Hi there
I am a newbie and I must say that this is a great site. Have learned alot from reading the posts.
I have two questions:
Q1. I have a E60 545 and the warranty will run out in Sept and would like to start maintaining the car with my regular workshop (a non-BMW approved workshop). I checked the manual and it said that BMW-LL01 or LL04 oils are preferred. I plan to change oils every 7k miles and the BMW dealer current uses Shell Helix Ultra 5W30. I have narrowed my choice to three oils
- AMSOIL 5W40 European formula
- AMSOIL 0W30
- GC 0W30
Amsoil 0W30 does not meet the BMW LL specs but given that I do not plan on going for extended drains, was also wondering adhering to the LL ratings is important. Another thing - is 5W40 too thick?
Q2. I also have a 335 which is under warranty for another 2.5 years. I don't want to stick to the BMW service intervals which I believe is too long. Question is whether I should stick with the dealer oil, which is again Shell Helix Ultra 5W30 or go with different oils between the service intervals. Given that the car is still under warranty, I would like to stick with oils meeting BMW LL01 specs. My choices are
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W30
- GC
- AMSOIL 5W40
Any thoughts? Stick to the dealer oil? Go with one of the other two? Read on the forum that AMSOIL is actually not approved by BMW. Therefore is it actually ok to use AMSOIL?
Both cars are in tropical climates whereby the ambient temp is around 85-90F all year round. 545 travels shorter distances whereas the 335 sees more stop and go traffic, and also more abuse .
Inputs, thoughts and comments are much appreciated
I am a newbie and I must say that this is a great site. Have learned alot from reading the posts.
I have two questions:
Q1. I have a E60 545 and the warranty will run out in Sept and would like to start maintaining the car with my regular workshop (a non-BMW approved workshop). I checked the manual and it said that BMW-LL01 or LL04 oils are preferred. I plan to change oils every 7k miles and the BMW dealer current uses Shell Helix Ultra 5W30. I have narrowed my choice to three oils
- AMSOIL 5W40 European formula
- AMSOIL 0W30
- GC 0W30
Amsoil 0W30 does not meet the BMW LL specs but given that I do not plan on going for extended drains, was also wondering adhering to the LL ratings is important. Another thing - is 5W40 too thick?
Q2. I also have a 335 which is under warranty for another 2.5 years. I don't want to stick to the BMW service intervals which I believe is too long. Question is whether I should stick with the dealer oil, which is again Shell Helix Ultra 5W30 or go with different oils between the service intervals. Given that the car is still under warranty, I would like to stick with oils meeting BMW LL01 specs. My choices are
- Shell Helix Ultra 5W30
- GC
- AMSOIL 5W40
Any thoughts? Stick to the dealer oil? Go with one of the other two? Read on the forum that AMSOIL is actually not approved by BMW. Therefore is it actually ok to use AMSOIL?
Both cars are in tropical climates whereby the ambient temp is around 85-90F all year round. 545 travels shorter distances whereas the 335 sees more stop and go traffic, and also more abuse .
Inputs, thoughts and comments are much appreciated