so I’m looking online to buy oil and I’m getting a recommendation for Castrol edge Oil 5w-30.
but do i want the M type or the LL type?
That didn’t answer the question metinks.
In answer to the question: Castrol EDGE 5W-30 M LL-04 buy online | OlieOnline.co.uk
I use Mobil 1 5W30
I buy the Castrol edge 5w 30 for my daily driver. It suits the requirements (specs) for VAG groups engines. I believe LL to mean Long Life but don’t quote me on it.
Mine was on a 18k service schedule so the long life oil used. I service myself now but usually that’ll be around 5-6k miles, still use the LL stuff though.
For what it’s worth I use Mobil super 3000 in the NC.
if LL means Longlife, what does the M stand for?
M recommended for BMW engines AFAIK.
There’s a whole lot to read up on re various oils and specs. The cars manual is the guide, read up on the specs in there and pick a suitable oil from all the blurb supplied.
ACEA C3 is the key spec and as Castrol say for VW/Porsche which also require extended drain intervals…LL
If I’m wrong someone else with more oil knowledge will let us know.
I have been using the M but I will now try the LL as that is the recommended one!
tbh the only reason i was using the M was because it was more expensive and i thought more money = better
that is normally a fairly useful rule of thumb but there are always exceptions
I didn’t have to think about oils until I bought the NC. The Mk1 and Mk2’s I had previously I just stuck 10w 40 semi synth in both, any manufacturer really didn’t matter.
As usual Google and strangely Castrol themselves provided the answer:
LL
Typical Characteristics
Name Method Units Castrol EDGE 5W-30 LL
Density @ 15C, Relative ASTM D4052 g/ml 0.85
Viscosity, Kinematic 100C ASTM D445 mm2/s 11.9
Viscosity, CCS -30C (5W) ASTM D5293 mPa.s (cP) 5860
Viscosity, Kinematic 40C ASTM D445 mm2/s 69
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 None 173
Pour Point ASTM D97 °C -45
Flash Point, PMCC ASTM D93 °C 197
Ash, Sulphated ASTM D874 % wt 0.77
Product Performance Claims
ACEA C3
BMW - Longlife-04 MB-Approval 229.31/ 229.51 Porsche C30
VW 504 00/ 507 00
M
Typical Characteristics
Name Method Units Castrol EDGE 5W-30 M
Density @ 15C, Relative ASTM D4052 g/ml 0.851
Viscosity, Kinematic 100C ASTM D445 mm2/s 12.0
Viscosity, CCS -30C (5W) ASTM D5293 mPa.s (cP) 5800
Viscosity, Kinematic 40C ASTM D445 mm2/s 68
Viscosity Index ASTM D2270 None 173
Pour Point ASTM D97 °C -39
Flash Point, PMCC ASTM D93 °C 228
Ash, Sulphated ASTM D874 % wt 0.8
Product Performance Claims
ACEA C3
API SN PLUS
BMW Longlife-04
MB-Approval 229.31/ 229.51/ 229.52
thanks, Alben
I can’t say I really understand all that but I think it means that the M is a slightly higher grade with a higher flashpoint?
I contacted BMW on this subject a couple of years ago as at the time I had an M140 and the LL04 certification/specification had just been dropped from all Castrol Edge products except the “M” one.
This is what they said:
"Thanks for your latest email about your engine oil concern, on receipt of your email I presented it to our technical team to assist me with. And I’m pleased to advise they’ve provided the following details, please see below -
The Castrol Edge engine oil is an approved oil, but not a recommended oil.
This is due to the introduction of Diesel particulate filters and Otto Particulate filters in our vehicles. The Castrol Edge oil is not a low ash oil (under 0.5%m – Castrol Edge is at 0.8), and that’s why it has changed. The high ash oils may clog the filters over time.
BMW are recommending the low ash oils now.
When checked by our Technical Department, the specification of your BMW 1 Series (VIN WBA1S920305Hxxxxx) shows as not having an OPF installed, so you can continue to use Castrol Edge oil if you wish.
I hope this information provides appropriate clarity on this concern for you."
So it boiled down to BMW moving the goal posts on what LL04 was required to achieve. The 04 part of the spec realtes to a standard established in 2004, long before anyone thought of Diesel or Petrol Particulate Filters.
All oils are a compromise as they have different jobs to do. The perfect lubricant for the engine would destroy catalytic converters, clog exhaust filters, and likely reduce fuel economy. My NC (like my M140) doesn’t have a particulate filter, but does have a catalyst, so either of the oils mentioned above were fine.
It is easy to overthink all this. If you go on an oil manufacturers website and use their oil finder tool for your specific car, you will get thier recommendation. Just choose your favourite brand and do that.
Personally I am running Petronas in all our cars as it is a hugely respected global brand, their online selector tool works well, it comes in 5L tubs, and Halfords often have it discounted which I then get another 10% off with the club discount scheme. Therefore it usually costs about £27 a tub.
