well, to answer my own question i emailed castrol direct for an opinion. here is a copy of their reply:
Hi ****
If it was a new BMW under warranty then I would say no. This is because the Titanium formulation doesn’t meet the latest BMW LL04 specs ( they changed the approval process in 2012 and moved the “goalposts” meaning an oil meeting VW could not also do BMW ) ) – however, your car being a 2005 is designed to use the older LL04, so in this case I would suggest that the EDGE Titanium LL would be fine to use as it would still meet the older BMW LL04 test requirements.
For BMW we have always suggested the EDGE 0W-30 as this is more in line with BMW “ efficient dynamics “ programme – and also meets the BMW LL04 ( old and new spec ) so that would normally be my first suggestion.
But if you wanted to use the EDGE 5W-30 LL, that would be fine
Hope that helps
Kind regards
*******
Advanced Technical - Automotive and Industrial Lubricants
Customer services – 0845 0821719
Email:
[email protected]
so, looks like i should be ok to use this oil which is good as its £25 per 4 litre bottle on fleabay!!

05 stirling grey 3.0d Auto. mods - park heater, reverse cam, aux in