R56 Approved oils for R56 MCS
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Paradise
Based on the following from Castrol's site, Castrol's off-the-shelf 5W-30 does not meet A3/BMW LL-01. 0W-30 does. Two specific questions for those knowledgeable: 1) if you are changing more frequently than the recommended 15K or so, do you need the LL-01 spec? A3?
And, 2) given the cold start noise thread under '07 stock problems, and a recommendation there regarding afix using lower viscosity 0W-30, does it make sense to run that? IOW, is the 5W-30 spec just so the oil lasts longer and MINI can offer free mtnce, but the first one isn't till 15K?
SAE 0W–30:
Castrol SYNTEC 0W–30 European Formula is engineered to meet the Mercedes Benz 229.5 specification. The 0W–30 viscosity grade is ideal for winter conditions where low temperature pumpability is required. A unique, low–temperature formulation provides exceptional pumpability in cold weather and allows for unaided engine starts down to –40ºF. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A3, B3, B4; VW 502 00, 505 00, 503 01; MB 229.1, 229.3, 229.5; BMW LL–01; GM–LLA–025, GM–LL–B–025 and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF–3 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils.
SAE 0W–30:
Castrol SYNTEC 0W–30 European Formula is engineered to meet the Mercedes Benz 229.5 specification. The 0W–30 viscosity grade is ideal for winter conditions where low temperature pumpability is required. A unique, low–temperature formulation provides exceptional pumpability in cold weather and allows for unaided engine starts down to –40ºF. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A3, B3, B4; VW 502 00, 505 00, 503 01; MB 229.1, 229.3, 229.5; BMW LL–01; GM–LLA–025, GM–LL–B–025 and the engine protection requirements of ILSAC GF–3 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils.
SAE 5W–30:
is the most recommended grade in today's new cars. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SM, SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A1, A5, B1, B5, GM 6094M; Ford WSS M2C929–A and all requirements of ILSAC GF–4 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils and meets Energy Conserving Standards. In torture tests, Castrol 5W-30 maintained maximum horsepower 29% longer than the leading conventional oil.
is the most recommended grade in today's new cars. Exceeds all car and light truck manufacturer's warranty requirements for the protection of gasoline, diesel and turbocharged engines where API SM, SL, SJ, SH, CF or CD is recommended. Exceeds European ACEA: A1, A5, B1, B5, GM 6094M; Ford WSS M2C929–A and all requirements of ILSAC GF–4 for API Certified Gasoline Engine Oils and meets Energy Conserving Standards. In torture tests, Castrol 5W-30 maintained maximum horsepower 29% longer than the leading conventional oil.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: fort smith, arkansas
When I called Mini they said the approved oils were Castrol, Mobil 1 and Valvoline 5W-30 or 5W40. I then specifically asked if it needed to meet any certain specifications and was told it only need be full synthetic.
With that said the A3 spec is on the label of the MINI branded oil. I ended up buying MINI oil from the dealer at $6.40 a quart. I think others have seen it for less. I doesn't seem worth the difference in price to go after market to me.
With that said the A3 spec is on the label of the MINI branded oil. I ended up buying MINI oil from the dealer at $6.40 a quart. I think others have seen it for less. I doesn't seem worth the difference in price to go after market to me.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Paradise
When I called Mini they said the approved oils were Castrol, Mobil 1 and Valvoline 5W-30 or 5W40. I then specifically asked if it needed to meet any certain specifications and was told it only need be full synthetic.
With that said the A3 spec is on the label of the MINI branded oil. I ended up buying MINI oil from the dealer at $6.40 a quart. I think others have seen it for less. I doesn't seem worth the difference in price to go after market to me.
With that said the A3 spec is on the label of the MINI branded oil. I ended up buying MINI oil from the dealer at $6.40 a quart. I think others have seen it for less. I doesn't seem worth the difference in price to go after market to me.
The dealers are probably following the Owners Manual which is quite lax in its requirements. I wonder if the European version of the Owners Manual specifies A3?
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: fort smith, arkansas
That's a good question. I actually called MINI USA as I was sure the dealer would just say use MINI oil. They even asked me for my VIN. Anyway, I am staying with the OEM oil.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Paradise
This was answered in another thread. The UK manual specifies ACEA A3.
6th Gear
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 7,578
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From: Paradise
Thanks. Some people are looking at using such oils because they meet the ACEA specs. How would those additives affect a MINI's engine? Personally, MINI oil is the easiest and most economical for me.
2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Matthews, NC
I'm not sure. I used to have a VW TDI and did a lot of reading on "diesel" oils versus gasoline engine oils. Just like this debate, the opinions overwhelm the facts. My own conclusion was that it's OK to use diesel oil in gassers, but probably not the best to use gasser oil in diesels (especially turbo-diesels). Again, as I think most here agree, use the rating system as your guide and you'll be golden. I'll be putting the MINI-branded oil in my base MINI simply because my dealer is 3 miles away and it's competitively priced. It's a no-brainer for me.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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I'm using Mobil 1 0W-40 in my MCS since my last oil change. It meets the entire list of specs, flows readily on cold start-ups, and is easily available at my local Auto-Zone. Getting the Mini-branded Castrol, which I might otherwise use, requires a 65-mile trip to the dealer. It may be only a psychosomatic perception, but the engine seems to run smoother on the Mobil 1 than with the Castrol 5W-30 I was using previously. I have not experienced, BTW, any of the dreaded and much-discussed cold-start anomalies during winter starts using the Mobil1. Happy with it thus far.
5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: St. Louis, MO
I'm using Mobil 1 0W-40 in my MCS since my last oil change. It meets the entire list of specs, flows readily on cold start-ups, and is easily available at my local Auto-Zone. Getting the Mini-branded Castrol, which I might otherwise use, requires a 65-mile trip to the dealer. It may be only a psychosomatic perception, but the engine seems to run smoother on the Mobil 1 than with the Castrol 5W-30 I was using previously. I have not experienced, BTW, any of the dreaded and much-discussed cold-start anomalies during winter starts using the Mobil1. Happy with it thus far.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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I still prefer to use Red LIne. It was expressed to me from a well known tech from BMW that European Castrol Oil is different from the oil in our local dealerships. He uses Red Line in all his vehicles including classics and modern M series. It exceeds the recomemndations from BMW and surpasses Amsoil in all tests. I am not sure of Royal Purple, but after reading stats from the Detroit Turner and I showing some interest in possibly switching to RP for my 07 MCS.
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2006
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You can do what I did. My mini dealer is 90 miles away. I have a local bmw dealer just 5 miles away. I went and bought the bmw branded 5-30 oil. it was about 5.60 a quart.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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Checker Auto Parts has Royal Purple for $5.97 5w30 or 10w30 Does anyone know if this is the same Royal Purple that meets or exceeds Mini requirements?
I also noticed the same writing on the Castrol bottle. However, bulk oil which is sometimes used by BMW Dealerships is not the same as what is bottled.
I also noticed the same writing on the Castrol bottle. However, bulk oil which is sometimes used by BMW Dealerships is not the same as what is bottled.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: fort smith, arkansas
I looked at their website. It state they meet API specs. It doesn't state A3/B3 which makes me doubt they do. It might cost a lot of money to get A3/B3 and BMW LL certified. A small company might not be willing or able to pay for the certification. This doesn't necessarily mean the product is inferior, it just means they didn't certify it. You might email them and ask.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Tallahassee, FL
Where do you guys find "Made in Germany" Castrol Syntec 0W-30, as shown in the above picture? I can only find the "Made in USA" version around here. Is there a significant difference between the two? I am thinking about switching to this oil in the future.
Nope haven't joined the M2C2 yet.
