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BMW 5-Series Oil Questions

34 messages,  Last post on Aug 09, 2011 at 8:41 AM

You are in the BMW 5-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? BMW 5 Series, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 4 of 4

#25 of 34 Re: ANON3, our understand differs... [anon3] by roadburner

Nov 16, 2008 (2:02 pm)

Replying to: anon3 (Nov 16, 2008 6:56 am)
As for "how" the service indicator operates, if that's relevant, it takes into account more than just fuel consumption. It also measures conditions like engine operating temperature.
 
Sorry, Shipo is correct. The first generation SI system did take several factors into account, such as rpm, engine temperature, number of starts, etc. However, BMW's engineers discovered that simply measuring fuel usage is just as accurate as calculating oil life by measuring multiple parameters.

#26 of 34 I'm confused about what type of oil to use. by qsam

Dec 03, 2008 (4:11 pm)

I have a 2008 5 series I've had for 13 months with 16,000 miles on it. The mileage for an oil change just keeps extending out. It started out showing I needed one at 15,000 miles but now it's up to 18,500. When does this stop. Yesterday I got a message that it needs a quart of oil. I don't want to take it to BMW just to add a quart of oil. I've read so many posts showing different types of oil to use and I'm confused on what I need to put in the car. Can some one shed some light on the situation?

#27 of 34 Re: I'm confused about what type of oil to use. [qsam] by shipo

Dec 03, 2008 (5:40 pm)

Replying to: qsam (Dec 03, 2008 4:11 pm)
What type of oil? The short answer is any oil that is Certified to meet the BMW LongLife-01 oil specification.
 
As far as specific oils, the three most easily obtainable oils that meet that spec here in the States are as follows:
 
1) BMW Synthetic Oil (typically 5W-30)
2) Mobil 1 0W-40
3) Castrol Syntec 0W-30
 
I've heard rumors that Valvoline has an oil that is certified to meet LL-01, however, I've yet to confirm that.
 
A word of caution, some oil companies play fast and loose with the language on the side of their bottle and say stuff like "Formulated to meet BMW LL-01", however, just because it was "formulated" to meet the specification does not in any way indicate that it actually meets said spec.
 
Best regards,
Shipo

#28 of 34 Re:12 month Oil Change by infinitimn

Dec 09, 2008 (2:32 pm)

Replying to: vokey1 (Nov 15, 2008 9:55 am)
On my '08 530xi, the dealer did a free oil change at 12 months even thought the CBS didn't require it. I don't know if the indicator was reset. I had to add a quart of oil at around 6400 miles.
 
Also, when my add coolant indicator came on a month or so ago I called the dealer and was told to bring it right in so they could top it off. They added the coolant, checked it out and washed it for me, N/C .

#29 of 34 oil service inspection by galama

Apr 02, 2009 (12:52 pm)

I just got my 2002 530i and have no clue about the car. when i try to start my car i see oil service inspection yellow and red light for about 5-10 seconds and goes away. i can tell that oil has been changed becouse its not dark in color on my dip stick. how can i monitor my oil life and how do i reset my oil monitoring after cahnge. what oil should i use and how often i should change my oil. tx joe

#30 of 34 Re: oil service inspection [galama] by roadburner

Apr 02, 2009 (8:14 pm)

Replying to: galama (Apr 02, 2009 12:52 pm)
Assuming that the oil has been changed, whoever did it didn't know how to reset the system. Here's how to reset the Service Interval System:
 
Ignition key in OFF position
Press and hold the trip odometer reset button and turn the key to the accessory position
Keep the reset button pressed for 5 more seconds until 'Oil Service', 'Inspection', or 'Reset' appears.
Release and press the button again for 5 more seconds until the message flashes, then release.
While the message is flashing, press the button again briefly to reset the SI.
Successful reset of the SI will display 'End SIA' for about 2 seconds.
 
The SI system doesnt monitor the oil directly, it actually measures how much fuel is used over a given distance. It's actually pretty accurate. If you change the oil when the SI system signals a change you will probably be changing it at 15,000 mile intervals. I'm not quite comfortable with that interval so I change it every 7,500-8,000 miles. It's a really easy DIY job; it takes me less than 30 minutes. I don't reset the SI system until it signals an Oil Service- otherwise it screws up the intervals for the other SI based services. You must sue an oil that meets BMW's LL-01 standard. The easiest oils to find that meet the standard are:
BMW 5W-30 synthetic- available at any BMW dealer
Mobil 1 0W-40- available at Advance Auto and Autozone
Castrol Syntec 0W-30-also available at Advance Auto and Autozone
Two other notes, you MUST change the brake fluid every two years using a DOT4 fluid, and you should also change the coolant every four years using BMW Coolant ONLY.

#31 of 34 Re: oil service inspection [roadburner] by galama

Apr 03, 2009 (6:20 am)

Replying to: roadburner (Apr 02, 2009 8:14 pm)
Thank you so much you have been a big help.
Looks like i have a Hands Free link button and i cant get it to work. Is that bluetooth feature or in car TEL hook up? does anyone know i would love to set it up.
I don't have book on it. And by the way i love my BMW. tx Joe

#32 of 34 Re: oil service inspection [galama] by roadburner

Apr 03, 2009 (9:52 pm)

Replying to: galama (Apr 03, 2009 6:20 am)
I've never tried to hook or pair up a phone. Sorry I can't be of more help. You can get an owners manual at the dealer or off eBay. I'm happy to help, so let me know if you have any more questions.

#33 of 34 Re: OOil ... [nicktherabbit] by lovesbmws

May 11, 2011 (11:06 am)

Replying to: nicktherabbit (Sep 03, 2008 9:32 pm)
I am on my fifth BMW, my last one being a 540i 6-speed, and my current ride being a 550i 6-speed with the Dinan software. I had to add a quart of oil at around 1500 miles and another at 4000. The dealership says this is normal for the turbo models. From reading the other posts it seems that I am not the only one seeing this requirement. Are others with the newer turbo V8's seeing oil consumption like this.

#34 of 34 Does anyone had their tranny oil change? by bimmer4ever

Aug 09, 2011 (8:41 am)

I had some research done lately about the tranny oil change. some said it is a life time no need to change, and some other said needs to change it once it hit the 100,000 miles mark, can someone please tell me the answer thank you!!!

Messages Page 4 of 4

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