Oil Questions

[srl1104]

So not to sound stupid end beat this topic to death, but is it basically ok to use any modern 5w-30 synthetic in an E46? BMW is very vague about any details on the specifications of the oil. Is the only reason to use a synthetic because of the long drain interval? I was thinking of doing an Auto-Rx treatment on my car since it has 109k on it, but in order to do that I need to run a dino or at least a group 3 synthetic during the 7000 mile process. I was thinking of running Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 because it is a group 3 and seems to have some excellent oil analysis results. What do you guys think?

 

[Jaxguy87]

i recently had an oil change 2 days ago and decided to go with a penzoil synthetic...

 

[Kirby]

I think any decent name brand of synth will be OK. Dino oil should be OK too.

Synth oil does not build up deposits/varnish/sludge the way dino oil does, that is a key benefit. It also begs the question as to how effective AutoRX will be, if the engine is clean from good use of synth oil.

I have mixed feelings about using a product like autoRX. If the engine has no build up or sludge issues, I personally would not see the need to use it. And there's always the concern that it could loosen up some gunk that would clog a passage, creating far bigger problems. But on a high mileage engine with problems, it probably is neutral to helpful.

 

[Big Daddy]

I could not agree with Kirby more, I too have always been leary of "mechanic in a can" additives. I know mnay people who have used such things only to make matters worse. If you use synthetic oil and change it regualrly (I do not recommend 15000 miles either) you should have no problems.

 

[Jaxguy87]

i would prefer to change it every 9000 miles instead of 15000

 

[gpiron]

Guys, do not forget the driving conditions you are facing, stop and go?, 100+ deg?
I know it is an overkill but I have Castrol Syntec in my 2nd vehicle(chevy 99 silverado 85K miles). I know I run it hard, and I have the oil change light coming typically right around the 3000 miles mark.
I do the same with my 545i. Just a matter of principle...

I guess I would br a good candidate for Castrol Syntec commercial!

 

[Detrich]

my shop asked if i wanted regular synthetic or the "european" synthetic, whatever that means... i just said to use the european stuff, since they say that's what the dealers use. <shrugs>

 

[Big Daddy]

Guys, do not forget the driving conditions you are facing, stop and go?, 100+ deg?
I know it is an overkill but I have Castrol Syntec in my 2nd vehicle(chevy 99 silverado 85K miles). I know I run it hard, and I have the oil change light coming typically right around the 3000 miles mark.
I do the same with my 545i. Just a matter of principle...

I guess I would br a good candidate for Castrol Syntec commercial!

I agree that is why I said, "I do not recommend 15000 miles either". I change mine depending on my driving pattern, like you said and I agree, stop & go, hot weather, cold, dusty enviroment, change it more ofter. I do however use Mobil 1 as that is what I used since the days when BMW used Mobil 1.

 

[srl1104]

I have started compiling a list of approved BMW oils for the E46 Platform. If anyone has any others that they know of feel free to add to the list.

BMW 5W-30

Castrol 0W-30 (Also known as German Castrol, says on the back "Made In Germany")

Mobil 1 0W-40

Valvoline Synpower 5W-40

Pentosin PentoSynth 0W-30, 5W-30, 5W-40

Liqui-Moly 5W-30, 5W-40

ELF EXCELLIUM FULL-TECH 0W-30

 

[///M SPEED]

I have been using (not currently in the M) Ams Oil in my cars for over 20+ years. This is when synthetics weren't even around. My "72" 240z has never even seen the Dino juice. I am not sure if Ams Oil is good for the M though. It is a great product though.....

 

[srl1104]

I have been using (not currently in the M) Ams Oil in my cars for over 20+ years. This is when synthetics weren't even around. My "72" 240z has never even seen the Dino juice. I am not sure if Ams Oil is good for the M though. It is a great product though.....

Amsoil does turn out some really good oils. I have researched the heck out of them and it seems like the only one approved for our cars is their 5w-40 European formula. The only thing about it that seems a little sketchy is that they are already claiming BMW LL-04 status, which at this time very few companies make oil that complies to that rating, and if it does it must undergo some pretty serious testing before it can get their approval.

 

[///M SPEED]

Amsoil does turn out some really good oils. I have researched the heck out of them and it seems like the only one approved for our cars is their 5w-40 European formula. The only thing about it that seems a little sketchy is that they are already claiming BMW LL-04 status, which at this time very few companies make oil that complies to that rating, and if it does it must undergo some pretty serious testing before it can get their approval.

Their claims (I have no data or proof, just speculating) may have some merit. They have been producing synthetic oil longer than just about everyone....