In general interested in LL-04 and LL-12 FE for a BMW 328d F31. It seems that LL-04 is disappearing, with the Mobil 1 oil selector giving me 0 products that 'officially' would work. In the meantime the 5QT jug of Pennzoil Euro 5w30 L from Walmart is the best deal out there, if not the only choice. It seems like the on paper spec is stifling in choice, and makes the BobIsTheOilGuy debate that much more interesting or boring depending on the personality.
In general would you guys think any ESP formula would be acceptable in an out of warranty situation? HDEO, or Corvette Spec 0w40 ESP?
It is a bit odd that my diesel (even if tiny and eco focused) will be with the thinest oil out of the fleet, but if it meets spec it meets spec. If there are conspiracies with CAFE ... etc perhaps that could be part of it. Finding LL-04 or any follow on spec (LL-12 FE) in anything above a 30 weight is difficult at this time. N47 engine used to be known for timing chain issues and sensitivities to longer OCIs, but seems like the later revisions are okay. If a reliable on sale oil is had, 5k OCIs will doable. Unsure how often the 5qt jug of 5w30 L Pennzoil is offered at 23 bucks! Hopefully for decades.
In general would you guys think any ESP formula would be acceptable in an out of warranty situation? HDEO, or Corvette Spec 0w40 ESP?
It is a bit odd that my diesel (even if tiny and eco focused) will be with the thinest oil out of the fleet, but if it meets spec it meets spec. If there are conspiracies with CAFE ... etc perhaps that could be part of it. Finding LL-04 or any follow on spec (LL-12 FE) in anything above a 30 weight is difficult at this time. N47 engine used to be known for timing chain issues and sensitivities to longer OCIs, but seems like the later revisions are okay. If a reliable on sale oil is had, 5k OCIs will doable. Unsure how often the 5qt jug of 5w30 L Pennzoil is offered at 23 bucks! Hopefully for decades.