What kind of oil do you use? and your maintenance schedule

[Jul4ster]

Based on my experience and current attention on the N57 engine, it is advisable to replace the oil and oil filters every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. What do you think?

High mileage autos with extended service intervals sometimes have frequent bottom end breakdowns.

Which kind of oil do you use? My mechanic only use Millers 5W-30 oil.

[AstonMartinLover]

I am increasing the frequency of changes to yearly (low yearly miles presently). Mann filters and Castrol FST Ultimate LL04 5W30. The engine has 68,000 miles and I have had it since it was new.

[Jul4ster]

I believe the Castrol FST is intended to be of high quality. An engine builder on Instagram consistently showcases a new N57 engine with a spinning bearing issue every week. I am unsure about the differences between the M57 and the N57.

[AstonMartinLover]

The main modifications are altering the alloys and increasing the power output of the unit for better performance. The E46 is equipped with the M57 engine producing 204 horsepower, whereas the E53 had the same engine but with a power output of 218 horsepower. The N57 engine produces 306 horsepower in the X6 model and has a greater output in the M50d variant. That's a significant improvement, but I can only speculate that the bearing problem may be related to a change in bearing material or oil circulation.

[BMW_Fan2020]

Spun bearings were mostly seen in police vehicles that were sold to the public before the problem was identified. The issue occurred due to these cars idling for extended periods and then being driven aggressively with diluted oil and infrequent servicing intervals.
Any authorised oil will be effective; if it is going to malfunction, it will do so regardless since the harm has already occurred.

[newjimmy54]

I've always attributed spinning bearings in engines to being revved up too quickly while cold. The rods absorb heat from the piston more rapidly than the crankshaft, causing the clearances to increase excessively.
I change the oil in my diesel vehicle every 6000 miles and often find the filter in excellent shape. You should see the filters I have observed on long-haul engines used for short trips.

[RogerSalesCar]

I do oil changes every 6,000 miles using Millers LL04-spec oil and either Mann or Bosch filters.
The vehicle has had more than double the number of oil changes in the 5+ years/52k miles since I purchased it compared to the two previous owners who had it for 5 years/70k miles and maintained it with a "FBMWSH." In my opinion, if the engine was going to have a worn bearing, it would have already occurred by now.
I also avoid travelling distances less than five miles from home, but this is a personal preference and not related to the N57 engine.

[Jul4ster]

Not just police vehicles, but also my automobile and a customer's car experienced twisted bearings. I have seen several automobiles listed on Facebook Marketplace for sale with engine issues such as spinning bearings and seized engines. The M57 engine does not often have this problem. An engine rebuilder informed me that cylinder 3 is the most frequently affected. Extended maintenance is not beneficial. The problem often arises at around 100,000 miles. The 3 Series is less impacted, whereas the larger vehicles like as the 5 Series, X5, and 7 Series seem to be experiencing the problem.

[Jul4ster]

My automobile had the issue owing to extended maintenance. Have you travelled around 130,000 miles? You are taking the correct approach by servicing early, which reduces the chances of it occurring.

[BMW_Fan2020]

It is essential to service these vehicles every 10,000 miles if they are no longer under warranty. If the vehicle is still under warranty and BMW covers the costs, then the frequency of maintenance is not a concern.The M57 was the pinnacle of X5 dependability, although it has significantly declined since then.headbang: maybe they were enduring for an extended period?

I was unaware that the issue extended beyond police vehicles, but I believe that most of the problems still involve them. BMW is unlikely to acknowledge that it is a problem with private cars because of potential warranty consequences.