New BMW owner with oil change question...

[kevandju]

A couple months ago I purchased a 98' 318TI. It has 85k on it and I want to change the oil in it now. I'd like to put the best in to give my car a longer life, but have been told that it is too late to switch to synthetic oil because of the high mileage.

First off is that true? If so what oil should I go with? I don't race the thing and won't really be driving it in cold weather, that is what my trusty Civic is for. Thanks for any recommendations!

[ChahalzBMR]

No it's not too late! You can change from regular oil to synthetic. If you don't drive it hard, then I recommend Mobil 1. It's good stuff for everyday driving. I use Motul since I love to make my beast tear up the roads...

[kevandju]

Should I use 5w 30 or 10w 30 or something else?

[RIBEMR26]

5w 30 is good for average driving all year...10w 40 for hotter climates...maybe more "sprited driving"...I use 15w 50 as it is summertime here in RI and I drive like a f***n' maniac.

[Kevin325i]

I like the look of the 0w40, especialy if this is going to be you summer car, cause then while it's sitting in winter you know you're going to want to take it out for a spin when it's nice.

[Turbodefrost]

Yes, you can still change over! I'm at 86k and just made the switch. It works out great!

[NeverLeaned]

Originally posted by Turbodefrost@Jul 16 2004, 01:57 PM
Yes, you can still change over! I'm at 86k and just made the switch. It works out great!

Make sure that you stay consistent with your oil brands though.....

I believe its more rumor than fact, but from mechanic days I've been told on more than one occasion.... the differences in the chemical makeups of the oil from different manufactors can limit the effectiveness of the oil when mixing together.....

as for the mileage.... its no issue.

[kevandju]

Thanks for all the help guys, I really appreciate it!

[Turbodefrost]

I was told that when switching staight over from regular to synthetic oil, i should change it again and put fresh synthetic in after 1000 miles, then I can go for another 6,000. Is this accurate, or does this guy not know what he's talking about??

[BlantonG13]

It sounds logical if you didn't get a full flush on the first change cause then there would still be remenants of regular organic oil in your car. That would be like a flush after the first 1k miles. Then the next change would be more or less all synthetic and bam...your on a role.

Now you just gotta ask yourself, did they do an engine flush or not? If not, then I would follow his advice. I don't think that a very small mix of organic with the first synthetic would be a problem though. Comes down to the money.

[Turbodefrost]

Thanks for the info. I'm on vacation (been on it for over a month), and my brother did it for me while i'm gone. I'll find out in a week. I miss my car so much!!