Switching Oil Type

[frank3]

My car's PO maintained the car with regular oil. I'd like to switch to synthetic oil. Is there a trick to this, or can I just drain the oil, put in a new filter, and add the synthetic?

Also, for a '94 325i in California with 62,000 mi on the car, what oil weight would you all recommend?

[Furious]

just change it, simple and easy, if you want to flush out all the old mineral oil, just let it drain a little longer. and yes change the oil filter.

[Kevin325i]

15w 50 or 20w50. Man I feel like a broken record i say that so much.

Kevin

[heifetz17]

Be careful switching to synthetic. You may develop some leaks. It's not as likely with only 62,000 miles, but be aware anyway. Mobil 1 would be a great oil to switch to.

[camnipotent]

I agree. Mobil 1 is a great choice. Leaks with a car uder 80,000 are rare, but possible. If the oil has been changed regularly (3000 miles), you should be just fine.

[El Presidente]

your engine is still young, so you probably wont leak. If you want to switch at a higher milage, a synthetic blend is best.

[PhunkDJti]

after i bought the car i switched to synthetic at around 130k miles ....i have no leaks to report.

[camnipotent]

That's a good thing. Keep using synthetic and you should be good for a long time.

[iantosca]

I have a 1998 328i ... I have 98,000 miles on my car and want to switch to synthetic ... my car is getting detailed right now, but it needs an oil change bad. Do you recommend the switch with that many miles?

[camnipotent]

You could try it. That's not a HUGE amount of miles. How was the car's oil upkept in the past? IF it has been changed religously every 3,000, then I would go for it. I'm sure if you start getting leaks you could possibly switch back to standard. Although, I have no idea if you can, but I would think you could.