Well I've been comparing the specs and I'm seeing similar numbers, and ELF is available in the easy-pour 5 liter for $30 right down the street vs. Autozone. My Mini dealer is 65 miles away, so that's not an option.

'03 MCS with 35K miles

Castrol Syntec 0w30 (the "magic" oil as everyone calls it.

• @40C 66.8
• @100C 66.8

ELF Excellium 0w30

• @40C 68.45
• @100C 12.18
• BMW LL01 approved

ELF LDX 0w30

• @40C 65.6
• @100C 11.7
• BMW LL01 approved

ELF LDX 5w30

• @40C 86.5
• @100C 14.2
• BMW LL98 approved

 

I have Elf oil in my 2002 MCS with 70k miles on it.
This independent BMW MINI dealer where I purchased mine uses it religiously.
http://www.concordmotorsport.com/

 

I used to use ELF oil, but the little buggers are so hard to catch, and then the mess of squeezing out the oil. Ugh.

 

Do you have any oil test lab results so we can compare ELF to other brands?

 

I've been waiting for someone to mention Pixie dust as an additive.

 

Makes for a good dry-lube!

 

It would be interesting to compare ELF with AmsOil.