I've been asking around for what oil I should use for my car and I really didn't get an answer and some answers would contradict other answers. I have a 95 318i with about 135,000km on it. I'm not sure what was used in the past as I just got this car a few weeks ago. I really need to do a change because I don't know when it was last changed. Anyways I read a huge thread somewhere to use 0w40 Mobil 1. I tried looking for it in Toronto but can't find this oil. And don't you think it's kind of thin for the summer? I was also told not to use 5w30 Mobile 1 but everywhere I go they say to use 5w30. I want to use full synthetic. What do you guys use? Doesn't have to be Mobil 1. How bout conventional oil, what grade can I use and what to use and what to avoid. Thanks.
hey prynce im located in toronto as well, i bought my car at 135k on it, and went right to synthetic right away with no problems , for the first while i used mobil 1 0w40 for winter and 15w50 (i tthink it is) for summer. if you wanna learn more about how oils perform check the FAQ forum ..here http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=12680
as for types to use, i currently use lubromolly (hard to find and not on shelves) , mobil 1 is great and very trusted by lots, as for local shelf oils (like you would find at canadian tire) another good one to try is quaterstate full synthetic its recommended by lots of mechanics and is very affordable in comparison to mobil 1 and lubromolly.
lots of people have opinions on oil but read that FAQ and you will better understand them and will be able to make the choices you want to with a little more knowledge and understanding.
The FAQ didn't answer my question, does say what is used for what. I don't really want to use 2 different oils for different climates. Is there a grade that is good for winter and summer that I can use all year round? maybe 10w40 or 5w30?
0-40 from mobil 1 for ful synthetic. it passes the BMW Lognlife Cert. I would use that all yer around, if you dont want to change to 15w50 in the smmer.
Originally posted by Furious@Feb 24 2005, 08:13 PM hey prynce im located in toronto as well, i bought my car at 135k on it, and went right to synthetic right away with no problems , for the first while i used mobil 1 0w40 for winter and 15w50 (i tthink it is) for summer. if you wanna learn more about how oils perform check the FAQ forum ..here http://www.bmw-forums.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=12680
as for types to use, i currently use lubromolly (hard to find and not on shelves) , mobil 1 is great and very trusted by lots, as for local shelf oils (like you would find at canadian tire) another good one to try is quaterstate full synthetic its recommended by lots of mechanics and is very affordable in comparison to mobil 1 and lubromolly.
lots of people have opinions on oil but read that FAQ and you will better understand them and will be able to make the choices you want to with a little more knowledge and understanding.
Also, Why is 0-40 good for winter and 15w50 good for the summer? Is it that the colder it is the lower you want the first number and the hotter it is the higher you want the second number?
the numbers are thickness, you want the lower number first, becuase it will be thinner at startup so it will flow better, and as the engine warms up, you want the second number to be higher, because it will offer more protection for the parts.
When it is cold, it is harder for a thicker viscosity to flow, so it is reccomended that you use a lower viscosity in the cold.
I use 0-40 in the winter (it is usually around the 30s-40s here) and 15-50 in the summer (usually 70-100 here)
Mobil one is available in 0-40, you just need to shop around/
Why not phone the BMW service department and ask them what to use, obviously it will be available in your area. In a statement I am about to make, I know some guys will take exception, but in a test Consumer's Report has done twice now I believe, they tested different oils out on New York Taxi cabs figuring these vehicles have to with stand a lot of abuse from stop and go driving. The conclusion they came to was that "oil is oil." In other words, as long as it is automotive oil suit for the temperature range of your car, it will work quite well. It is more important to change your oil frequently, than it is to use the "best" oil.
BMW uses castrol. i cant remember if the oil is full synthetic or not, its not stuff we can buy, i know the stuff that all M cars use is very expensive full synthetic castrol.
in a test Consumer's Report has done twice now I believe, they tested different oils out on New York Taxi cabs figuring these vehicles have to with stand a lot of abuse from stop and go driving. The conclusion they came to was that "oil is oil." In other words, as long as it is automotive oil suit for the temperature range of your car, it will work quite well. It is more important to change your oil frequently, than it is to use the "best" oil.
Im gonna be one of those people that takes exception to that...thats like saying "gas is gas"
maybe im the moron who overpays for the best gas and oil...but I only put high quality stuff in my car...
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