A further point on the use of approved oils (approved by BMWNA). The most recent owner's manual posted here has a blurb about using approved oils. I only found it since I looked to see if they mentioned the severe service clause (they don't). But they do also mention a separate list for top-off oils. It would appear that since the two requirements are listed separately, that approved oils are approved for other than only top-off. Clip attached from 2009 owner's manual.

Note also that this 2009 document still includes the now-superceded listing for LL-04 oil in North America, in gasoline engines. BMWNA retracted the recommendation to use oil with that spec due to that oil not standing up due to North American gasoline quality.

Attached Images

 

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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver
2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue