Oil?

G

Gr8ful

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Hey guys/gals,

What kind of oil should I get for my car? I live in southern california.. Also, what brand/type etc.. and where can I get it? What is the best? And also, what type of oil filter is recommended?? And how much oil should I get? hehe.. thanks!!
 
codex57

codex57

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Easiest way, just go to the dealer. Call around and see how much they charge. Filter costs around $10 I think. BMW uses Castrol but lotsa people like Mobile 1. Just remember, use synthetic.
 
J

jonnyz16

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yes like codex57 said use synthetic. I like mobil 1 10w-30w. you can get it at wal-mart, k-mart, auto stores. costco sells it in 6 qt. boxes . As for the filter you can go to your dealer and ask parts for an oil change kit. Included is the filter and washer for drain plug , everything you need to change your own oil except the oil. I found a great do-it-yourself guide on this site. The guy thought of everything..go to the main page and click on the d.i.y . forum..good luck . you know what I can't find it here ..maybe someone alittle more capable can find that great faq how to change your oil on a BMW ...[hihi]
 
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codex57

codex57

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If you don't wanna jack up your car, you can just buy and oil extractor. Pump out all the old oil, pour in the new. Then, pour the old oil in the empty oil bottles. Take it to your local auto parts store which usually will take your old to recycle for free.
 
G

Gr8ful

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Great, thanks a lot!! Much help. I'd really like to learn to change my own oil and be able to do it myself. I don't have a jack so that oil extractor seems like a good idea.. as long as its just as effective at removing all of the old oil (which I would imagine it is).

If anyone has a good link with instructions to change my car's oil that would be of much help..I'm a newbie with cars and everything so something detailed but easy to follow would be great.. thanks.
 
G

Gr8ful

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I just ordered an oil extractor from Griot's Garage. Here is a very nice review if anyone else is interested: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?threadid=8222

The only thing I need now is an oil filter and oil. I think I'm going to go with the Mobil 1 (with super-syn anti wear technology) for the oil and a Bosch oil filter with "Advanced Filter Paper". hehe.

Just one question left, what weight oil should I get? I don't know much about oil but I know temperature and weather have to do with what viscosity you should choose. Should I be really picky about this? I live in southern california and its normally warm here, but its getting quite cold out these winter months. Will 10w-30w suffice? Thanks!
 
R

RoyE46

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Gr8ful said:
...Just one question left, what weight oil should I get?
Click to expand...
When I lived in LA I ran 10-30, and even a step lower sometimes with no problem.

I remember reading some tests indicating that on engines that don't leak, Mobil 1 viscosities as low as 5-10 worked quite well, and actually give you a tiny power gain because the pumping losses are lower.
 
codex57

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Big Daddy said:
Except that Castrol is no longer a "true" synthetic. That is why I use Mobil 1,
Click to expand...
Supposedly they switched back to true synthetic in 2000 or something like that because of that complaint. I asked around on some other boards and they gave me the exact date. Too lazy to look it up again, but it was long enough ago to make me look silly for having asked that question.
 
B

Big Daddy

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Well according to BMW of Orlando, dated 9/03:

Synthetic oils

I am not sure about the change back to a true synthetic, but I have asked the Castrol Expert's that question and expect an answer in wiriting by Monday. I will let you know what they say, straight from the horses mouth.
 
codex57

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Keep us updated. My sources are all secondhand so their veracity is unclear. I'd prolly buy Mobile 1 simply because Castrol is surprisingly hard to find around me. Dunno why. But the Costco and Walmart near me have large supplies of Mobile 1 but not Castrol Syntec for some reason. THey have the regular Castrol though. Go figure.
 
Krafty04

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You have to be carefull because Castrol does make two different types of oil with the words synthetic on the bottle...

1. Syntec Blend
2. Syntec

The correct bottle to chose would be the one that says "Syntec; Full Synthetic Motor Oil"



Sorry if I'm being sarcastic..... Castrol vs. Mobil 1 is like Ford vs. Chevy... they are both the same, just user preference. I think the two main reasons why I prefer Castrol are
1. BMW uses it for their factory fill
2. The Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of oil into the Prince William Sound. [bigcry]
 
D

Dutch

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And some people buy a new BMW and get an extra bottle of oil in their trunk to be used for small refills with the name Mobil 0W30 on it.......not kidding you guys!
 
B

Big Daddy

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Krafty04 said:
You have to be carefull because Castrol does make two different types of oil with the words synthetic on the bottle...

1. Syntec Blend
2. Syntec

The correct bottle to chose would be the one that says "Syntec; Full Synthetic Motor Oil"



Sorry if I'm being sarcastic..... Castrol vs. Mobil 1 is like Ford vs. Chevy... they are both the same, just user preference. I think the two main reasons why I prefer Castrol are
1. BMW uses it for their factory fill
2. The Exxon Valdez spilled 11 million gallons of oil into the Prince William Sound. [bigcry]
Click to expand...
I am well aware of the belnd and the Syntec, but as mentioned in the article, Castrol changed the formula in their "full synthetic" motor oil, using a catagory III base (non-synthetic). The article explains how the organization that defines the catagories of motor oils allowed them to continue to use the words. "full synthetic" even though it was not at the time. The only thing I am not positive about is what codex57 said about them changing back. I have asked them that question and expect I should hear from them no later than Monday. Also BMW oil was Mobil 1 for many years and came in all BMW's in the early 90's. The only reason it is Castrol now is contracts.
 
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