[n54335i02121997]

Not really trying to order online. I work in a shop (not BMW’s) and can get a huge discount at Autozone through our parts department. Not that it matters too much, but if there’s a brand I can put an order in for real quick and get in 30 minutes to do it on the lift, that would be good.

Just let me know. Thanks.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Motor oil: Any LL-01 5w30, 5w40, 0w40 that's in stock (Castrol Edge, Mobil 1, Royal Purple)
MT fluid: Royal Purple Synchromax
Diff oil: 75w90 Royal Purple, Mobil One or Valvoline
Coolant: Zerex G-05
Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF-11S

Should be able to find all of that in store.

[Mantraxalos]

Originally Posted by Welcome to NBA Jam

Motor oil: Any LL-01 5w30, 5w40, 0w40 that's in stock (Castrol Edge, Mobil 1, Royal Purple)
Gear Oil: Royal Purple Synchromax
Diff oil: 75w90 Royal Purple, Mobil One or Valvoline
Coolant: Zerex G-05
Power Steering Fluid: Pentosin CHF-11S

Should be able to find all of that in store.

I thought the Zerex to get was G-48. Maybe zone doesn't carry it. Great list to keep handy though.

[dpaul]

Originally Posted by Mantraxalos

I thought the Zerex to get was G-48. Maybe zone doesn't carry it. Great list to keep handy though.

Yes, G48 meets BMW GS 94000 specification, G05 does not.

However, as far as I can tell from the spec sheets, G48 and G05 are very similar; the supplemental coolant additive (SCA) is HOAT (hybrid Organic Acid Technology) and both are phosphate free, low-silicate formulas

The difference is that G05 has nitrites. AFAIK, nitrites can react negatively with unpassivated aluminum leading to formation of precipitates. However, that behavior is noted with OAT and NOAT technologies and maybe mitigated in HOAT systems because they combine both OAT and IAT (inorganic) systems. I guess.

The addition of nitrites is supposed to inhibit iron cylinder liner corrosion initiated by cavitation. I'm not sure if it works by preventing cavitation or by promoting formation of an oxide layer that is more resistant to cavitation effects. There's some magic about this stuff, at least to a non-chemical engineer.

So, the bottom line is that G05 is an almost universal formula although BMW does not specifically approve it. Of course, it is also the "wrong" color so persnickety owners might lose sleep over that.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Originally Posted by Mantraxalos

I thought the Zerex to get was G-48. Maybe zone doesn't carry it. Great list to keep handy though.

I've heard a mix of both. AutoZone doesn't carry G48 but they do have G05. The E46 crowd is pretty happy with G05. Personally I'd stick with OE BMW. Coolant is one of those things I don't mess too much with. That and auto trans fluid. OE only for me.