Liqui Moly, Top Tec -or- Special Tec?

[BustedKnuckles]

I know there are a million different opinions on oil and also that there are a bunch of different oil threads reflecting those opinions. (Please don't tar and feather me)

Just looking to see if anyone knows the difference between these two Liqui Moly oils and Top Tec's "long life" variant and which is better suited for protecting my engine. Not looking for performance. My X has enough power, just looking to preserve that power.

I looked on their website and tried to do some research but I'm a little lost and many of the descriptions and uses are very similar. I couldn't really determine what the difference between the two is and what that difference means to my 4.8L

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

[Entropy]

Special Tec is the most recent formulation with the latest additive technology. I sent an email to liqui-moly asking the same question. I ended up going with Castrol 0W-40. I think it is a superior oil and also cheaper and more readily available.

[BustedKnuckles]

Thanks for the response. I may be making the switch to Castrol then. I've been using Top Tec and I just did my valve covers and everything was pristine. But I have been noticing the top end getting a little clatter-ey lately.

It is also a pain in the arse having to order oil online every time I do a change.

Again, I dont know a ton about oil but why would you use 0w-40 versus the recommended 5w-30 weight? I know it all has to do with fuel economy, protection, and what the engine is designed for. I ran Mobile-1 0w-40 in my E46 and drove that thing like I stole it all the way up to 190,000 miles and never had an issue. I also know those straight 6's are bulletproof though. These N62's, not so much...

Again, just looking for the best anti-wear possible. If it's common to switch to a heavier weight oil to accomplish this (and its safe for the engine) then I may be on-board.

Another disclaimer because I know how much everyone LOVES oil threads . Just trying to get an education from people who know more than me. Thanks again!

[Entropy]

The stated oil weight doesn't mean a whole lot, as there is lots of room for variation within each SAE grade. I would look at the 40 degree and 100 degree viscosities to better compare oil. However, for BMWs, the biggest thing to look for is LL-01 approval. That means far more than the stated viscosity. Having said that, the Castrol is notably thicker than the Special Tec, which should help with clatter.

It's too bad Mobil 1 0W-40 lost LL-01 approval.

[BustedKnuckles]

Picked up 10 quarts of Castrol Edge 0W-40 today on clearance for $10 a piece (SCORE!) Already have my genuine BMW filter and will be changing it this afternoon.

Noticed while I was in the parts store that Castrol Edge 5W-30 doesn't have BMW LL-01 approval on the back. But the 0W-40 did so I went with that. It looks like even though BMW recommends 5W-30 in the N62 there aren't many 5W-30 oils out there that meet their LL-01 requirement.

I'm making the switch from very lightweight Liqui Moly 5W-30. to pretty dang heavy Castrol 0W-40. Hopefully it wont cause any issues!

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by BustedKnuckles

Picked up 10 quarts of Castrol Edge 0W-40 today on clearance for $10 a piece (SCORE!) Already have my genuine BMW filter and will be changing it this afternoon.

Noticed while I was in the parts store that Castrol Edge 5W-30 doesn't have BMW LL-01 approval on the back. But the 0W-40 did so I went with that. It looks like even though BMW recommends 5W-30 in the N62 there aren't many 5W-30 oils out there that meet their LL-01 requirement.

I'm making the switch from very lightweight Liqui Moly 5W-30. to pretty dang heavy Castrol 0W-40. Hopefully it wont cause any issues!

Most 5W-30s these days are on the lighter side for fuel efficiency reasons, however, the requirements of LL-01 and LL-04 call for a minimum HTHS of 3.5, so they are usually much thicker than your average 5W-30. Given that BMW is now using thinner oils in there engines, I wouldn't be surprised if finding LL-01 oils keeps getting harder and harder. We already saw it with Mobil 1. Good choice on the oil and report back with your impressions.

[BustedKnuckles]

changed out the oil yesterday. drove it around yesterday running errands and today a bit doing things for work. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

no difference with it starting, nor idling, nor acceleration or any other performance aspects. But it made a huge difference in the noise level of the top end. no more clatter.

I had made the switch to Liqui Moly Top Tec 5W-30 when i first got my X months ago. Over the course of 4 oil changes the clatter got worse and worse (maybe I was just paying more attention to it). After changing to Castrol 0W-40 the top end noise is now at a normal level. I think its safe to say Liqui Moly 5W-30 is not an ideal oil for these engines. At least in my experience.

[Entropy]

Originally Posted by BustedKnuckles

changed out the oil yesterday. drove it around yesterday running errands and today a bit doing things for work. WHAT A DIFFERENCE!

no difference with it starting, nor idling, nor acceleration or any other performance aspects. But it made a huge difference in the noise level of the top end. no more clatter.

I had made the switch to Liqui Moly Top Tec 5W-30 when i first got my X months ago. Over the course of 4 oil changes the clatter got worse and worse (maybe I was just paying more attention to it). After changing to Castrol 0W-40 the top end noise is now at a normal level. I think its safe to say Liqui Moly 5W-30 is not an ideal oil for these engines. At least in my experience.

Good to hear. I used to run Liqui-Moly as well (their Leichtlauf High-Tech 5W-40) and was happy with my switch to Castrol. The engine seems to idle quieter now. Plus it is much easier (and cheaper) to find locally.

[Nanniepoo]

I for one am glad you made this thread OP. About time for me to do my first oil change on the X5, and was planning on using Liqui Moly since I have it stocked up since I use it in my E36. I'll plan on grabbing some Castrol instead.

[SeanC]

Originally Posted by Entropy

Most 5W-30s these days are on the lighter side for fuel efficiency reasons, however, the requirements of LL-01 and LL-04 call for a minimum HTHS of 3.5, so they are usually much thicker than your average 5W-30. Given that BMW is now using thinner oils in there engines, I wouldn't be surprised if finding LL-01 oils keeps getting harder and harder. We already saw it with Mobil 1. Good choice on the oil and report back with your impressions.

I remember reading a thread where it was argued that Mobil 1 lost its LL-01 designation due to other issues. PDS numbers still line up with LL-01 requirements.