Oil change on today’s high tech ultra efficient cars

The relatively simple oil change on today’s high tech ultra efficient cars are anything but simple. For instance BMW has a bunch of numbers on their oil requirements on vastly  different engines. The oldest one is LL98 then, the next is LL01 there after came LL04 and the next would be LL14.

German long life synthetic mootor oilFuchs Motor Oils

There is an even newer one which, is only for the very latest engines, from 2017 and up.

Furthermore older M engines require a specific grade like 10/60.

Mercedes is quiet the same MB 229, 31-229, 51-229.5 is the three most common designation for late model engines.

In most cases the diesel oriented BMW LL04 can be used in the gas engines for limited distance (no longer than 15 thousand kilometers between oil changes). The LL01 or the LL98 oil is prohibited in the diesel engines due to zinc in those  motor oils. Ditto for Mercedes Benz the 229.5 oil is strictly gas engines only.

The 229.31-229.51 oils are diesel oriented but can be used in most gas engine Mercedes Benz vehicles, except AMG which must have the 229.5 oil specifically.

There is one more additional spec for MB but that only applies to a single engine which is a rarity so we leave that one out for now. The implications are huge for using the wrong oil in the wrong application which at least will damage the diesel particulate filter (in short form DPF) or in the case of a gas engine possible engine damage may occur, especially if the extended service intervals are used.

Liqui Moly Synthetic motor oilsLiqui Moly Lubricants

To make it more confusing Mercedes specifies a felt oil filter for extended oil changes. The original manufacturer is in most cases Mann & Hummel of Germany.

There are two more original filter manufacturer Hengst of Germany and Knecht Mahle of Austria. There is currently a new French manufacturer which is also original equipment manufacturer called Pureflux. Read more about oil filters.

The question we often get;  Can I get my oil changes done elsewhere other than the dealer? The answer is yes, definitely, however you need to pay special attention to detail and must document the type and make of the oil and the filter on the invoice, so there are no issues if the question asked in the future while your car is under warranty.

The next question is; Are there better oils available than what has been sold by the dealer organization?  The answer is yes definitely there are better oils available. In most cases they are mainly imported from Germany.  Canadian dealers are providing North American sourced motor oils. Currently BMW uses Shell – Pennzoil.  Mercedes prefers Mobil1 from Exxon Mobil or sometime Shell – Pennzoil.

If you have any additional questions please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our phone number is: 905.795.0419.

Related;

Engine Oil Essentials
TOTAL synthetics motor oils related F. A. Q.
Oil Recommendations by BMW
BMW Approval for TOTAL Motor Oil
European Cars Motor Oil Specifications
The Importance of Oil Changes

Oil Filter Comparison

After market Made in China oil filter versa original Made in Germany MANN – HUMMEL Mercedes oil filter .

There’s a big difference as you can see, between a Mann  Genuine Oil Filter and a Chinese counterfeit, or Chinese after market oil filter. Although they look slightly similar when they are new, except after use they may destroy your engine by allowing foreign matter to wear out your precision build engine.

The old saying goes a picture is worth a thousand words. Hmm… as you can see bellow it’s quiet self explanatory. Shall we say?

Oil Filter ComparisonA complete fail of any filtration what so ever, the problem is not where it was made. The problem is the quality. Unfortunately a poor quality oil filter may destroy a fine engine unnecessarily.

As a quality  Oil filter goes, they are actually among the most reasonably priced  components you can buy for your car. It’s  common sense not  to install inferior quality  filters since their purpose is to keep your engines vital components live longer.

The savings can’t be justified on a poor quality filter that’s applies to most other filters as well, but none of them as crucial as your oil filter is to your engine’s longevity, naturally goes hand in hand with a high quality motor oil.

We always thrive to provide your fine automobile  with the best there is available today to drive longer and further tomorrow.

Call us for more details at  905.795.0419

Related
Superior oil filtration for Increased Engine protection

European Import Cars Motor Oil Specifications

Quality MANN, BOSCH or MAHLE OIL Filter for Your BMW

Quality filters bring a piece of mind. Resist the temptation of offering low priced low price filters. It not worth. At the end you will pay more.

At first the air filter. Todays air filters are integral part of the vehicle air induction system. With computer on-board, the mass airflow measurements are used to optimize fuel usage and exhaus emission.

In other words, if the air filter cause the air intake changed  greatly,  (due to dirty air-filter) then fuel usage and exhaust emission will compromised too. The car will burn more gas and will create more carbon monoxide (CO), which will over use the catalytic converter, and it lifespan will be shorter.

We recommend to change, inspect air filter following the owners manual, according to mileage and driving conditions.

Oil Filters

MANN, Bosch oil filters

You can save few bucks or pennis by take your car to a cheap oil change place. Be carefully,   those places use no name oil filters. Those few bucks that you might save, might also lead to a lot more down the line.

There are more then one reason, why you should not do it. No name filters usually do not have the  consistency in quality and delivery method over time. It seems, by purchasing a less expensive filer, savings are generated right a way. You should not try to save money on oil and oil filters.

By original or other big well know, name brand filter, like MANN, BOSCH or MAHLE OIL FILTER.

Name brand filters are familiar with OAM requirements and their filters meet those needs. In the event of issue, occurs with named brand filter, they will assist in resolving the issue.

Use a no name filter, from questionable sources, can cause  problems down the line. Those problems can vary from premature engine wear to complete engine failure. You can end up in a big engine repair bill, just because, you tried to save few bucks on oil change.

Placing the proper spec filter is very important with long interval synthetic motor oils in many cars. It is crucial to install a high quality, OEM spec or higher oil filter at every oil changes. These filters most survive intervals of 15,000 miles, as some car manufacturers specify.

It is a good practice to install quality parts to your high quality European import car. There is no substitute for quality motor oils and quality oil filters.

“The Lubro Moly & Liqui Moly line of lubricants, additives, and fuel system
products are the finest in the world.”

Related Topic:

European Import Cars Motor Oil Specifications

BMW Approved TOTAL QUARTZ Lubricants

Mann, Bosch MAHLE Oil Filters