Royal Purple is now API SN Licensed Motor Oil...
 

Hey Guys, I was wondering if anyone knew that Royal Purple Upgraded their licensing to make it API SN compliant Link: http://www.royalpurple.com/motor-oil-sn-sae.html

I don't know exactly when they did this but as it seems we can now use it without risk of catalytic converter damage in our bimmers!!!

My guess is to use the redesigned containers as that would probably be the best indicator.

This Should Clear Things Up...
 

I just had a Chat with a Great Guy Named Chris Barker over at Royal Purple and he explained to me exactly what they did with their oil formulations and their new oil product lines so this should clear everything up going forward:

Hi SLK_X5,

Only the Royal Purple SAE street engine oils (those typically found at retail automotive parts stores) carry an API and ILSAC license. These have all been updated and reformulated to be API SN and ILSAC GF-5. We did resist moving past API SL/ILSAC GF-3 for a long time due to the chemistry restrictions associated with the newer oil specifications. However, by not moving forward, we were effectively limiting our product to older vehicles (non-warranty compliant). We are a performance oil company, though, so just ahead of the update to API SN, we released a new performance line of motor oils called HPS (High Performance Street) that were built on, but improved upon the old API SL and API SJ street oils. Though the HPS oils are not yet shelved at typical parts stores, they can be special ordered and are available through performance retailers so that our customers have a high performance alternative without having to move to the very expensive XPR oils. For best performance and protection, the HPS oils are the correct choice for all street vehicles. However, if a warranty compliant oil is needed, the API-licensed oils are the correct choice.

Be aware that there is still old stock of the API SL and SJ oils in the market, even though production of these formulae ceased in May 2011. Our products are still low-volume compared to the big names, so some parts of the supply chain will take a little longer to clear. I have spoken to several customers that have stated they are buying up all that they find because once the old formula is gone, they may have to special order the oil they want (HPS).

Regards,

Chris

Thanks for the info!

Posters should note that previous Royal Purple oils are not claimed to be API certified. They have new formulations that apparently are, but the previous oils continue to not be certified. If you want an approved oil, it is only the RP brand, not the HPS or XPR brands, and it would have an API label on the bottle. Read the labels on the containers, don't rely on the design of the packaging.

Absolutely JCL, Good point in emphasizing the fact that older Base Royal Purple Oils Manufactured before and including May 2011 are not Rated Higher then API SJ, and any of their Street, HPS, XPR or Race Oils were never certified to begin with. When in doubt Contact them, lot numbers help.

Wow i always seen these advertised and used in all those over haul shows looked up a year back and it wasn't compatible till you posted the update! any sources on the new stuff online? and do you know if they have oil filters for our x5's?

I have used Royal Purple in the past with other cars but not the X5. I use 5w-30 Motul 8100 X-Max...god I love the exhaust smell on that first start up lol.

When I spoke to them they said that supply was trickling down to their largest distributors. I would actually just wait for a few more weeks then check out Amazon. Typically, the price should be not more then $140 for a 5 gallon pail. Right now it seems their retailers are price gouging. I typically pick up a 5 gallon pail for less then $127. Reference these part numbers when you are buying: Royal Purple Motor Oil

Oil Filters were not manufactured by them since they did not meet the API SM or better requirements on their motor oils as required by BMW. But since they recently have exceeded the specs with API SN, I think that they have something in the works soon to be released so we just have to wait (I was also looking for one). I will ask Chris and see what he says.

I know exactly what you are talking about with that smell, I know Royal Purple has one but its not really that great, smells like fresh grease...lol. Never used or even heard of Motul, are they any better then OEM BMW oil?