How important is it to use BMW oil in my X5

[BIMMER_BLUEBLOOD]

Liqui Moly has been my choice of oil for 12 yrs now.. and Bavarian sells it cheap.. DIY you'll save $50 bucks Mann filters are the same as OEM...

[bcredliner]

Originally Posted by JCL

Any name brand synthetic that meets API-SM or SN, usually in a 5w-30, is fine. The BMW oil is blended by Castrol, but isn't the same as the Castrol you can buy elsewhere. They both work fine.

What is more important is the filter that you use. Recommend an OE BMW filter from the dealer as opposed to any of the will-fit filters from other suppliers, whether they also make filters for BMW or not.

I find the ones that meet the standards, line them up by price or choose the container that looks like it should have the best oil inside. I usually stick with the same brand after that just in case it matters.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by TiAgX5

Actually, the Service Interval Indicator is calculating oil changes based on fuel consumption/engine load vs temp/extreme cold and heat operation/high dust area usage. The SII defines/reads harsh conditions and reduces the service life of the oil accordingly.

FWIW, I've always used [M]1 0-40 LL-01 spec, 5qt jugs sell for around $25 at Walmart.

Not sure if I'm reading your first statement correctly...but the e53 uses SIA III...which is different than SIA II in that it only uses one value...fuel consumption...to determine the service interval. SIA III debuted with the 1996 e38 and then rolled out to other models as the generations changed (e39/e46/e53/etc).

Walmart 5 qt jugs for the WIN!

[Ricky Bobby]

I use my Walmart 1 gallon jugs of Shell Rotella T6 5W-40. Nothing like good clean synthetic diesel oil with a ton of detergents keeping my motor clean!

Oh and FWIW I use Mann/Mahle filters both brands no issues, but funny thing my last change was a Mann and my current one is using a Mahle, and surprisingly enough in addition to the oil filter cap o-ring and new crush washer included, it included a PS reservoir O-ring in the box!

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

I use my Walmart 1 gallon jugs of Shell Rotella T6 5W-40. Nothing like good clean synthetic diesel oil with a ton of detergents keeping my motor clean!

Oh and FWIW I use Mann/Mahle filters both brands no issues, but funny thing my last change was a Mann and my current one is using a Mahle, and surprisingly enough in addition to the oil filter cap o-ring and new crush washer included, it included a PS reservoir O-ring in the box!

I also buy my oil at Wally Mart.

[motordavid]

Originally Posted by Beamernewbie

I'm going to do an oil change and was curious what makes the BMW recommended oil any better than all the other synthetics?
Marketing tie in; all the major mfg'ers make quality synthetic oils. Castrol has had a relationship with BMW for a long time. And, they pay them something for it...

Has anyone used alternatives? Lots of us do. Your question elicited the usual opins and debates on 'what oil to use',

I can purchase other synthetics for far less money.

Thanks in advance

For a couple hours worth of reading, plug in 'what oil to use' in the Search Tab: you will see literally pages of full threads on the topic. Any good syn is good for your X.

GL, mD

[MINIz guy]

So many different oils are fine for use on these cars...

I personally use Mobil1 0W-40.

Others to note:
Shell Rotella T6
Castrol 0W-30 (German Castrol)
Castrol 0W-40 (Belgian Castrol)
Liqui-Moly lineup

[bsprtsgrp]

I've used these oils over the years:

BMW 5W-30
Redline 5W-30
Liqui-Moly 5W-30
or
German Castrol 0W-30 (Autozone)
Mobil 1 0W-40 (Wal-Mart)

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by MINIz guy

Castrol 0W-40 (Belgian Castrol)

MMmmmmmmm now that sounds interesting, Belgian Castrol!

Would this be it Miniz?

Castrol 06518 EDGE 0W-40 SPT Synthetic Motor Oil - 1 Quart Bottle, (Pack of 6) : Amazon.com : Automotive

Or does it have to be imported from Belgium and does it come with these?

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Ricky Bobby

MMmmmmmmm...now that would fit the bill about right now.