07-18-2021, 12:09 PM | #1 |
New Member Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Columbus,OH | [N20] Differences in Liqui Moly oils ? There are so many options from Liqui Moly that it makes my head spin... -TOP TEC 4200 5W-30 6 different options for 5w30 4 different options for 5w40 then the one 0w20 and 0w40 Im currently running valvoline european 5w40 since thats what my shop has, though my 2017 recommends the 0w20. I know all these weights are fine for the N20 but besides weights, does anyone know what the differences for all these oils are? Is there any one you prefer? Where I live it gets as hot as about 95F (35C) and cold as 0F (-17C) |
07-18-2021, 12:15 PM | #2 |
Major General Drives: F30 Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Vancouver, WA | If you're dead set on staying with Liqui Moly... I had good a experience with LEICHTLAUF HIGH TECH 5W-40 on the N20 before I switched to a more readily available and less expensive oil. Used it for 3 or 4 oil changes (every 5k) while living in NorCal which can have a similar temperature profile to what you describe, depending on locale. My personal situation was very close... regular 100+ summer days and near zero temps on the mountains in the winter. I'd run anything but 0W20 in your N20, keep a reasonable oil change interval and your engine will stay happy. |
07-18-2021, 12:54 PM | #3 |
Lieutenant General Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire | I use Molygen 5w-30. It has API SP and ILSAC GF-6A approvals, which are as good as it gets, and that's good enough for me. |
07-20-2021, 06:14 PM | #4 |
Major General Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US | I wouldn't be surprised if Liqui Moly doesn't know the difference. __________________ "Drive more, worry less. " 435i, MPPK, MPE, M-Sport Line |
07-21-2021, 04:33 AM | #5 |
Second Lieutenant Drives: 2006 Z4MC + 2015 320D M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Liverpool, UK | Try to find the MSDS for each of them and it will show you the chemical/physical properties for each product. Such as this one for Top Tec 4200 5W-30 |
07-21-2021, 04:44 AM | #6 |
Lieutenant Drives: 13 335ix MSport Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ON, Canada | This is what I am putting in my car: SPECIAL TEC LL 5W-30 as it has the BMW Longlife-01 approval. __________________ '85 635csi M30 turbo race car (SOLD) |
07-21-2021, 02:59 PM | #7 |
Lieutenant General Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire | I wouldn't get excited about a 20 year old approval, especially one from a car manufacturer and not API or ILSAC. 2001 is what the 01 stands for. |
07-24-2021, 11:53 PM | #8 |
Major General Drives: 2015 435i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Southeastern US | Quote: Originally Posted by Billfitz I wouldn't get excited about a 20 year old approval, especially one from a car manufacturer and not API or ILSAC. 2001 is what the 01 stands for. FYI...BMW revised all of their certs in 2018 for timing chain and increased the oxidation requirements. Liqui Moly typically notates this revision with "2018" next to the cert. __________________ "Drive more, worry less. " 435i, MPPK, MPE, M-Sport Line |
07-25-2021, 12:54 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant General Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire | API SP and ILSAC GF-6A provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while improving piston cleanliness and fuel economy. Keep in mind that BMW doesn't make or formulate lubricant. They re-brand it, and depend on the lubricant industry to make improvements to it. Currently API SP and ILSAC GF-6A are the top ratings available. Care to guess when they went into effect? 2018. BMW's revision only reflected what the lubricant industry had done. |
08-06-2021, 06:20 PM | #10 |
New Member Drives: BMW 335i xDrive 6mt Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Colorado | I prefer the new green Molygen that shows up under UV light because it helps track leaks easily. |
08-08-2021, 03:04 PM | #11 |
Major Drives: 2011 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Colorado Springs | Quote: Originally Posted by Billfitz API SP and ILSAC GF-6A provide low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection while improving piston cleanliness and fuel economy. Keep in mind that BMW doesn't make or formulate lubricant. They re-brand it, and depend on the lubricant industry to make improvements to it. Currently API SP and ILSAC GF-6A are the top ratings available. Care to guess when they went into effect? 2018. BMW's revision only reflected what the lubricant industry had done. API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for these oils is
Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. |
08-12-2021, 08:32 PM | #12 |
Private Drives: 2018 330i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: High Point | Quote: Originally Posted by edycol API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for
these oils is Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. Your thoughts on best oil for B46? I'm going to be changing mine for the first time since owning it at 5k OCI, which will be around 32k miles. Debating between FCP Euro LiquiMoly 5w30 oil change kit with filter and utilizing lifetime warranty (and sending it back for refund at every oil change), or getting the OE filter from Amazon and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 ($22 from WalMart). Any insight/opinions? Thanks! EDIT: Also, please clarify. I thought for BMW turbo engines that we wanted HIGHER ZDDP, not lower. |
08-12-2021, 09:25 PM | #13 |
Major Drives: 2011 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Colorado Springs | Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for these oils is Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not
turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. Your thoughts on best oil for B46? I'm going to be changing mine for the first time since owning it at 5k OCI, which will be around 32k miles. Debating between FCP Euro LiquiMoly 5w30 oil change kit with filter and utilizing lifetime warranty (and sending it back for refund at every oil change), or getting the OE filter from Amazon and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 ($22 from WalMart). Any insight/opinions? Thanks! EDIT: Also, please clarify. I thought for BMW turbo engines that we wanted HIGHER ZDDP, not lower. So ZDDP is never ending debate. ZDDP is very stout additive for limits. But it has downsides. It is harmful to emissions equipment and those things are
expensive. Also, modern oils utilize other additives that are similarly effective. |
08-13-2021, 06:21 PM | #14 |
Brigadier General Drives: 428i gran coupe Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: hawaii | i've been using Pennzoil Euro Platinum L 5W-30, it's great! |
08-13-2021, 08:48 PM | #15 |
Captain Drives: 2016 F36 435x MSport Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Hartford, CT | Quote: Originally Posted by alohasurftoad i've been using Pennzoil Euro Platinum L 5W-30, it's great! I always love these comments in oil debates. I don't have a horse in the race, but in all seriousness ... What is it that has you saying "great"? I'm not trying to be a sourpuss but in 99% of the cases...when someone says "it's great" it usually means: "i poured it in and the car started..and it's been running ever since and didn't explode". |
08-14-2021, 12:05 AM | #16 |
Private Drives: 2018 330i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: High Point | Quote: Originally Posted by edycol Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for these oils is Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not
turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. Your thoughts on best oil for B46? I'm going to be changing mine for the first time since owning it at 5k OCI, which will be around 32k miles. Debating between FCP Euro LiquiMoly 5w30 oil change kit with filter and utilizing lifetime warranty (and sending it back for refund at every oil change), or getting the OE filter from Amazon and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 ($22 from WalMart). Any insight/opinions? Thanks! EDIT: Also, please clarify. I thought for BMW turbo engines that we wanted HIGHER ZDDP, not lower. So ZDDP is never ending debate. ZDDP is very stout additive for limits. But it has downsides. It is harmful to emissions equipment and those things are
expensive. Also, modern oils utilize other additives that are similarly effective. Quote: Originally Posted by edycol Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for these oils is Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not
turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. Your thoughts on best oil for B46? I'm going to be changing mine for the first time since owning it at 5k OCI, which will be around 32k miles. Debating between FCP Euro LiquiMoly 5w30 oil change kit with filter and utilizing lifetime warranty (and sending it back for refund at every oil change), or getting the OE filter from Amazon and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 ($22 from WalMart). Any insight/opinions? Thanks! EDIT: Also, please clarify. I thought for BMW turbo engines that we wanted HIGHER ZDDP, not lower. So ZDDP is never ending debate. ZDDP is very stout additive for limits. But it has downsides. It is harmful to emissions equipment and those things are
expensive. Also, modern oils utilize other additives that are similarly effective. Another silly and probably overasked question. I've transitioned my other 4 vehicles to 5w30. One calls for 10w30, two for 0w20 and one for 5w20. I believe the recommended 0w20 on the B46 is mainly for fuel economy and that 5w30 is better for longevity. Curious though why you would recommend 5w40 on a turbocharged car. The thicker 40 weight oil at temp doesn't cause any issues with the turbo? The climate I'm IN can get hot and has mild winters (North Carolina, USA). Assuming I can source the Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 AND 5w40 at Walmart for the same price, which one would you recommend I go with? Car is mainly used for commuting on the highway, but will have occasional spirited driving. I won't beat on it, race it or track it though. 5k mile OCI. Thanks for any insights. |
08-14-2021, 12:11 AM | #17 |
Major Drives: 2011 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Colorado Springs | Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for these oils is Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not
turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. Your thoughts on best oil for B46? I'm going to be changing mine for the first time since owning it at 5k OCI, which will be around 32k miles. Debating between FCP Euro LiquiMoly 5w30 oil change kit with filter and utilizing lifetime warranty (and sending it back for refund at every oil change), or getting the OE filter from Amazon and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 ($22 from WalMart). Any insight/opinions? Thanks! EDIT: Also, please clarify. I thought for BMW turbo engines that we wanted HIGHER ZDDP, not lower. So ZDDP is never ending debate. ZDDP is very stout additive for limits. But it has downsides. It is harmful to emissions equipment and those things are
expensive. Also, modern oils utilize other additives that are similarly effective. Quote: Originally Posted by edycol Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol API SP and ILSAC GF6 went into effect on 05/21 and are mediocre specifications. The test plant for these oils is Toyota 2.4 naturally aspirated engine. While LSPI control is demand on SP oils, engine being used for testing is not
turbo plant. The requirement is based strictly on calcium level. Third, BMW doesn't rebrand oils. BMW TPT oils are specific to BMW regardless that blender until 02/21 was Shell and now is Castrol. For N20 engine, considering timing chain issues, best bet is thick oil with low ZDDP content. Best fit is Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40. Your thoughts on best oil for B46? I'm going to be changing mine for the first time since owning it at 5k OCI, which will be around 32k miles. Debating between FCP Euro LiquiMoly 5w30 oil change kit with filter and utilizing lifetime warranty (and sending it back for refund at every oil change), or getting the OE filter from Amazon and Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 ($22 from WalMart). Any insight/opinions? Thanks! EDIT: Also, please clarify. I thought for BMW turbo engines that we wanted HIGHER ZDDP, not lower. So ZDDP is never ending debate. ZDDP is very stout additive for limits. But it has downsides. It is harmful to emissions equipment and those things are
expensive. Also, modern oils utilize other additives that are similarly effective. Another silly and probably overasked question. I've transitioned my other 4 vehicles to 5w30. One calls for 10w30, two for 0w20 and one for 5w20. I believe the recommended 0w20 on the B46 is mainly for fuel economy and that 5w30 is better for longevity. Curious though why you would recommend 5w40 on a turbocharged car. The thicker 40 weight oil at temp doesn't cause any issues with the turbo? The climate I'm IN can get hot and has mild winters (North Carolina, USA). Assuming I can source the Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5w30 AND 5w40 at Walmart for the same price, which one would you recommend I go with? Car is mainly used for commuting on the highway, but will have occasional spirited driving. I won't beat on it, race it or track it though. 5k mile OCI. Thanks for any insights. What vehicles? |
08-14-2021, 07:25 AM | #18 |
Private Drives: 2018 330i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: High Point | Quote: Originally Posted by edycol What vehicles? I was mainly asking what your thoughts were between the Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W30 and 5W40 for a 2018 330xi w/B46. To answer your question, the other vehicles (to which I run 5w30 synthetic, whatever is only sale - lately Mobil 1 or Kirkland) |
08-14-2021, 11:46 AM | #19 |
Major Drives: 2011 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Colorado Springs | Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol What vehicles? I was mainly asking what your thoughts were between the Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W30 and 5W40 for a 2018 330xi w/B46. To answer your question, the other vehicles (to which I run 5w30 synthetic, whatever is only sale - lately
Mobil 1 or Kirkland) So, the difference is in approval. LL01 is so called Full-SAPS oil while LL04 is Low to Mid SAPS oil. |
08-14-2021, 06:05 PM | #20 |
Private Drives: 2018 330i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: High Point | Quote: Originally Posted by edycol So, the difference is in approval. LL01 is so called Full-SAPS oil while LL04 is Low to Mid SAPS oil.
Wealth of great info here. Thank you. I have disabled the VCM on the 2015 Odyssey. I'll see if WalMart has 5w30 or 5w40 in the PPE. |
08-14-2021, 09:31 PM | #21 |
Major Drives: 2011 328i xDrive Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Colorado Springs | Quote: Originally Posted by Walker_CW Quote: Originally Posted by edycol So, the difference is in approval. LL01 is so called Full-SAPS oil while LL04 is Low to Mid SAPS oil. Wealth of great info here. Thank you. I have disabled the VCM on the 2015 Odyssey. I'll see if WalMart has 5w30 or 5w40 in the PPE. Wal Mart doesn't carry PPE 5W40. It does carry Quaker State European Vehicles 5W40 which is rebadged PPE. |
08-17-2021, 04:24 PM | #22 |
Private Drives: 2018 330i xDrive Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: High Point | Another dumb question. B46 calls for 5.6 quarts. If I got a 5 liter jug of Motul 8100 X-Cess Gen 2 - that is 5.28 quarts. If I added 300ml (.317 quarts) that would put me right at 5.597 quarts with filter change. Would that be ok? The Motul is twice as much money, but when you factor in 5 quarts vs 5 liters and needing to buy another quart - as well as wanting to try out Ceratec, I think this would be a solid plan - but I'd like the opinion of someone wiser. Thanks |