Engine Oil for an E61 525i

[Gad-Westy]

Our cars at an age where I'm going to start servicing it myself. Next one due in 900 miles.

It's the 525 which I think makes it a 3.0 but not sure on engine code. I'm out of touch!

It's got 150,000 miles on the clock.

So, any recommendations for what oil to go for and anybody able to confirm quantity?

Ideally, I'd go for Castrol, having just got a costco card but only if that's a good option.

[d_a_n1979]

5W30 or 5W40 is fine, LL04

I personally use TripleQX 5W40 oil in my 530i touring with Mann filters; bought via carparts4less/eurocarparts via eBay as it's cheaper than ECP direct even with their discount code

You can pay the premium for the likes of "Fuchs/Castrol/LiquiMoly etc if you want; you're just paying for the brand name really...

The Comma, TripleQX oils etc are all perfectly adequate for your car

I change my oil twice a year and it costs me less than a tank fo fuel; I do limited miles and would rather have fresh oil in there than leaving it for a 6-12k mile change etc

Horses for courses though which I get; your car, your £££

[helix402]

Any LL04, grade is your choice. I think your car takes around 6.5l. Cheapest way to buy is in bulk. 20l at a time. Best filters are Mann or Mahle. I use Mahle at the moment as Mann have started putting alloy sump plug washers that crush when torqued correctly. Mahle still supply copper washers which work.

Edited by helix402 on Wednesday 7th October 15:25

[Gad-Westy]

Thanks both. Fantastic help.

[Pica-Pica]

I would look at Shell Helix, see lubematch.

https://www.shell.co.uk/motorist/engine-oils/lubem...

[ashenfie]

I have been using millers at the pay the extra money to be allowed to stamp LL04 on the can and supply 5l tubs.

[Mr Tidy]

Anything that meets LL04 spec should be OK.

I was surprised to find Tesco own brand fully synthetic that met that! Then a relative with an E46 325i that is using quite a bit showed me what he was using and it was Asda own-brand that also said LL04 on the container.

Although personally I think I'd rather stick to one made by Shell, Castrol, Millers, etc.