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

[jaffles]

Originally Posted by BavarianPretzel

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

Reckon you'll find its because you change the oil twice a year is the key, not the price of a brand and its marketing.

[jaffles]

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)

From a shops perspective, the use of one oil reportedly the best oil is purely marketing. Or they have a deal with the supplier to be exclusive that benefits sales somehow. Or perhaps they genuinely believe its the best. Or they are are lazy as they come and try nothing. Or they read and believe the manufacturers spin.

I did exactly the same with Dulux paints and a company refed applicator for 20 years. Customers genuinely thought it was the best from all the marketing they did, and it was an easy sale for me. Also helped that I believed the companies' spin from their reps. I paid top dollar for it and was a good disciple. But eventually I realized it was largely spin for a company to make money while staff are only trying to pay their mortgagees. I really had no proof of performance unless I had repeat customers and that can take 7+ years. Then there were so many conditions that created escape allies it didn't matter. I realised for a product that is largely 85% or more water, other companies that supplied product for much greater and more expansive applications could and did make a product on par or better than the the brand I had attached the umbilical chord to, and cheaper.

You just said you attached yourself to Mobil 1 for 20 years, that is exactly what a company wants you to do from the marketing they want you to believe. Sure it won't be junk, but in many ways you have just given a company CEO another $15+ free money. As if an oil company needs it.

Lastly I'd bet my house if you car dropped a motor from poor oil, you'd have a far better chance of getting something, not a new motor, but something from Amazon opposed to an independent, Shell, or Lique Molly. And I don't like Amazon generally.

[Autobacs]

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.

I use both Mobil 1 0W-40 and 15W-50 and they are the same price.