[Sansho]

Until recently, the US approved oil list had 5 choices, one of which was Castrol 0w-30 European formula syntec (now edge). So, in switching from M1 to Castrol, that was a natural choice. I use 0w-40 (VW approved) in the Tiguan since it has a turbocharger. Both are LL-01 approved, too. I haven't tested this, and don't know what they're comparing against, however, BMW says: "The Castrol 0W-30 lubricant offers a 1% fuel saving due to its low friction qualities."

 

[marcsilva]

Until recently, the US approved oil list had 5 choices, one of which was Castrol 0w-30 European formula syntec (now edge). So, in switching from M1 to Castrol, that was a natural choice. I use 0w-40 (VW approved) in the Tiguan since it has a turbocharger. Both are LL-01 approved, too. I haven't tested this, and don't know what they're comparing against, however, BMW says: "The Castrol 0W-30 lubricant offers a 1% fuel saving due to its low friction qualities."

Very interesting, thank you. Perhaps there is an additional safety in going with something tried and true (Castrol Edge 0W-30) rather than a very recent new item (Castrol Edge 0W-40). Lower resistance assuming similar protection and no need for extreme temperature protection may be advantageous as well.

 

[marcsilva]

Yes, but according to the current specks, Mobil1 0W-40 looks more stable than the three Castrol LL01 certified engine oils: HT/HS of 3.8 vs. 2.9 respectively.

Interesting,

That would lead me to stick with Mobil 1 0W-40. It has perhaps been around a lot longer than any Castrol Syntec (Edge) and is probably part of the reason for the perfected stability. Maybe Exxon Mobil also has the money and economy of scale to make a product they can prove to so many car manufacturers as the way to go. The Germans (Castrol) usually strive for absolute perfection though as well and tolerate nothing less. They are also naturally patriotic and pushing their own oil for their BMWs (as written on my oil cap: "BMW recommends Castrol"). Maybe their oil is slightly better customized to their car.

One is probably every so slightly better than the other in standard conditions, but which one is quite difficult to truly figure out, and maybe the standard conditions are arguable. Unless there is a very well planned out and relevant experiment done between the two, the answer is going to be elusive.

Maybe either oil will take you comfortably to the point when we are all driving 100% electric cars anyway.

 

[camrydriver111]

I think there is no difference. Especially if you plan on changing the oil at 6,400k miles. I believe the factory oil change interval is 15,000k miles. Try the oil and see if it works for you.

Castrol is actually a Birtish company, owned by BP. They probably used Castrol becuase they gave them the best deal. They recommend Shell now. I wouldn't place too much importance on this.

 

[marcsilva]

I think there is no difference. Especially if you plan on changing the oil at 6,400k miles. I believe the factory oil change interval is 15,000k miles. Try the oil and see if it works for you.

Castrol is actually a Birtish company, owned by BP. They probably used Castrol becuase they gave them the best deal. They recommend Shell now. I wouldn't place too much importance on this.

camrydriver111: Thank you, that makes a lot of sense, I appreciate it.

 

[marcsilva]

While I would appreciate an even quieter more efficient engine with slightly thinner yet still approved Castrol 0W-30 oil, that may mean slightly less protection and less stability for the typical person who might rev a little high in the heat for a while.

Maybe it is better to be safe (with slightly thicker more stable oil and longer proven track record) than sorry.

Once again, it probably makes no difference but here is my priority anyway:

1) Mobil 1 0W-40 (Widely available, continuously available, cheaper, Longer Track Record)

2) Castrol Edge 0W-30 (Slighter thinner for better fuel economy, if driving softly without the need for high protection)

3) Castol Edge 0W-40 (Probably great, but unsure/unproven, Slightly more expensive).

 

[marcsilva]

The Packaging

I will say this silly point though: The Castrol Edge 5 Qt jug does look a lot more serious (black), is more ergonomic (shape and handles), has a smaller more precise spout, and has more precise and labelled level markings on the side. Mobil though should stick to their slightly fatter, boxy, and taller looking bright flashy american design, just to keep the recognized and trusted look.

 

[sprintman]

Yes, but the Mobil one has been proven to thin out over it's life. This has been discussed many times before.

Proven? There are a couple of UOA's showing it shearing to a high 30W over a very long OCI and then oxidising back to a 40W. Not exclusive to Mobil 1 of course.

 

[Gatriel]

Liqui Moly 5W-30 4600

 

[Sansho]

Liqui Moly 5W-30 4600

That's an LL-04 certified oil, however, not LL-01.

 

[Gatriel]

That's an LL-04 certified oil, however, not LL-01.

Thats true.

From what I understand about it -- is LL04 is completely fine for the M54 as long as you are in Europe, as the gas here and in the states is slightly different. In the US LL01 is all I would ever allow in my car.

Liqui Moly does make a 5w-40 LL01 oil which you can use in the US.

 

[m_peterson6]

Yes, but according to the current specks, Mobil1 0W-40 looks more stable than the three Castrol LL01 certified engine oils: HT/HS of 3.8 vs. 2.9 respectively.

If it is LL-01 the HT/HS is greater than 3.5

 

[swordsman11868]

Thats true.

From what I understand about it -- is LL04 is completely fine for the M54 as long as you are in Europe, as the gas here and in the states is slightly different. In the US LL01 is all I would ever allow in my car.

Liqui Moly does make a 5w-40 LL01 oil which you can use in the US.

Yep. It's leichtlauf (long life) 5w 40 part numbers LM3863 (1L) and LM3864 (5L).

Napa has a 5 liter jug for $30.


You can reach me at 888-790-7665

 

[wasp9166]

While I would appreciate an even quieter more efficient engine with slightly thinner yet still approved Castrol 0W-30 oil, that may mean slightly less protection and less stability for the typical person who might rev a little high in the heat for a while.

Maybe it is better to be safe (with slightly thicker more stable oil and longer proven track record) than sorry.

Once again, it probably makes no difference but here is my priority anyway:

1) Mobil 1 0W-40 (Widely available, continuously available, cheaper, Longer Track Record)

2) Castrol Edge 0W-30 (Slighter thinner for better fuel economy, if driving softly without the need for high protection)

3) Castol Edge 0W-40 (Probably great, but unsure/unproven, Slightly more expensive).

so castrol edge 0w-30 is no good if you beat on it like you should?


this thread has died

 

[dknightd]

As near as I can tell my BMW has always had official BMW oil in it. Then I came along. I've been using the mobil 0-40 ll-01 approved oil. I noticed no difference. I'm thinking about using it in everything. I think it probably meets spec for lawnmower, snowblower, generator, and toyota - but need to double check before I commit to having only one type of oil in the garage. . .

I'm thinking I could use a 0-40 to replace both 0-30 and 10-30 (and probably 10-40). What do the oil experts think???

 

[Sansho]

You need to look at each device/vehicle that you want to move to synthetic 0w-40. Our lawn mower, snowblower and generator, for example, do not recommend synthetic oil in that range.

 

[dknightd]

I don't know if 0w-40 synthetic was even available when these owners manuals were produced.

Lets consider a specific example. 25 year old Honda lawnmower.
It says to use a high-detergent premium quality 4-stroke engine oil that meets or exceeds API SG, SF/CC CD.
They recommend 10w-30 for general all purpose use, but 10w-40 or 20w40, or 20w50 for high temperature use.
In the past I've always used 10w-30 (I just assumed that it met the API specs, silly me). It seems to meet the temperature range I'm likely to mow in. I don't mow when it is below freezing, or, above 100 degF.

I use the same oil in my 1994 Toyota truck.

Now this Mobil 0w40 comes along. It is rated API SN SM SL. I assume this meets or exceeds SG. Is this correct???

Is there any harm in using a 0w40 instead of a 10w30? Seems to me the more range the better. But I could be wrong . . .

Thanks for helping me learn

 

[todd92]

Oil religion. You all spend WAY too much time worrying about oil.

LL-01 for your BMW. Brand, viscosity, what your mechanic likes, what your buddy swears by doesn't matter. If it says LL-01, it's fine.

For your lawn mower, boat, jet ski etc, synthetic is a waste of money. You change it every season and it doesn't get hot enough or have enough hours put on it for synthetic to have any benefit. Cheapo store brand 10W-30 or 10W-40 dino oil is more than fine.

 

[dknightd]

Change it once a year works for me. Unless I'm lazy, or busy, then I might go two years. I think as I run out of other oil, I'll just switch to this M1 0w40 stuff. One oil for everything appeals to my lazy side . . .

 

[Megalocnus]

If it is LL-01 the HT/HS is greater than 3.5

Right. Apparently Castrol has an error in one of their pdf datasheets. Found another, it says the HT/HS of these oils is 3.5.

I decided to try Pennzoil 5W-40 Ultra for my next oil change. Very slightly thinner than M1 and Castrol xW-40, but a little more stable.