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Thread: Acceptable Synthetic Oils?
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02-13-2011 06:42 PM #1
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02-13-2011 06:46 PM #2
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02-13-2011 07:04 PM #3
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02-13-2011 07:05 PM #4
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02-13-2011 10:33 PM #5
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OK...if you don't want to take my word for it...
then click the link and you can take BMWs word for it. I think there are many others that will get the job done, but I stick with what I know works well and is readily available.
BMW approved oils
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02-14-2011 03:26 AM #6
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02-14-2011 09:54 AM #7
Re: Acceptable Synthetic Oils?
There are probably more postings on the RF forums on this subject than any other; It's like politics or religion: everyone has an opinion. If you want some science (besides just following BMW's recommendations) you might check bobistheoilguy website, or go to the E39 RF board and look up some postings from "Craig in Canada."
E.g. Craig in Canada example on oil'03 525i Sapphire Blu/Grey, SP, Nav
'02 325it Orient Blu./Grey, SP, Nav
'98 323is Arctic Sil./Blk, SP
'95 M3 Cosmos Blk./Blk
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02-14-2011 10:20 AM #8
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02-14-2011 11:29 AM #9
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02-14-2011 12:36 PM #10
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5w-30 is fine, so you're Ok. Even the link
he provided lists Pennzoil and Valvoline 5w-30 as having an LL-01 rating, so it's just as within spec as the Mobil 0w-40.
There are others available these days that qualify as well, but I can't find the link I'd seen from another board. If I find it, I'll share it.
Scott
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02-14-2011 04:17 PM #11
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02-14-2011 05:19 PM #12
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02-14-2011 09:17 PM #13
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02-14-2011 11:11 PM #14
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The OP asked in his initial post if Mobil 1
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02-15-2011 08:12 AM #15
Re: Acceptable Synthetic Oils?
I asked this same question in December when I purchased Mobil 1 0W-30 instead of my normal Mobil 1 0W-40. All the feedback was excellent, but the bottom line is that even though I was able to get Mobil 1 at a discount for 0W-30, I returned it to Walmart.. It is not the same specs as Mobil 1 0W-40. I concluded based on the feedback that it probably would have no effect on my engine because I change oil every 4K, but why not just get the right oil.
PS --AutoZone has a great sale NOW (as of last week) on Mobil 1 0W-40 on the 5 qt size, and you must buy a Mobil 1 oil filter. Since my store does not carry the Mobil 1 oil filter I just discarded the filter they gave me for another car, and still much cheaper with the deal. Check it out.
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02-15-2011 10:59 AM #16
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E46 motor oil
BMW states the oil spec for your motor is
A3B3 - which is for ALL seasons, long term(1year)and
high(12,000 mile) oil change intervals
BMW Castrol 5w/30
MOBIL 1 0W/40
meet that requirement
want a cleaner motor?, and prevent the dreaded
frozen crankcase vent system freeze-up? and
engine damage resulting from that? - then
change the oil and filter at least every 6-months,
or a max of 5,000 miles - if you plan
on keeping your car running
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02-16-2011 01:11 AM #17
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02-16-2011 06:35 AM #18
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02-16-2011 08:35 AM #19
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02-16-2011 10:56 AM #20
Let me re-phrase the question
Given use of proper oil (LL01) and a good filter (Mann/Mahle). How would more frequent filter changes help with the condensation related sludge buildup in the crank case ventilation system? I guess what I am getting at is that sludge is condensation related and not because of debris in the oil ... or is it?
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