"The latest service category rating for gasoline engines is "SM", introduced in November 2004 for 2005 and newer engines. SM-rated oils along with the previous "SL" (2001) and "SJ" (1997) ratings, are backwards compatible and can be safely used in older engines. But the opposite is not true. Older obsolete service classifications (SH, SG, SF, etc.) may not meet OEM lubrication requirements for newer engines. Likewise, API SL oils should not be used in 2005 and later vehicles, and SJ oils should not be used in 2001 and newer vehicles." (http://www.aa1car.com/library/motor_oil_605.htm)

 

Sweet! Thanks guys. Sorry for the impatience I had. I just noticed my oil level was a bit lower than it should be and was needing to get some in there quickly. :-)

 

..Mobil1 0-40.....the only AEAC A3 spec......every 5000 miles.....

 

NoModMini, I don't believe you. That Mini in your pic has had some MAJOR mods.

 

_________________________

...oh yeah....i forgot.....turned it around....and added some body work

 

I thought that was a Porsche..................................

 

Just ordered some Royal Purple 5w40.

Here is what the description says:
"Royal Purple 5W40 motor oil delivers all of the performance of other Royal Purple motor oils plus meets API SM & CF and ACEA A2 - 96 & A3-02 (European) requirements. 5W-40 is become more widely used and demand is growing rapidly for this viscosity. Not intended for diesel applications."

 

Mobil 1 0-30, change every 12K.

 

Mobil 1 0W-40, AND German Castrol 0W-30 are ACEA A3/B3 & BMW LL-01 spec oils.

The next best thing is the BMW supplied Castrol 5W-30. it's NOT the same as the USA off the shelf Castrol 5W-30. USA 5W-30 does not meet the specs....

At a min. buy the BMW supplied stuff. Otherwise, anything that meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01 will suffice.

 

I'm pretty sure changing to Royal Purple gave my '03 MC a few extra horsepower.....maybe.

 

Need some advice. Is the Royal Purple European formula (5W40) OK to use in an R56 MINI? The manual calls for 5W30, but isn't the R56 engine european?

 

Royal Purple

 

the "spec's" will set you free... if it's ACEA A3/B3 & BMW LL-01, all is well.

 

Amsoil 5W-40 European Formula

 

Currently, Amsoil 5W-40 Euro also, since passing the warranty and free
service periods.
Previously, had alternated between MINI 5W30 (when free via the dealer),
and Mobil 1 extended 5W30.

 

I use Royal Purple because their advertising about increased HP sounded good.

 

naw... that's Slick 50....

 

I bring this back up because YOU DON"T WANT ANOTHER OIL THREAD!!!!!

But there are many here stating that Castrol Syntec (US Formula) does not meet the Spec. However I find the bottle says it meets A5 and B5 and also says so at their site: "Exceeds European ACEA: A1, A5, B1, B5,... and all requirements of ILSAC GF-4" http://www.castrolsyntec.com/grades.aspx

A5 is a newer higher rating is it not? Designed for long drain intervals too IIRC.

So is this new or what?

 

This is what interest me. If our cars have been around since 2001 does that mean they were originally specced for SL oil?

 

I just put 5QTS of Mobil 1 Extended Life (the gold cap) Full Synthetic 5W-30 on my first self made oil change. :-)

 

What do you guys think of the Walmart Synthetic oil (Super Tech) which is apparently Exxon/Penzoil depending on what coast you're on.

 

Stick with BMW Castrol, Mobil 1 euro, Royal Purple, or Ams. I wouldn't use Exxon/Penz in my old jeep

 

there is always redline. whenever i end up doing my own oil, that's what i'll use

 

I used to use Mobil 1 5w-30, but the OEM Castrol is cheaper for me and the dealer is on my way to work so I've switched over to that.