What oil are people using?
 

Particularly the 4.6is. My motor has 96k and is healthy but I live in NY where the weather is getting colder now (if anyone feels that makes a difference) so I’d like to hear everyone’s input on what they suggest and what they’ve been happy with. Opinions change over the years...


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I'd choose the lightest weight full synthetic that would meet the mfr req. and pick the brand you like.

Hi

I made the mistake of using the wrong oil (5W 40) in our 4.4 with 170,000 km on the clock. Immediately got smoking on extended idle.

My indy (ex BMW) recommended Castrol 5W 30 LL01 and we did a complete change (filter etc)... issues gone.

Cheers

FWIW, I've been using Mobil1 10-W30 for years both in the 4.4i and the Tundra Gen-1 (200k). I just finished chain guides and seals job on the 4.4i and the motor runs clean and well. Wear on the chain guides was minimal the internals were very clean. Both motors run quietly and trouble free but I change oil every 5k - 7k, intervals which are a bit short by modern standards. Still, I feel the mobil1 works well. Nevertheless, I think most brand oils will do the job well enough given the right grade and not overly long intervals between changes.

On the other hand, in my E70 35d I use only the oil from BMW itself, as diesels are pickier and it is priced within the ball park if bought as a kit.

What mileage is your 2003 4.4i e53 on?

It is now at around 125,000 miles. I bought the vehicle with 40k miles. So a pretty good run.

Ugh, oil threads. There is no one answer to this question. Will depend on your service habits, climate you live in, and condition of your engine. I run liquimoly 10w-50 here in south Texas. But I've run all sorts of combos here. Usually add at205 as well to mitigate smoke on extended idle.

Or, eliminate any question marks and run whatever oil BMW specs. More important than the exact oil is regular changes. 5k - 7500 miles with synthetic oil usually keeps internals looking beautiful.

Did someone say OIL ??!!!!

In NY your temps go from below ZERO to 90 degrees in one year. Pick an oil weight for the WINTER and another for SUMMER. Change FREQUENTLY (Under 5K) unless you drive lots of highway miles everyday without stopping for traffic. 8/9 qts takes a LONG time to get to operating temp in the winter something like 30 mins at 2500 RPM+++.

Here in VA I use Mobil 1 0W-40 Eurospec but I do not drive the X as a daily. Weekend /weekday dry weather only. Salt on ground? Cars do not go out to play. See Minivan for that crap like duty.

0W40 Mobil 1

For me, it is very simple...

1. Filter is Mahle, about $5-$6 at FCPEuro.
Buy bulks to save money.

2. I drive 50-50 city-hwy and replace oil every 5K or so.
I live in a climate with winter down to -20C.

3. Oil. Keep it cheap and simple.

- Valvoline synthetic 5W30 5qt jug is $23 at Walmart.

- If you want to be a bit fancy, then NAPA carries Liqui Moly synthetic 5W40 for $37.
Every 2nd Saturday of the month, NAPA has sales ranging from 20% ---> 30%.
If you come into the NAPAstore before 9AM on the 2nd Saturday, then 30% off, so the Liqui Moly thing is about $26-$27 or so.


No need to overthink this oil debate thingy...