OIL question for M57N (M57TU) e53 3.0d owners

[Bdc101]

I believe a higher LL- rating is OK to be substituted for an earlier LL- rating. And there are very few LL-04 (what is specified for my 2012 35d) oils available at reasonable prices so I have used higher LL rated oils.


Also, I have never had my oil changed at the dealer personally, but I have some records of a dealer using LL-12 in my car before I owned it.

[wpoll]

Originally Posted by Bdc101

I believe a higher LL- rating is OK to be substituted for an earlier LL- rating. ...

Not always - BMW warn against using higher LL rated oils in many gasoline engines and even in diesels in some cases: -

"The LL-01 formula will cover almost all of BMW’s gasoline-burning engines except the diesel and M engines, and the LL-01 FE isn’t far behind. The newest blend is the LL-22 FE++, which is specified for the latest Gen 3 B58 and B48 engines with the mild-hybrid tech. However, it’s not backward compatible with older engines. Diesels have a few low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) blends to choose from to ensure their DPFs stay in good health, and while they may work in non-diesel engines, it’s not recommended."

[omodos]

Originally Posted by wpoll

Not always - BMW warn against using higher LL rated oils in many gasoline engines and even in diesels in some cases: -

"The LL-01 formula will cover almost all of BMW’s gasoline-burning engines except the diesel and M engines, and the LL-01 FE isn’t far behind. The newest blend is the LL-22 FE++, which is specified for the latest Gen 3 B58 and B48 engines with the mild-hybrid tech. However, it’s not backward compatible with older engines. Diesels have a few low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur) blends to choose from to ensure their DPFs stay in good health, and while they may work in non-diesel engines, it’s not recommended."

oh dear getting a tad lost here, seems best best is stick to the bmw LL-01 rating for my 2004 m57n diesel, failing seeing this rating on 'tin' make sure it is at least ACEA A3.B3 OR A3.B4? and do this rather than go for bmw LL-04?

[g300d]

Originally Posted by omodos

oh dear getting a tad lost here, seems best best is stick to the bmw LL-01 rating for my 2004 m57n diesel, failing seeing this rating on 'tin' make sure it is at least ACEA A3.B3 OR A3.B4? and do this rather than go for bmw LL-04?

What may be confusing you is the assumption that the 04 after LL means it's an improved evolution over LL01, but its not.

LL01 and LL04 are distinct from each other.

If your car calls for LL01, I'd go with that. In very simplistic terms LL04 is "watered down" to protect emissions equipment.

[omodos]

Originally Posted by g300d

What may be confusing you is the assumption that the 04 after LL means it's an improved evolution over LL01, but its not.

LL01 and LL04 are distinct from each other.

If your car calls for LL01, I'd go with that. In very simplistic terms LL04 is "watered down" to protect emissions equipment.

Yup manual suggests that and gives alternatives..thanks for input