[kosmokratur]

Hi everybody.
The dealer did an oil change for my 2018 M550 a few days ago. When filing away the receipt I noticed that they used "LL17 0W-20" (part number 105 83-21-5-A42-D12). I was under the impression that the 550 required the LL-01 in )W30. Did the factory upgrade the specs? I'd hate to think my dealer dropped the ball on this.

[CHECKERED]

that's not the correct oil, unless the invoice is wrong

I looked extensively into this as I'm planning to do my first oil change

factory fill is 0W-30 and that should be used, the 20 weight is too thin for the high oil temps on the N63R

[kosmokratur]

The dealer confirmed (in writing) that it is approved. I'm still not certain I want to keep it in there, though.

[kosmokratur]

I contacted a well-regarded BMW guru who did not recommend a specific oil, but did emphasize the need for more frequent oil changes. I then did the unthinkable and called BMWUSA. The rep took a couple minutes but ultimately he was able to confirm that the LL17 is now approved for the N63. LL14 is still a no-no. So I guess I'll leave the LL17 in for a few months and spcifically request the LL 01 after that, at least until my CPO warranty expires.

[430Scud]

Since 2020, I am told the M550iX owners manual states either LL-01 FE oil 0w-30 or LL-17 FE 0w-20 is approved (apparently retroactive to the previous N63s). But agree I would lean toward the LL-01 FE 0w-30. In fact out of warranty, I would use the LL-01 5w-30 or 5w-40 which has a much higher HTHS (high temperature, high sheer) rating. The "FE" versions I believe, are optimized for fuel economy.

HTHS of LL17-FE is equal or greater than 2.6 Only available in 0w-20

LL-01 FE is equal or greater than 3.1 Only available in 0w-30

LL-01 is equal or greater than 3.5 Available in both 5w-30 and 5w-40 note that both oil viscosities will be similar, in order to meet the LL-01 rating. So that means the 30 rated oil will be at the higher end of 30 weight oils, while the 40 rated oil will often be on the thinner range and still be considered a 40 weight oil.

Note that higher viscosity range, usually (but not always) correlates to higher HTHS. But you only know for sure by reading the specification sheets for each individual oil. If it has the LL rating, you know it at least meets the minimum HTHS ratings above.

[edycol]

Originally Posted by 430Scud

Since 2020, I am told the M550iX owners manual states either LL-01 FE oil 0w-30 or LL-17 FE 0w-20 is approved (apparently retroactive to the previous N63s). But agree I would lean toward the LL-01 FE 0w-30. In fact out of warranty, I would use the LL-01 5w-30 or 5w-40 which has a much higher HTHS (high temperature, high sheer) rating. The "FE" versions I believe, are optimized for fuel economy.

HTHS of LL17-FE is equal or greater than 2.6 Only available in 0w-20

LL-01 FE is equal or greater than 3.1 Only available in 0w-30

LL-01 is equal or greater than 3.5 Available in both 5w-30 and 5w-40 note that both oil viscosities will be similar, in order to meet the LL-01 rating. So that means the 30 rated oil will be at the higher end of 30 weight oils, while the 40 rated oil will often be on the thinner range and still be considered a 40 weight oil.

Note that higher viscosity range, usually (but not always) correlates to higher HTHS. But you only know for sure by reading the specification sheets for each individual oil. If it has the LL rating, you know it at least meets the minimum HTHS ratings above.

Once you are out of warranty move to Castrol 0W40.
N63 doesn't require new updated LL01 (2018 update).
Until then use LL01, preferably Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40 or even better Motul 5W40 X-Cess GEN2.

[mishka69]

What about 540i 2017 B58 engine. Can i use 0W20 or need LL01 0W30

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by mishka69

What about 540i 2017 B58 engine. Can i use 0W20 or need LL01 0W30

I would use the LL-01FE over the LL-17, given the choice between the two. Out of warranty consider an LL-01 oil, or the Castrol Edge 0w-40 as recommended by edycol

[edycol]

Originally Posted by mishka69

What about 540i 2017 B58 engine. Can i use 0W20 or need LL01 0W30

Are you out of warranty? If so go LL01 or LL04. LL04 will be heavy version of LL17FE. You can get Pennzoil Platinum Euro L 5W30 for $22 for 5qt in local Wal Mart. Excellent oil.
If LL01 go Motul X-Cess 5W40 GEN2, Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40.
Castrol Edge 0W40 is exceptional oil but doesn't carry anymore any BMW approvals due to change in requirements by BMW. It is good choice but keep OCI at 5-7.5k with this oil due to bit higher oxidation as a result of more "true" synthetics in the oil.
If you are still under warranty and manual says you can use LL01 FE go Motul specific LL01 FE 5W30.

[kosmokratur]

I have oil analysis results. I sent a sample of my LL17FE oil, in service for 7500 miles, off to a lab, and asked them if the results would be consistent with a 11,000 oil change interval. In brief, they observed no problems with the sample and proposed stepping up to 9500 miles... if that analysis is OK, they said to give 11K a shot.

I am not really planning to do stretch my intervals any further, but it is encouraging that, at least with this particular car, the factory recommendation seems to be plausible.

[H_T]

Originally Posted by kosmokratur

I have oil analysis results. I sent a sample of my LL17FE oil, in service for 7500 miles, off to a lab, and asked them if the results would be consistent with a 11,000 oil change interval. In brief, they observed no problems with the sample and proposed stepping up to 9500 miles... if that analysis is OK, they said to give 11K a shot.

I am not really planning to do stretch my intervals any further, but it is encouraging that, at least with this particular car, the factory recommendation seems to be plausible.

Thanks for the update. I suspect the results would be different here in Florida where the temperature is over 90F, 8 months of the year.

What percent of your driving is city vs highway?

[kosmokratur]

I'm out in the country; no more than 5-10% city usage.
Lots of hills, though!

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by H_T

Thanks for the update. I suspect the results would be different here in Florida where the temperature is over 90F, 8 months of the year.

What percent of your driving is city vs highway?

Ambient outside temperature shouldn't make too much of a difference, as the oil cooling and water cooling systems will regulate the engine temperature pretty consistently.

Driving type and total miles is more likely to have an impact.

[H_T]

Originally Posted by 430Scud

Ambient outside temperature shouldn't make too much of a difference, as the oil cooling and water cooling systems will regulate the engine temperature pretty consistently.

Driving type and total miles is more likely to have an impact.

You would think that, but the constant heat & humidity here does have damaging environmental effects on other products, like paint and plastics. It feels like 105-110f. I hear the cars' fan running consistently in the summer vs the winter (75-80f ) months

[edycol]

Originally Posted by H_T

You would think that, but the constant heat & humidity here does have damaging environmental effects on other products, like paint and plastics. It feels like 105-110f. I hear the cars' fan running consistently in the summer vs the winter (75-80f ) months

Nope.
Ambient temperature is not big factor in cooling. In degradation of plastic bcs. humidity might be, but that is diff issue.
Altitude is what matters.
Your engine will struggle more to cool off at Vail Pass that is at 10,500ft here in CO at 50f than in FL at 100f.
Just bcs. fan is running, doesn't mean there is cooling issue.

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by kosmokratur

I have oil analysis results. I sent a sample of my LL17FE oil, in service for 7500 miles, off to a lab, and asked them if the results would be consistent with a 11,000 oil change interval. In brief, they observed no problems with the sample and proposed stepping up to 9500 miles... if that analysis is OK, they said to give 11K a shot.

I am not really planning to do stretch my intervals any further, but it is encouraging that, at least with this particular car, the factory recommendation seems to be plausible.

I don't doubt that your LL17FE 0w-20 oil can go the distance. The point of edycol and I recommending an alternate oil, is the LL-01 oils have a higher HTHS and properties that potentially can give you greater protection to your engine and turbos. So even though LL17FE is staying in grade/viscosity and additives are still within its original specifications, those properties are not as good as what an LL-01 oil offers.

[edycol]

Originally Posted by 430Scud

I don't doubt that your LL17FE 0w-20 oil can go the distance. The point of edycol and I recommending an alternate oil, is the LL-01 oils have a higher HTHS and properties that potentially can give you greater protection to your engine and turbos. So even though LL17FE is staying in grade/viscosity and additives are still within its original specifications, those properties are not as good as what an LL-01 oil offers.

Blackstone always recommends longer OCI.

[kosmokratur]

Thanks. I have gone back to the LL01 (still under CPO warranty) and I don't plan to stretch it past 5-6K miles again.

[F90-EOP]

Last week my local dealer used LL17 0W-20 in my 750. When I asked why not LL01 0W-30 as specified for N63 V8s I was told they use bulk 0W-20 in everything and no one else has questioned it. After I asked for a document showing that BMW approved using 0W-20 for N63 V8s they called me back the next day to say they would change the oil & filter again using LL01 0W-30 from bottles. The oil change redo was done this week.

[2022M550i]

Listed under the hood

[admranger]

Originally Posted by 430Scud

Since 2020, I am told the M550iX owners manual states either LL-01 FE oil 0w-30 or LL-17 FE 0w-20 is approved (apparently retroactive to the previous N63s). But agree I would lean toward the LL-01 FE 0w-30. In fact out of warranty, I would use the LL-01 5w-30 or 5w-40 which has a much higher HTHS (high temperature, high sheer) rating. The "FE" versions I believe, are optimized for fuel economy.

HTHS of LL17-FE is equal or greater than 2.6 Only available in 0w-20

LL-01 FE is equal or greater than 3.1 Only available in 0w-30

LL-01 is equal or greater than 3.5 Available in both 5w-30 and 5w-40 note that both oil viscosities will be similar, in order to meet the LL-01 rating. So that means the 30 rated oil will be at the higher end of 30 weight oils, while the 40 rated oil will often be on the thinner range and still be considered a 40 weight oil.

Note that higher viscosity range, usually (but not always) correlates to higher HTHS. But you only know for sure by reading the specification sheets for each individual oil. If it has the LL rating, you know it at least meets the minimum HTHS ratings above.

Since you seem to be on top of oil info, do you happen to know what the Amsoil euro 5w-40 or 5w-30 look like as an oil for the M550? I like boutique oils (kinda).

[430Scud]

Originally Posted by admranger

Since you seem to be on top of oil info, do you happen to know what the Amsoil euro 5w-40 or 5w-30 look like as an oil for the M550? I like boutique oils (kinda).

You should be asking edycol, as he is much more versed than I.

Looking at the spec sheets, neither has BMW approval, though Amsoil claims they meet either the BMW LL-04 (5w-30) and LL-01 for the 5w-40, neither spec applies to the G30. Both have higher HTHS than BMW requirements at 3.6 and 3.8 respectively. I'd probably lean to the 5w-30 only because I prefer a thinner oil, as long at the HTHS is high, which it is here.