Can I use Liqui Molly engine oil in newer BMW engines?

[BavarianPretzel]

Can I use Liqui Molly engine oil in newer

BMW engines?

[paimon.soror]

sure why not.

the bigger questions are:

- what engine
- what spec does that engine "require" in your region (US standards deviate from EU)
- do you have an OPF
- do you care about staying within spec for fuel efficiency

Example:

B58 Gen 3 (2024+) bmw is pushing for LL22FE++.
LM doesn't make a LL22FE++ oil, but in the US, BMW does allow you to use LL17FE

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/0w-...8aAiXMEALw_wcB

or LL01FE (my preferred)

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/0w-...8aAlAfEALw_wcB

[pbonsalb]

I am thinking about changing from LL01 to LL04. I changed from LL01FE to LL01 years ago. I don’t need the fuel economy oil and I think the lower SAPS of the LL04 may be better for reducing carbon buildup in the intake port and on the backs of the intake valves on these DI engines. There is not really a high sulphur gas problem anymore in the US so LL04 should be fine.

[BavarianPretzel]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

. I don’t need the fuel economy oil

Are there people who buy BMWs and think about fuel economy??? 😄

When I was in my 20s, I dated a super hot girl who was way out of my league. During those glorious 2 years, I never thought I’ve about what damage I was doing to my wallet. . Sadly, a drunk driver hit and killed her.(hit and run but was caught 2 months later).

[philth]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

Are there people who buy BMWs and think about fuel economy??? 😄

When I was in my 20s, I dated a super hot girl who was way out of my league. During those glorious 2 years, I never thought I’ve about what damage I was doing to my wallet. . Sadly, a drunk driver hit and killed her.(hit and run but was caught 2 months later).

[Janjohn]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I am thinking about changing from LL01 to LL04. I changed from LL01FE to LL01 years ago. I don’t need the fuel economy oil and I think the lower SAPS of the LL04 may be better for reducing carbon buildup in the intake port and on the backs of the intake valves on these DI engines. There is not really a high sulphur gas problem anymore in the US so LL04 should be fine.

The discussion took an unusual turn but back to the point, I don’t shop for money saving or fuel saving products for my BMW. This is my splurge, old-age, “pimp my ride” daily driver.

[BavarianPretzel]

Originally Posted by Janjohn

The discussion took an unusual turn but back to the point, I don’t shop for money saving or fuel saving products for my BMW. This is my splurge, old-age, “pimp my ride” daily driver.

Even the most expensive engine oil(German-made or otherwise) is still way cheaper than a BMW engine repair. Back when I had a Mercedes AMG C43 with a V8 engine, I was changing the oil every 2500 miles or every 3 months, whichever came first. . It ran beautifully without any issues for 23 years until I gave it away.

[silvermanor]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

Even the most expensive engine oil(German-made or otherwise) is still way cheaper than a BMW engine repair. Back when I had a Mercedes AMG C43 with a V8 engine, I was changing the oil every 2500 miles or every 3 months, whichever came first. . It ran beautifully without any issues for 23 years until I gave it away.

[BavarianPretzel]

Originally Posted by silvermanor

https://youtu.be/oc5i6Vevox4

Surely I can afford “expensive” German oils…. Twice a year…. Expensive replacement BMW engines, not so much 😄

[pbonsalb]

I have used far more Mobil One, Pennzoil and Quaker State in my cars than Motul or Liquimoly oil. Great oil does not have to be expensive. I usually buy it at Walmart.

[BavarianPretzel]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I have used far more Mobil One, Pennzoil and Quaker State in my cars than Motul or Liquimoly oil. Great oil does not have to be expensive. I usually buy it at Walmart.

On my former AMG c43 with v8 engine, I used Mobil 1 0w-40 exclusively for 23 years, at least one oil change every 3 or 4 months, even if I only put on a few hundred miles. (even the engine had a Mobil 1 sticker put on by Mercedes)

[pbonsalb]

And Shell is BMW’s oil supplier now and makes Quaker State and Pennzoil.

[silvermanor]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

Surely I can afford “expensive” German oils…. Twice a year…. Expensive replacement BMW engines, not so much 😄

I'm confused why you think you need liqui moly to save your engine from exploding?

[BavarianPretzel]

Originally Posted by silvermanor

I'm confused why you think you need liqui moly to save your engine from exploding?

There are only two reputable independent BMW shops within 2 hours from me. Both will only use Liqui Moly oils.(customer-supplied oils, fluids or parts not allowed). Both of my BMWs are about to reach 3 years, so no more freebie maintenance from BMW… will have one if the independent BMW shops service it after that. I’m in a new subdivision and the HOA rules do not allow working on cars, not even in closed garage. (Even changing wiper blades inside a closed garage is not allowed and clearly spelled out in the 72-page HOA rules)

[Autobacs]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

There are only two reputable independent BMW shops within 2 hours from me. Both will only use Liqui Moly oils.(customer-supplied oils, fluids or parts not allowed). Both of my BMWs are about to reach 3 years, so no more freebie maintenance from BMW… will have one if the independent BMW shops service it after that. I’m in a new subdivision and the HOA rules do not allow working on cars, not even in closed garage. (Even changing wiper blades inside a closed garage is not allowed and clearly spelled out in the 72-page HOA rules)

Nothing against Liqui-Moly but your independent shop's decision to use Liqui-Moly has nothing to do with them being superior compared to other oil brands.

Your HOA dictating what you can not do in your closed garage is nuts.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

There are only two reputable independent BMW shops within 2 hours from me. Both will only use Liqui Moly oils.(customer-supplied oils, fluids or parts not allowed). Both of my BMWs are about to reach 3 years, so no more freebie maintenance from BMW… will have one if the independent BMW shops service it after that. I’m in a new subdivision and the HOA rules do not allow working on cars, not even in closed garage. (Even changing wiper blades inside a closed garage is not allowed and clearly spelled out in the 72-page HOA rules)

Why in the world wouldn't they allow working on a car in a closed garage? How would they even know?

That's one "rule" that I'd be assiduously ignoring. Shit like this is why I'm so glad I don't have an HOA and will never move into any neighborhood with one. It just caters to a bunch of busybodies that have nothing better to do with their lives than hector others over inconsequential BS.

[SW17LS]

I can tell you that legally they cannot stop you from working on your cars in your own garage. In the driveway sure.

They can stop you from working on other peoples cars for money in your own garage (I.e. running a business)

[Ugly Kar]

Originally Posted by silvermanor

Well that's just crazy. He didn't even do a taste test. How are we supposed to know if it's any good without a taste test?

Warren also makes the Wal Mart brand. They make good products. They probably make a lot of store brands maybe OReilley, Advance, who knows. Only the major oil companies make base oils, then the name brands add their own additives. Companies like Warren don't have 1000 people on the payroll trying to think up jingles to make it seem like their product is the best.

You think you're getting something a lot better for more $ but often not.

[Mikey240]

Originally Posted by paimon.soror

sure why not.

the bigger questions are:

- what engine
- what spec does that engine "require" in your region (US standards deviate from EU)
- do you have an OPF
- do you care about staying within spec for fuel efficiency

Example:

B58 Gen 3 (2024+) bmw is pushing for LL22FE++.
LM doesn't make a LL22FE++ oil, but in the US, BMW does allow you to use LL17FE

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/0w-...8aAiXMEALw_wcB

or LL01FE (my preferred)

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/0w-...8aAlAfEALw_wcB

The "what oil to use" cluster-jam .

So, we all know that the manual and engine sticker saw 0w20. We also know that there are other approved viscosities like 0w30 or even 5w30 but they dont heavily advertise those. *Something* about prioritising fuel economy over all else.

Anyway, I agree with you on the LL-01 or LL-01FE being solid choice and certainly approved for use in our late-model 240's. No need to chase down LL-017 or LL-22. Way fewer choices and no 30-weight oil I can find with that spec.

Another possible consideration is going with the latest API spec which is API-SP. This has better timing chain wear properties and is apparently slightly better for LSPI prevention, from what Ive read. Not sure how much better it is than API-SL but it is the newest.

So, depending on your situation, climate & use case, go with whatever approved oil you like. Nothing wrong with 0w20 as long as its the right type. Same for 0w30 or 5w30. I myself will be running a 5w30 LL-01 / API-SP oil myself. or a 0w30 with the same specs.

As always, regular changes, like 5K miles or LESS are more critical than what brand of oil.

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

I am thinking about changing from LL01 to LL04. I changed from LL01FE to LL01 years ago. I don’t need the fuel economy oil and I think the lower SAPS of the LL04 may be better for reducing carbon buildup in the intake port and on the backs of the intake valves on these DI engines. There is not really a high sulphur gas problem anymore in the US so LL04 should be fine.

Yeah - I think you can use LL-04 but I always thought that was for cars with the GPF or gas particulate filter which the USA cars dont have. Its probably fine though/

[ZL9M2]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

There are only two reputable independent BMW shops within 2 hours from me. Both will only use Liqui Moly oils.(customer-supplied oils, fluids or parts not allowed). Both of my BMWs are about to reach 3 years, so no more freebie maintenance from BMW… will have one if the independent BMW shops service it after that. I’m in a new subdivision and the HOA rules do not allow working on cars, not even in closed garage. (Even changing wiper blades inside a closed garage is not allowed and clearly spelled out in the 72-page HOA rules)

Jesus...... use whatever cheap oil you can find so you can save enough to move out of that neighborhood........

[RockCrusher]

Originally Posted by Autobacs

Nothing against Liqui-Moly but your independent shop's decision to use Liqui-Moly has nothing to do with them being superior compared to other oil brands.

Your HOA dictating what you can not do in your closed garage is nuts.

Had a German sports car in to an indy shop (highly recommended shop, too) for an oil/filter service. Was told it would use Mobil 15w-50 oil and *not* the factory recommended oil Mobil 1 0w-40.

I balked. Long story short I even offered to supply the correct oil and the shop owner refused. Said he needed the mark up/profit margin he got from the less expensive 15w-50 oil.

I walked out and never went back to that shop.

[Phillies8008]

Originally Posted by RockCrusher

Had a German sports car in to an indy shop (highly recommended shop, too) for an oil/filter service. Was told it would use Mobil 15w-50 oil and *not* the factory recommended oil Mobil 1 0w-40.

I balked. Long story short I even offered to supply the correct oil and the shop owner refused. Said he needed the mark up/profit margin he got from the less expensive 15w-50 oil.

I walked out and never went back to that shop.

Wow. Talk about saying the quiet part out loud...