[pensar]

Hi guys,
I got a 2016 X3 x28i gas engine, Out of warranty for about half year and need to change engine oil right now. I am planning to diy..

Here is what I got:
1, bmw dealership: 0W30 $16;
2, Pennzoil official sites: Platinum Euro 5W-40, 0W-40, or Euro 5W-30;
3, bimmer: redline 0W30;
4, Youtube: Amsoil 0W-20;
5, some other posts : castrol, mobil etc..

Got confused. Any thoughts? thanks.

[ga9213]

LL-01 or LL-01 FE is the spec, you can use viscosity grades 0w-30, 5w-30, 0w-40, 5w-40

I'm a fan of the GTL base Pennzoil Euro 5w-40

[pensar]

Originally Posted by ga9213

LL-01 or LL-01 FE is the spec, you can use viscosity grades 0w-30, 5w-30, 0w-40, 5w-40

I'm a fan of the GTL base Pennzoil Euro 5w-40

Thanks, will go for it. Pennzoil Platinium Euro 5w-40.

Great review, but probably need more marketing.. Here is a good post:
https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1681993

[Alias1431]

Originally Posted by pensar

Hi guys,
I got a 2016 X3 x28i gas engine, Out of warranty for about half year and need to change engine oil right now. I am planning to diy..

Here is what I got:
1, bmw dealership: 0W30 $16;
2, Pennzoil official sites: Platinum Euro 5W-40, 0W-40, or Euro 5W-30;
3, bimmer: redline 0W30;
4, Youtube: Amsoil 0W-20;
5, some other posts : castrol, mobil etc..

Got confused. Any thoughts? thanks.

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=310

[Bilbofraggins]

LL04...ACEA C3....I use Total Ineo MC3

or ACEA A3/B4 (LL01)...

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

LL-04 (2005). API SM/SN. ACEA C3 (similar to A3). SAE 5W30, 5W40. The LL-04 oils have been greatly misunderstood in the past but this is now in greater demand. Most LL-04 oils are intended for Diesels, although it was also approved for gas engines in Europe and other world markets. BMW never certified LL-04 for the US (see next paragraph). Diesel oil has long been valued by engine builders and tuners because of its higher levels of ZDDP content. LL-04 also has a lower SAPS value which is good news for direct-injection engines (all BMW turbo engines since 2007). You won't find Genuine BMW LL-04 sold here but Red Line Euro-Series oil and Pentosin SP III are produced around this spec.

BMW never certified LL-04 for the US market because a) there weren't many Diesels for sale here, b) it was incompatible with the high amounts of sulfur and Ethanol in US gasoline. However, since 2014 our gasoline more closely matches European sulfur levels. US sulfur remains higher so if you're using a LL-04 oil you should change it more often as sulfur will dilute the oil (5,000 oil change interval is sufficient). Oil analysis can give you more insight how your local fuel is interacting with the oil. LL-04 and LL-01 are interchangeable/compatible but LL-04 is preferred for BMW turbo engines for its higher ZDDP and low SAPS.

Food for thought: the official BMW Motorsport oil recommendation for the M4 GT4 race car is a LL-04 spec oil. Our race team uses Red Line Euro Series 5W40.