Engine Oil

bernsmartco · Post by **bernsmartco** » Thu Dec 02, 2004 5:39 pm

TD,
Reads like the way to go.
And just add in change the oil filter as well. Now what have I started

madman · Post by **madman** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 9:59 am

As posted further up this tread, I use fully synthetic. I would argue that there is no need to to change it more often than the recomended 6000 miles as fully synthetic lasts much longer anyway. In the days of mineral oil with API specs of SC or SD, the additive package was not very good and would break down after 3000 miles. When the later ratings appeared SE, SF and SG, the manufacturers of those engines change the oil change interval to 6000 or more. The reason for changing was the better, longerlasting additive package.
As fully synthetic oils do not need many additives (they are engineered for the purpose) then they will last much longer and hold their viscosity for longer. The other bonus is that they will withstand much higher temperatures (no additives to destroy). Because they lubricate so well they should not be used in an engine that has not yet been run in.
Synthetics are easier to manufacture in wider visciosity ranges, therefore a 5W40 is better when cold than a 15W40, it allows for better cranking and quicker distribution around the engine. I think that most people know that the most wear occurs on start up.
I would totally agree with Sandbar and never buy an oil that is meant for a diesel and a petrol, my diesel only gets fully synthetic, diesel specific oil, and I change that every 15000 rather than the 9000 recommended buy the manufacturer.
Don't look at the brand name, look at the viscosity and the spec, I think the API spec is uptp SH now. As for the viscosity, I use 5W40 but as I live in the Dordogne I would use 0W50 if I could. The 0 would give me good starting protection and the 50 would be fine for the long hot summer.
The 5W40 fully synthetic that I buy here in France is around £15 for a 5 litre can.
If anyone is in this area feel free to send a PM and pop in to use my garage and tools to change the filter and oil while you are here - there is no charge, but bring a filter with you as we dont seem to have many BMW dealers here. The oil can be bought locally and I will willingly buy some in beforehand should you wish.

julian · Post by **julian** » Fri Dec 03, 2004 11:13 am

I need to change the oil and filter before I can use my recently acquired 20k mile S. The current oil level is low and is 18 months old.

Is there any value in draining what's in there and flushing it with say Castrol GTX for [100 / 500?] miles then putting in some fully-synth, or am I just wasting my time and should go synth straight away?

The last but one S ran very well on Mobil 1 fully synth.

Cheers
Julian

bernsmartco · Post by **bernsmartco** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 5:22 pm

Julian,
You used to be able to get special flushing oil to do just what you are thinking of.
Don't waste GTX get some cheap stuff (Halfords own or some such)- run it until it gets nice and hot then drain it off and start with whatever you intend to run it with.

crucial · Post by **crucial** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 10:43 am

Mobil 1 £23 for 4 litres, from Costco, which is the main reason I use it.

My local Esso petrol station charges £41