R56 Approved oils for R56 MCS
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: North Jersey
Yes, page 105.
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Your Worst Nightmare :)
recycle the bottles, toss the filter
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2008
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XJumper
I have been looking at a lot of threads on NAM and some BMW sites about approved motor oils. The manual for my 07 MCS says use only synthetic oils with the API SH specification or higher in 5W-30 or 5W-40. I called MINI USA and they said that the approved oils were Castrol, Mobil 1 and Valvoline in full synthetic 5W-30 and 5W-40.
After that I looked into oils that had the highest ACEA standards and BMW LL standards. I found that Castrol Syntec 5W40 meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL98, Valvoline SynPower 5W-40 meets ACEA A3/B3 and " meets requirements of BMW, etc", and Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic 5W-30 meets ACEA A3/B3 and meets BMW LL01. All of this from the manufacturers web sites.
I then called Valvoline to ask about the SynPower 5W-40 "meets requirements" wording. I was told that the SynPower 5W-40 meets BMW LL01.
I wanted to know what the "meet the requirements" meant so I called Valvoline. They said that the SynPower 5W-40 meets BMW LL01.
If you are interested in the ACEA specs, here is a link.
http://www.acea.be/images/uploads/pu..._LD_and_HD.pdf
I have not been able confirmed the BMW LL specs, but I think they are change intervals of 25,000 Km (15,500 mi)for the LL98 and 30,000 Km (18,600 mi) for the LL01. I would like to confirm that as it seems that either would suffice for the MINI. Anyone know the BMW LL specs for sure?
After that I looked into oils that had the highest ACEA standards and BMW LL standards. I found that Castrol Syntec 5W40 meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL98, Valvoline SynPower 5W-40 meets ACEA A3/B3 and " meets requirements of BMW, etc", and Valvoline Max Life Full Synthetic 5W-30 meets ACEA A3/B3 and meets BMW LL01. All of this from the manufacturers web sites.
I then called Valvoline to ask about the SynPower 5W-40 "meets requirements" wording. I was told that the SynPower 5W-40 meets BMW LL01.
I wanted to know what the "meet the requirements" meant so I called Valvoline. They said that the SynPower 5W-40 meets BMW LL01.
If you are interested in the ACEA specs, here is a link.
http://www.acea.be/images/uploads/pu..._LD_and_HD.pdf
I have not been able confirmed the BMW LL specs, but I think they are change intervals of 25,000 Km (15,500 mi)for the LL98 and 30,000 Km (18,600 mi) for the LL01. I would like to confirm that as it seems that either would suffice for the MINI. Anyone know the BMW LL specs for sure?
Don Thanks!
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Hauppauge, NY
"somewhere special" is any retailer that sells oil. You can't sell motor oil without also accepting used motor oil for recycling.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Hauppauge, NY
As per your manual, between the two marks. As long as it's not past the higher mark, it's nothing to worry about.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
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That's interesting. The posted info is directly from my '09 manual. Your SA may not be up to date in the data or is basing his statement on what is referenced in a previous years manual.
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Tallahassee, FL
I am using German Castrol Syntec 0W-30 in my 07 MCS and it is giving me excellent wear protection. I had a used oil analysis done on an oil sample from my engine recently and everything looks good. 0W-30 oil is doing a great job in my engine. I plan to use this oil for a long time until something better comes along.
I just found the following information on the MINI USA Owner's Lounge under the Warranty/Maintenance section:
"The oils listed below meet MINI’s Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in MINIs in the US market with gasoline engines.
Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
- Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
- Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
- Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30"
Based on this info I'm going to stick with Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula that can be found at most places including WalMart in my area. Just thought I would share this info as MINI USA Owner's Lounge should be a reliable source of info, check it out.
"The oils listed below meet MINI’s Long-life rating and are acceptable for use in MINIs in the US market with gasoline engines.
Long-life rating LL-01 Approved Synthetic Oils for the US Market
- Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30
- Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40
- Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30
- Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30"
Based on this info I'm going to stick with Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula that can be found at most places including WalMart in my area. Just thought I would share this info as MINI USA Owner's Lounge should be a reliable source of info, check it out.
Alliance Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,101
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From: York, Pennsylvania
I was reviewing the internet for an update on approved oils in approved weights, and came up with the following:
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01:
MINI 5W30
Castrol Syntec 0W30
Mobil 1 0W40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5W30 (not readily available in retail,only comes in huge containers)
Valvoline Synpower HST 5W40 (unsure about availability)
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-04:
Amsoil european formula 5W30
Amsoil european formula 5W40
Meets ACEA A3/B3 only (maybe not good enough for 18K intervals):
Redline 5W30
Redline 0W40
Redline 5W40
Royal Purple 0W40
Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic 5W30
What's your favourite of these?
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01:
MINI 5W30
Castrol Syntec 0W30
Mobil 1 0W40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5W30 (not readily available in retail,only comes in huge containers)
Valvoline Synpower HST 5W40 (unsure about availability)
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-04:
Amsoil european formula 5W30
Amsoil european formula 5W40
Meets ACEA A3/B3 only (maybe not good enough for 18K intervals):
Redline 5W30
Redline 0W40
Redline 5W40
Royal Purple 0W40
Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic 5W30
What's your favourite of these?
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Irvine, CA
hmm...i put in mobil 1 5w30 extended life at my last change. is 0w40 THAT significantly different from 5w30? and is MINI's 5w30 that different from mobil 1 5w30? haven't heard anyone using mobil 1 5w30, so thought this might be cause for concern.
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: Graham, NC
I was reviewing the internet for an update on approved oils in approved weights, and came up with the following:
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01:
MINI 5W30
Castrol Syntec 0W30
Mobil 1 0W40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5W30 (not readily available in retail,only comes in huge containers)
Valvoline Synpower HST 5W40 (unsure about availability)
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-04:
Amsoil european formula 5W30
Amsoil european formula 5W40
Meets ACEA A3/B3 only (maybe not good enough for 18K intervals):
Redline 5W30
Redline 0W40
Redline 5W40
Royal Purple 0W40
Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic 5W30
What's your favourite of these?
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01:
MINI 5W30
Castrol Syntec 0W30
Mobil 1 0W40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5W30 (not readily available in retail,only comes in huge containers)
Valvoline Synpower HST 5W40 (unsure about availability)
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-04:
Amsoil european formula 5W30
Amsoil european formula 5W40
Meets ACEA A3/B3 only (maybe not good enough for 18K intervals):
Redline 5W30
Redline 0W40
Redline 5W40
Royal Purple 0W40
Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic 5W30
What's your favourite of these?
I contacted RP to ask them about switching to the 0W40 since it meets A3/B3. They indicated it would be an acceptable oil to use. Might lose some efficiency with the change to 40 weight, but may not be significant. Bottom line is they indicated I could go with either one.
1st Gear
Joined: May 2011
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From: Norway
Over here my dealer uses [FONT=Arial]Castrol SLX Professional Powerflow BMW LL04 0W-30 [/FONT]
I hope it's good, as its app. $35 a litre, or $132 a US Gallon.
It's the same as they used on my previous 318ti.
I hope it's good, as its app. $35 a litre, or $132 a US Gallon.
It's the same as they used on my previous 318ti.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 483
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From: Miami, FL
I have not been able to find ANY of the approved oils at any store near me. Autozone, pep boys, walmart, advance auto parts....nothing.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 462
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From: Irvine, CA
yeah, that's why i used mobil 1 5w-30. bmw prob wants to keep it this way as most enthusiasts will pony up the extra cash for the MINI branded oil just to be safe. if that's the case, you might want to consider joining bmwcca so you can get 10% off on parts.
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Miami, FL
so the regular mobil 1 5w-30 is fine? I don't need the european formula?
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Irvine, CA
i really don't know to be honest with you. i've been driving around with it for a week and the car seems fine. but for my next change, i'm going to look for some 0w-40 just to be safe. i don't want to resort to having to buy mini oil tho. hopefully i'll find a local walmart that sells mobil 1 0w-40. =/
OVERDRIVE
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7,037
Likes: 283
From: Melbourne, FL
I used Mobil 1 5-30 for years in my 02 with no problems
I just recently stumbled on the 0-40 EF in Wally World when I went in for plain ol 5-30 so it might be a change to their stock recently .... but then again of the two Wally's I live 'tween, one carries a larger stock then the other .... just keep on lookin!
I just recently stumbled on the 0-40 EF in Wally World when I went in for plain ol 5-30 so it might be a change to their stock recently .... but then again of the two Wally's I live 'tween, one carries a larger stock then the other .... just keep on lookin!
Alliance Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 230
From: York, Pennsylvania
I was reviewing the internet for an update on approved oils in approved weights, and came up with the following:
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01:
MINI 5W30
Castrol Syntec 0W30
Mobil 1 0W40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5W30 (not readily available in retail,only comes in huge containers)
Valvoline Synpower HST 5W40 (unsure about availability)
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-04:
Amsoil european formula 5W30
Amsoil european formula 5W40
Meets ACEA A3/B3 only (maybe not good enough for 18K intervals):
Redline 5W30
Redline 0W40
Redline 5W40
Royal Purple 0W40
Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic 5W30
What's your favourite of these?
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-01:
MINI 5W30
Castrol Syntec 0W30
Mobil 1 0W40
Valvoline Synpower MST 5W30 (not readily available in retail,only comes in huge containers)
Valvoline Synpower HST 5W40 (unsure about availability)
Meets ACEA A3/B3 and BMW LL-04:
Amsoil european formula 5W30
Amsoil european formula 5W40
Meets ACEA A3/B3 only (maybe not good enough for 18K intervals):
Redline 5W30
Redline 0W40
Redline 5W40
Royal Purple 0W40
Valvoline Maxlife Synthetic 5W30
What's your favourite of these?
Of these, the Castrol 0W30 is only slightly thinner than the Mobil 1 0W40,
and the Castrol has a lower 150C viscosity rating than most (2.8, most are about 3.8).
Some say Redline will hold up best at high temps, being a type V oil, but
others say Redline will not hold up as well as others in street use.
The Royal Purple is about the thickest of this lot.
Having said all that, I'm leaning toward
Mobil 1 0W40,
Amsoil Euro 5W30, or
Valvoline Maxlife 5W30
in that order.