[whitenblue]

I've read some posts about various oil types. BMW recommended dealership oil, Castrol, etc. Some have said they had many years of good results using Mobile 1. Me too on other cars. But Mobile 1 comes in many flavors: regular, extended performance, high mileage, euro spec, extended performance/high mileage combo, diesel varieties, motorcycle, and annual protection. So which one are we talking about?

The BMW manual says:
"BMW Longlife-01 FE or API SL or superior rating".

It seems to me Mobile 1's extended performance is the closest fit and it IS SL rated. But looking at their website I see it isn't listed as "recommended by BMW".

Has anyone used it successfully with a track record?

Thank you.

[HPR]

The worm can has been opened. Rather than offer an opinion I'll suggest a trip to Bob Is The Oil Guy https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums and allow you to peruse a plethora of opinions and technical data which may answer your question or further cloud the issue. Good luck.

[whitenblue]

My searches there using "Mobile 1", "BMW oil", and "BMW oil alternatives" turned up zero results.

I'm not looking to become a Phd in lubrication, just after some real world experience from people who have used alternatives successfully.

[HPR]

You might try Mobil 1 instead of Mobile. See also:

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...ow#Post4739551

https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...alternate_oils

https://www.bimmerworld.com/BMW-Engine-Oil/

There are plenty of opinions out there ranging from very informed and technical to "Gee, it worked well for me...engine didn't quit running." Even though mine is out from under warranty I still run LL-01 or LL-04 spec'd oil.

[TEF]

Seems to me that this issue was just covered (perhaps in the F10 or Bimmerfest forums), but the another person wanting to use Mobil 1 came to the same conclusion: there are no Mobil 1 oils meeting LL-01 specs. Try looking at Pennzoil's website, it sells oils meeting both LL-01 and LL-04 specs and there not that expensive. Not to be overly pedantic, but LL-04 oils are intended only for BMW diesels.

[HPR]

Originally Posted by TEF

Not to be overly pedantic, but LL-04 oils are intended only for BMW diesels.

I believe LL-04 oils were developed to deal with higher levels of sulphur in diesel fuel. My understanding is LL-04 is an acceptable substitute for an LL-01 oil. However, LL-01 is not acceptable where LL-04 is specified.

[TEF]

Presumably, LL-04 oil is still oil and will operate in most engines. However, it does begs the question of why Pennzoil produces two oils: LL-01 and LL-04? Wouldn't LL-04 Pennzoil Euro L accommodate both gas and diesel BMWs?

[FranzX3M]

Look for A3/B3 and your good. Often marketed as "Euro Oil"
Castrol Edge/Syntec 0W-40 or 5W-40 (black bottle) is excellent oil for the money. The stuff that is made in Germany or Belgium.