So i changed my oil today, and before i changed it i checked the level like 2 days before and it was full. But today i drained the oil and i only got 5 quarts of oil out of it.

And then i filled her back up and put in 7.5 quarts of full synthetic oil and the dip stick reads right on the money. And my car does not burn or leak any oil.

i dont get it maybe the last person to change the oil only put in 5 quarts.

And my car is way faster now, i took off my Dinan air filter sock ( it was hella dirty) and cleaned it and put the full synthetic oil in and i can really feel the difference.

anyways i just dont get where the oil went.

Does any one know what i would do in the 1/4 mile, with the the dinan cold air intake and exhuast and stage 4 software with the high flow throttle body?

thanks

Oh yea, my car is a 1998 540i sport 6 speed.

any one have any ideas??

changing the oil in most cars will make them feel quicker, more eager to rev. when you drained out the old oil, how did you measure the 5 quarts?

I wouldn't count on too much gain with basic mods on your car. You may want to consider a diff upgrade to more aggressive gearing.

I measured the oil by pouring the old oil back in the the 5 quart oil jug that i bought my oil in. i aslo bought 3 quarts

Dont those mods make a big difference?? I bought my car with the mods done. so i dont know what it was like before. I was guessing that im pulling a 13.6-13.8 in the 1/4 mile, since they do a 14.0 stock. does that sound reasonable.

OH yea i also took out my spare tire which weighs 42 pounds. LOL

if that's the case then it's possible that your car was low on oil. of course the oil lines and filter housing hold oil as well but you changed out your filter too, right?

the throttle body and exhaust don't really produce much power on your 540i, they are more for throttle response and sound respectively.

the intake and software are power adders for your car but given it's weight, you'll need some serious power upgrades to see a dramatic change in your 1320'. I don't know your experience on the strip but a 14.0 was probably run by abusing the heck out of the clutch and tires to achieve that number. if you're looking to do the same, you may be able to repeat or improve on those numbers if you're willing to put a hurt on your drive train.

as for the spare, I'd keep it in the car, better for safety (impact energy absorption) and for that rainy night that you're stuck on the side of the road waiting for AAA.

Who sells oil in 5qt jugs?

wal mart sells syentech full synthectic oil in 5 quart jugs for 25 bucks

I know you guys are gonna have a hay day on me for buying oil at wally world.

Im looking to supercharge my car but dont want to spend 8k im looking to spend 3k and find it used or get it peice by piece over time. Or maybe to a custom turbo setup, has one seen a turbo 540i?

wal mart sells syentech full synthectic oil in 5 quart jugs for 25 bucks

I know you guys are gonna have a hay day on me for buying oil at wally world.

Im looking to supercharge my car but dont want to spend 8k im looking to spend 3k and find it used or get it peice by piece over time. Or maybe to a custom turbo setup, has one seen a turbo 540i?
no no no no! Wally World is the BEST place to buy oil. I own 4 cars and one of them takes 15 quarts of oil, you can bet your bucks that I'll be at wally world with a shopping cart full of oil! :thumbup:

Shifty, you can buy almost any oil brand/variety in a 4/5 quart jug from walmart.

no no no no! Wally World is the BEST place to buy oil. I own 4 cars and one of them takes 15 quarts of oil, you can bet your bucks that I'll be at wally world with a shopping cart full of oil! :thumbup:

Shifty, you can buy almost any oil brand/variety in a 4/5 quart jug from walmart.

Cool, I just have not seen it. Until I got the 540 I bought my Delo400 by the gallon from Costco:cool

WalMart has no oil that has the BMW LL01 rating (check the labels). That Mobil 1 that you buy in the big jug at WalMart is very different from the Mobil1 0w40 that carries the BMW LL01 rating. If it doesn't say BMW LL01 (or LL04) right on the label, I don't use it.

I suggest you consider spending the $1 extra per qt. that it cost to buy oil that is actually BMW LL01 rated for your engine. I just think it's worth a lousy extra dollar, but what the hell, it's your money and your engine.


BTW: You could save even more, if you actually go 15,000 miles between changes.

WalMart has no oil that has the BMW LL01 rating (check the labels). That Mobil 1 that you buy in the big jug at WalMart is very different from the Mobil1 0w40 that carries the BMW LL01 rating. If it doesn't say BMW LL01 (or LL04) right on the label, I don't use it.

I suggest you consider spending the $1 extra per qt. that it cost to buy oil that is actually BMW LL01 rated for your engine. I just think it's worth a lousy extra dollar, but what the hell, it's your money and your engine.


BTW: You could save even more, if you actually go 15,000 miles between changes.
perhaps your wally world doesn't carry it but mine certainly does:

Valvoline high mileage full synthetic & m1 0w40 are both carried in the nine walmarts that I buy my oil from in New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

saving $11* per oil change on my 332 and 325 pays for the fancy filter that I use in them. ;)

*the difference in oil prices between Walmart and Autozone for the same exact oil.

oh and $3.98 for a quart of M1 5w30 for my gvr4 and $2.07 for a wix oil filter for that same car = big savings for me due to it's mandatory 3-5k oil change interval.

I don't think the Valvoline is BMW LL01 rated. The only two oils I have seen that are generally avail.(other than mail order, BMW dealer and speciality speed shops) w/ a BMW LL01 rating are Mobil1 0w40 (that weight only) and Castrol European Formula (made in Germany) 0w30. Check the labels, if it is "BMW LL-01", it's printed right on there. If it isn't on there, then it's not rated.

I don't think the Valvoline is BMW LL01 rated. The only two oils I have seen that are generally avail.(other than mail order, BMW dealer and speciality speed shops) w/ a BMW LL01 rating are Mobil1 0w40 (that weight only) and Castrol European Formula (made in Germany) 0w30. Check the labels, if it is "BMW LL-01", it's printed right on there. If it isn't on there, then it's not rated.
valvoline high mileage full synthetic 5w30 is BMWLL01 rated.

OK, since you are all splitting hairs over BMW rated oil's may I ask why? Is it because BMW says this is the only oil for their engines? Is there something dramaticaly different in the metal composition of the BMW engine that absolutly requires this? if so why? other than being recomended by BMW. Not trying to bust anybody's ball's here just looking for a little info. Is it something with the bearings used? The aluminum?

they use group IV stock synthetics as their base. they are just intended for longer drain intervals then group III or lesser oils.

between you and I, I can care less as I change my motor oils out way before the service indicator tells me to.

that's really it, nothing to do with the motor designs.

just stick with the proper weight (except for any XXw30 M1 oil) for your bimmer and you're good to go.

I don't think the Valvoline is BMW LL01 rated. The only two oils I have seen that are generally avail.(other than mail order, BMW dealer and speciality speed shops) w/ a BMW LL01 rating are Mobil1 0w40 (that weight only) and Castrol European Formula (made in Germany) 0w30. Check the labels, if it is "BMW LL-01", it's printed right on there. If it isn't on there, then it's not rated.

valvoline high mileage full synthetic 5w30 is BMWLL01 rated.

it smells like marketing ploy to me, i.e. printed label with the marking and charging higher price for it. i've seen them both, valvoline high mileage full synthetic 5w30 with and without the marking. i'll bet both cases got filled from the same chute, all these plastic bottles got loaded on the conveyor belts, bbbbbbrrrt, filled up by the same nozzle, capped, then what? they got split at the end of the conveyor belt where one label dispenser slaps one bottle with "MBWLL01" marking and the other slaps the sibling with label without it :( and this guy gets boxed in a case with his other bro's, loaded into an 18-wheeler destined for wally's mart.

it smells like marketing ploy to me, i.e. printed label with the marking and charging higher price for it. i've seen them both, valvoline high mileage full synthetic 5w30 with and without the marking. i'll bet both cases got filled from the same chute, all these plastic bottles got loaded on the conveyor belts, bbbbbbrrrt, filled up by the same nozzle, capped, then what? they got split at the end of the conveyor belt where one label dispenser slaps one bottle with "MBWLL01" marking and the other slaps the sibling with label without it :( and this guy gets boxed in a case with his other bro's, loaded into an 18-wheeler destined for wally's mart.
there is always the theory that comparable oils may not have been submitted for evaluation for the BMW-LL01 and BMW-LL04 certification.

as I stated before, I can care less what they are certified as since I do not run the oil for the expected average of 10-15k miles. I'm not going to pay extra for the BMW-LL01 certification.

for the record, the valvoline oil that I mentioned is actually cheaper then Mobil1 and Castrol Syntec. yay for us. :D

there is always the theory that comparable oils may not have been submitted for evaluation for the BMW-LL01 and BMW-LL04 certification.

as I stated before, I can care less what they are certified as since I do not run the oil for the expected average of 10-15k miles. I'm not going to pay extra for the BMW-LL01 certification.

for the record, the valvoline oil that I mentioned is actually cheaper then Mobil1 and Castrol Syntec. yay for us. :D

agreed!

when i hear about this type of comparison, i always laugh and refer to the old capitalistic idiosyncrasy, where on 20/20 it was revealed that bausch-lomb marketed extended wear contact lenses, sold them at 100 bucks a pair and put elaborate user's instruction to tell the user to clean them daily (guess what? with their brand solution) to ensure long wear up to 1 year, and they also marketed disposable lenses that costs like 2 bucks a pair and the instruction says they should be disposed of after a week, no cleaning necessary. guess what? both of these types of lenses come from the same press, same material, they just get loaded onto different packaging and labeling. go figure guys. who's the sucker now? i can't help it, man. sorry for derailing the subject.

agreed!

when i hear about this type of comparison, i always laugh and refer to the old capitalistic idiosyncrasy, where on 20/20 it was revealed that bausch-lomb marketed extended wear contact lenses, sold them at 100 bucks a pair and put elaborate user's instruction to tell the user to clean them daily (guess what? with their brand solution) to ensure long wear up to 1 year, and they also marketed disposable lenses that costs like 2 bucks a pair and the instruction says they should be disposed of after a week, no cleaning necessary. guess what? both of these types of lenses come from the same press, same material, they just get loaded onto different packaging and labeling. go figure guys. who's the sucker now? i can't help it, man. sorry for derailing the subject.


HEY!! I am in Greensburg. I also have a 540/6 white with tan leather. We have to hit one of the local get togethers. I need another 540 to wrench with..:)

The only two oils I have seen that are generally avail.(other than mail order, BMW dealer and speciality speed shops) w/ a BMW LL01 rating are Mobil1 0w40 (that weight only) and Castrol European Formula (made in Germany) 0w30.

FYI, Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 Euro Formula is also BMW LL01-rated:
http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/DomesticMarketing/EngineOils/pdf/PlatinumSyntheticEuropeanFormulationUltra.PDF

It should be available at most auto parts stores, and is sometimes on sale at Advance Auto Parts - buy-one-get-one-free.


BTW, this post contains what looks like a very comprehensive list of all LL01 and LL04 oils, many not available in the US, I'm sure:
http://bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?t=45607

FYI, Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 Euro Formula is also BMW LL01-rated:
http://www.pzlqs.com/Tech/Pdsheet/DomesticMarketing/EngineOils/pdf/PlatinumSyntheticEuropeanFormulationUltra.PDF

It should be available at most auto parts stores, and is sometimes on sale at Advance Auto Parts - buy-one-get-one-free.


BTW, this post contains what looks like a very comprehensive list of all LL01 and LL04 oils, many not available in the US, I'm sure:
http://bmwland.co.uk/talker/viewtopic.php?t=45607
though no fault of your own, you need to register to view that list. :thumbdown

great to know that the pennzoil passes the test though. :)

That's strange... I was able to access that page yesterday, and I'm not registered there either. Anyway, I downloaded those lists yesterday, so here they are from my server:

List of BMW LL-01 oils (http://www.zie.neostrada.pl/Various/Longlife-011.pdf)

List of BMW LL-04 oils (http://www.zie.neostrada.pl/Various/Longlife-042.pdf)

That's strange... I was able to access that page yesterday, and I'm not registered there either. Anyway, I downloaded those lists yesterday, so here they are from my server:

LL01 list (http://home.comcast.net/~tworekp/Longlife-011.pdf)
LL04 list (http://home.comcast.net/~tworekp/Longlife-042.pdf)
you rock!

I want to hear more from the guy that is going to SC and/or Turbo his ride for $ 3K.

I want to hear more from the guy that is going to SC and/or Turbo his ride for $ 3K.

that would be a neat trick...

as far as oil goes i have to say that saving a couple bucks is not worth it...

I want to hear more from the guy that is going to SC and/or Turbo his ride for $ 3K.
welcome to fantasy island. :confused

wal mart sells syentech full synthectic oil in 5 quart jugs for 25 bucks

I know you guys are gonna have a hay day on me for buying oil at wally world.

Im looking to supercharge my car but dont want to spend 8k im looking to spend 3k and find it used or get it peice by piece over time. Or maybe to a custom turbo setup, has one seen a turbo 540i?

yup, great value buy. my local wal mart had the 5qt jugs on sale for 23 bux at the time.

Madhatter....Would you please identify the good looking wheels in your signature picture?

Sux,
I just came home from WalMart. I spent almost an hour checking all the various oils. I can now say for certain that no oil on the shelves of the two closest WalMart stores to me (here in Tucson) have a BMW LL-01 rating. Well it's back to AutoZone for me.

Sux,
I just came home from WalMart. I spent almost an hour checking all the various oils. I can now say for certain that no oil on the shelves of the two closest WalMart stores to me (here in Tucson) have a BMW LL-01 rating. Well it's back to AutoZone for me.

Why? I thought you had all the specs and stores down pat.

yup, great value buy. my local wal mart had the 5qt jugs on sale for 23 bux at the time.
sure thing. they are Umnitza and Habbie's CSL replicas:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=543765&goto=newpost

Hey, when themadhatter is insisting that there are at least three oils with the BMW LL-01 rating sold at WalMart, I'm willing to be proved wrong, especially when it could save money. I'm all about best possible "bang for the buck", that's why i keep recommending BMW OEM m3 shifter in place of an expensive aftermarket SSK.

Hey, when themadhatter is insisting that there are at least three oils with the BMW LL-01 rating sold at WalMart, I'm willing to be proved wrong, especially when it could save money. I'm all about best possible "bang for the buck", that's why i keep recommending BMW OEM m3 shifter in place of an expensive aftermarket SSK.
I hope I didn't start some sort of battle here. :(

for the record, walmart's store inventory varies from store to store and state to state. When I was in West Virginia last weekend, the wally world there carried trailer tires, none of the ones in my area carry those tires. ....why was I there? I was hunting for a 7 pin RV plug for my car carrier as the original one fried itself when I was down there.

ask the manager there to see if he'll start carrying it for you.

ok this whole BMW LL-01 rating is retarded, it may be good oil but running full synthetic non BMW LL-01 rated oil is not going to hurt anyones car, ever...............

ok this whole BMW LL-01 rating is retarded, it may be good oil but running full synthetic non BMW LL-01 rated oil is not going to hurt anyones car, ever...............

+1, I made that point in another post too. Especially if you are changing it frequently like 5-7K.

Hey, when themadhatter is insisting that there are at least three oils with the BMW LL-01 rating sold at WalMart, I'm willing to be proved wrong, especially when it could save money. I'm all about best possible "bang for the buck", that's why i keep recommending BMW OEM m3 shifter in place of an expensive aftermarket SSK.

Very clever working the shifter into the reply.

Best bang for the buck would not be a BMW.

WalMart has no oil that has the BMW LL01 rating (check the labels). That Mobil 1 that you buy in the big jug at WalMart is very different from the Mobil1 0w40 that carries the BMW LL01 rating. If it doesn't say BMW LL01 (or LL04) right on the label, I don't use it.

I suggest you consider spending the $1 extra per qt. that it cost to buy oil that is actually BMW LL01 rated for your engine. I just think it's worth a lousy extra dollar, but what the hell, it's your money and your engine.


BTW: You could save even more, if you actually go 15,000 miles between changes.

Its actually CHEAPER to buy the original BMW oil at the dealer, its made specifically for your engine yet its cheaper than conventional oils! (2bux cheaper than Mobil1 or Castol Syntech) :redspot:redspot

Oh yeah about the 15,000 miles per oil change, i've heard from a lotta ppl its not good to leave it in there for so long, most reccomend changing it right after the 4th light has come on (the one on the instrument cluster that tells you when to change the oil).

WalMart has no oil that has the BMW LL01 rating (check the labels). That Mobil 1 that you buy in the big jug at WalMart is very different from the Mobil1 0w40 that carries the BMW LL01 rating. If it doesn't say BMW LL01 (or LL04) right on the label, I don't use it.

I suggest you consider spending the $1 extra per qt. that it cost to buy oil that is actually BMW LL01 rated for your engine. I just think it's worth a lousy extra dollar, but what the hell, it's your money and your engine.


BTW: You could save even more, if you actually go 15,000 miles between changes.
What kind of oil was that again???:D

Thanks for the info!:)

I have been putting BMW 5W30 for many years but recently
I tried M1 0W40. I don't know if it's my head but I surely feel
some differences in the engine performance. This is what goes
into my engine until her last breath.
Yeah you can call me all kinds of names but I'm telling you guys the truth here.

Oh yeah about the 15,000 miles per oil change, i've heard from a lotta ppl its not good to leave it in there for so long, most reccomend changing it right after the 4th light has come on (the one on the instrument cluster that tells you when to change the oil).

Please, don't think I was seriously recommending 15k between oil changes. I was just saying, if you're going to skimp on the kind of oil to save one lousy dollar....

ok this whole BMW LL-01 rating is retarded, it may be good oil but running full synthetic non BMW LL-01 rated oil is not going to hurt anyones car, ever...............

That's a nice thought, but it is impossible for you to substantiate that claim.

You can't know there is no harm being done, because it can take a few hundred thousand miles for the real problems to show up. Even then how do you know it was the oil that caused the problem. The only way would be to run two identical cars in a controlled environment with two different oils, and compare wear after say 300,000 miles.

Running an approved bmw oil is just cheap insurance. Contrary to what you might think, there is a huge difference between many synthetics, in both the way they are manufactured, and the additives added. Even viscosity can very greatly between two specific weights of oil. One 5w-30 can have a significantly lower viscosity than another brand 5w-30

Perfect example is BMW 5w-30 syth vs Mobil 1 5w-30, the mobile 1 5w30 synth actually has a lower viscosity @100c than the BMW 5w30 oil does. This is why bmw doesn't approve the mobil 5w30. However they do approve the mobil 1 0w-40, because it does meet the viscosity requirements @100c

Oil is one of the most important factors in engine longevity, so just buy a quality approved oil. BMW doesn't make money on giving other "non-sponsored" suppliers approvals, they do it because they have tested and reviewed the specifications of the oil, and they meet the BMW requirements.

Do as you wish, but I like my engines to last, and still have "like new" compression after 300,000. For a couple of extra bucks a change, it's a no brainer to me.

I use this. Data sheet says BMW LL 98....whatever that means.

http://www.pentosin.de/shop_produkt.php?c=214,230,264&pid=666&vid=

Good points Chromious, and they tie into the Chief's arguements too.

I don't think the Valvoline is BMW LL01 rated. The only two oils I have seen that are generally avail.(other than mail order, BMW dealer and speciality speed shops) w/ a BMW LL01 rating are Mobil1 0w40 (that weight only) and Castrol European Formula (made in Germany) 0w30. Check the labels, if it is "BMW LL-01", it's printed right on there. If it isn't on there, then it's not rated.

I grabbed a few bottles today for my galant as they were on disco at wally world for $4 each. it turns out that they are actually LL04 oils.

here's a scan of one of the bottles for your viewing pleasure. :)

http://www.rsiwerks.com/bfc/valvoline.jpg

Here is a PDF taken directly from the BMW TIS that lists all BMW LL-01 approved oils. It's quite a long list.

Here is a PDF taken directly from the BMW TIS that lists all BMW LL-01 approved oils. It's quite a long list.
unfortunately that list is 2 years old. (01/2005) the oil market is changing rapidly as you have now witnessed with the new pennzoil and valvoline offerings.

Ah yes, our viewing pleasure. It was captivating.

Is LL04 superior to LL98? Are those numbers the years they were approved or are they different specs?

Where are our oil experts?

Ah yes, our viewing pleasure. It was captivating.

Is LL04 superior to LL98? Are those numbers the years they were approved or are they different specs?

Where are our oil experts?
I was holding out for 'breath taking'. :(

they super cede the previous rating as is the tradition in oil certifications.

04 > 01 > 98

unfortunately that list is 2 years old. (01/2005) the oil market is changing rapidly as you have now witnessed with the new pennzoil and valvoline offerings.

Yes but it is a good start because many of those oils still apply to the present.

Yes but it is a good start because many of those oils still apply to the present.
true, it'd be nice to see an 02/07 print out for the whole field though but that's asking for allot.

I was holding out for 'breath taking'. :(

they super cede the previous rating as is the tradition in oil certifications.

04 > 01 > 98


Your code explanation is 'breath taking' every time I read it.

So, as long as we are at least = to and > than 98, as in LL98, we are good?

do 528I's take 8 qts of oil to?

If you are really concered about your oil, just get a report on it from Blackstone labs. They will tell you beyond a doupt if your oil is protecting the engine.

Over on M5 board people have tested a plethora of oils, and most of them proved to me more then effective. I am not saying ditch BMW requirments though. "BMW" TSW 10w60 which is required on M3's and most M5's is just a Castrol product rebadged. BMW does not have it's oil specialy made for their cars...

And the "longlife" certification is just because modern BMW's have 15k change marks. But what self respecting car person changes their oil at 15k?

[QUOTE=rdm190;8902955]If you are really concered about your oil, just get a report on it from Blackstone labs.

Over on M5 board people have tested a plethora of oils, and most of them proved to me more then effective. [QUOTE]

A lab is the way to go. The oil can't lie.

The M5 guys testing oils. That's funny. Does anyone think that the M5 dudes or anyone else knows more about what oil to use than the mfgr?

do 528I's take 8 qts of oil to?
check your owner's manual for this information. it'll be in the 'capacities' section.

I have been putting BMW 5W30 for many years but recently
I tried M1 0W40. I don't know if it's my head but I surely feel
some differences in the engine performance. This is what goes
into my engine until her last breath.
Yeah you can call me all kinds of names but I'm telling you guys the truth here.

i noticed improvements when making the same switch.

i noticed improvements when making the same switch.

I used M1 5W30 for several years and then switched to their 0W-40. Within 2 weeks I experienced the Vanos hiccups during warmup. I'll be switching back to the lower-viscosity 5W-30 to see if it fixes the problem.

Matthew

I used M1 5W30 for several years and then switched to their 0W-40. Within 2 weeks I experienced the Vanos hiccups during warmup. I'll be switching back to the lower-viscosity 5W-30 to see if it fixes the problem.

Matthew

I was at the AD yesterday to pick up an oil filter and asked about oil to the service manager. He said they use 5w30 on all the cars and that it's made by Castrol. He said don't go 0w30 and just go with 5w30 that is recommended for these cars. :confused

I'm changing the oil today so I need to pick something up....5w30 / 0w30??? :confused

What was his explanation of why 0w-30 is no good?

I was at the AD yesterday to pick up an oil filter and asked about oil to the service manager. He said they use 5w30 on all the cars and that it's made by Castrol. He said don't go 0w30 and just go with 5w30 that is recommended for these cars. :confused

I'm changing the oil today so I need to pick something up....5w30 / 0w30??? :confused

What was his explanation of why 0w-30 is no good?

here's the confusion: M1 5w30 and 0w30 is too thin to run in the car, it's a very thin 30 weight oil (more like a 25 weight). Castrol's BMW 5w30 is probably what he's referring to, it's a thick 30 weight

here's the confusion: M1 5w30 and 0w30 is too thin to run in the car, it's a very thin 30 weight oil (more like a 25 weight). Castrol's BMW 5w30 is probably what he's referring to, it's a thick 30 weight
But you're generalizing. I don't think he specifically meant the M1 0w-30, which doesn't meet the BMW LL spec anyway. There are other BMW-approved 0w-30 oils out there (like the German-made Castrol Syntec) which can be as thick or thicker at operating temp than some 5w-30 oils.

Take two oils for example:

BMW 5w-30:
kinematic viscosity index: 12.1 cSt @ 100 deg. C

Castrol Syntec (German made) 0w-30:
kinematic viscosity index: 12.1 cSt @ 100 deg. C

So, as you can expect, both oils will be just as thick (or as thin) at operating temp.

Stick with the LL rated oils. Forget/ignore what any indy, neighbor, friend, forum, wifey, co-worked, etc says.