internet and didn't find a definitive answer. I also didn't see a thread on the subject or one that was archived. If there is one I couldn't find, please indulge me and point me to it.

Thanks!

[________]

Hey you can use any sort of oil in this range: 0w30, 5w30 (the off-the-shelf BMW branded oil), 0w40, 5w40

If you live in a cold climate, I'd recommend using 0w30 in the winter for certain startup. Otherwise anything is fine.

Just make sure that the oil is LL-04 certified (it'll be stated in the back label).

5.2 litres is the capacity

Happy oil change

[TEF]

I plan to use Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5w-30 in my '16 X3d once oil changes end at the dealer. It's rated as LL-04 and claims to be approved for BMWs diesels. It's available at Walmart for about $28.00/5 quart container. Since BMW recommends Shell products and Pennzoil is a Shell company, it seems a reasonable alternative to BMW or brands from Germany costing three times more.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by TEF

I plan to use Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5w-30 in my '16 X3d once oil changes end at the dealer. It's rated as LL-04 and claims to be approved for BMWs diesels. It's available at Walmart for about $28.00/5 quart container. Since BMW recommends Shell products and Pennzoil is a Shell company, it seems a reasonable alternative to BMW or brands from Germany costing three times more.

Gets cold in winter where you live, right?; I think you might consider the 0w30 weight, tad bit better flow on cold startup.

[TEF]

I don't know of anyone selling LL-04-spec 0w-30 oil other than BMW and theirs is actually LL-12 and rare. My local BMW dealers used only 5w-30 oil thus far with their oil changes. From what I understand, the newer LL-12 0W-30 oil is intended more for fuel economy than cold-weather starting.

[Wgosma]

Originally Posted by TEF

I don't know of anyone selling LL-04-spec 0w-30 oil other than BMW and theirs is actually LL-12 and rare. My local BMW dealers used only 5w-30 oil thus far with their oil changes. From what I understand, the newer LL-12 0W-30 oil is intended more for fuel economy than cold-weather starting.

I think the LL-12 is 'rare' as it's normally used only in Europe (and maybe other countries outside the U.S.).

A "0" viscosity oil provides the greatest flow when cold (i.e. on startup...which is when a good proportion of engine wear occurs). You might ask your dealer about this "0" weight oil. As far as "0" providing for greater fuel economy, that does not really make sense to me as being the oil's primary 'value'; When the motor is at normal operating temperature both the 5w30 or 0w30 weight oil are at a viscosity of 30 or thereabouts.

Good Luck/Bill