Is that ok to put in different oils for oil change?

[nickxtsui]

Sorry, I am a new bimmer. I have a 2001 E46 325CI. I am going to change the oil. I have 5 qts of Castrol Unlock Engine Performance 5w-30, is that eligible to use? I read the manual, and it says the oil could be 0w-X or 5w-X, X is 30 and above.

I guess I still need 2 more qts oil. So I am wondering would that be ok if I put in different ones? such Shell Rotalla T6 of 5w-40? I think both are fully synthetic.

Thanks a lot!

[witeshark]

I have read that the mixing of oil is fine; just be sure to make the next change. It's certainly better to mix to the right level rather than to run it low on oil.

[drz]

5w30 should be fine. Is that a Synthetic? I only use Castrol Syntec on my car (may switch to Mobil1). It may not kill your car to do it once, but the engine is really meant to run on synthetic. If you are going to buy more oil to complement what you have, I would suggest to at least get the same weight. Otherwise you will have different-sized particles doing weird stuff with each other at the molecular level. It may not be catastrophic, but why do it if it can be avoided.

[nickxtsui]

Yea, you are absolutely right. I figure it probably won't cause big problem, but I would try to avoid that

Originally Posted by witeshark

I have read that the mixing of oil is fine; just be sure to make the next change. It's certainly better to mix to the right level rather than to run it low on oil.

[nickxtsui]

Yea, I think they are both synthetic. The only difference is their viscosity, one is 5w-30, the other is 5w-40. That is where I am not sure.

I dont really understand what you meant by "at least get some weight". Can you please explain a little bit more? Thanks.

Originally Posted by drz

5w30 should be fine. Is that a Synthetic? I only use Castrol Syntec on my car (may switch to Mobil1). It may not kill your car to do it once, but the engine is really meant to run on synthetic. If you are going to buy more oil to complement what you have, I would suggest to at least get the same weight. Otherwise you will have different-sized particles doing weird stuff with each other at the molecular level. It may not be catastrophic, but why do it if it can be avoided.

[nickxtsui]

I really want to make sure that at least 5w-30 is ok.

[drz]

5w30, 5w40, etc., is the oil weight. That is why I was recommending that if you already have 5 qt of 5w30, that the other oil you buy is also 5w30. So, the same grade.

The previous owner of my car, even through the dealership warranty, and I always put 5w30 in my car.

[nickxtsui]

I see. Thanks.
Somehow I always think 5w-40 is better than 5w-30, and 0w-30 is better than 5w-30....I dont even know why

Originally Posted by drz

5w30, 5w40, etc., is the oil weight. That is why I was recommending that if you already have 5 qt of 5w30, that the other oil you buy is also 5w30. So, the same grade.

The previous owner of my car, even through the dealership warranty, and I always put 5w30 in my car.

[sprintman]

You can use any oil you like as long as it's meets LL01 preferably. If not it must meet ACEA A3,B3 as a minimum which ensures the viscosity is correct, and more importantly, the HTHS meets minimum specs. Remember most XW30oils do NOT meet spec.

[nickxtsui]

Oh...that's something new to me, I guess I should do some research on that. Thank you so much

Originally Posted by sprintman

You can use any oil you like as long as it's meets LL01 preferably. If not it must meet ACEA A3,B3 as a minimum which ensures the viscosity is correct, and more importantly, the HTHS meets minimum specs. Remember most XW30oils do NOT meet spec.

[94BMW325i]

That's good and all, but you will need more than 5 qts...

[nickxtsui]

Thanks.I will get 7

Originally Posted by 94BMW325i

That's good and all, but you will need more than 5 qts...