Engine Oil Surprise!

[sqlpython]

Ok, I have been changing Engine Oil & FiIlter for my autos for years and for all types of vehicles. My 09 Jeep Cherokee 3.7 V6 wants 5/20 wt oil per Jeep..
 So, I prepared to change the Oil and filter on my 93 318i and did check this forum first.  I came away with need to use 20/50 wt. So, I bought 5 qts.. only to discover later that I needed 5.29 quarts...(got to think liters).. Just after I purchased the oil I called the local BMW only to have the parts and service depts inform me that ("if you came in here you would get 15/40 wt.. So, I caved and exchanged the 20/50 for 15/40 which is sold as a Diesel Grade by each manufacturer BTW... Does this make a difference, probably not significant for my Daily Driver?
 
 I must say though, nice easy oil change. The cartridge oil filter faces up and is on top of the engine right up front.. I guess the engine was designed around the oil filter........

[Massimo]

I use mobil 0-50w or 40w what ever it is but I have heard of people using Diesel oil in lots of different cars I don't think you will have a problem.

[DesktopDave]

Everyone uses different grades of oil.  Sometimes a car is just "happier" with a particular thickness of oil.  You'll also get a different opinion of oil from every gearhead you ask...

Diesel and Gasoline grades are interchangeable.  Check the rating on the bottle.  Current API ratings are "SN" for gas and "CF" for diesels.  Motorcycles need a different mix.  The anti-wear additives can make wet clutches slip.

The BMW is spec'ed in the owner's manual with a sliding temperature chart.  So OEM will vary through the year.  Per BMW tradition, they also tend to use slightly thicker oils than most other manufacturers.  That's been changing recently though.  The thinner oils can save a few MPG, as can synthetics.  BMW has adopted both.

I've heard a lot of guys using diesel oil in their gas cars...Delvac is very popular.  Never used it myself though.

Here's mine:
I use synthetics, typically the 5L jugs of Mobil1 from Wally World.  They're better IMHO because you don't need to change them as often, they often give a slight increase in fuel mileage, and they keep the motor & intake cleaner even on an oily little beast like the M42.

[AtlBMW]

Before I started doing my own, my local shop used 15/40w. I think because it can be used accross the board new and old and they buy it in bulk. All I know is I HAD LEAKS. Went back to 20/50 and the leaks went away and the lifters seem quieter. I read somewhere that the lifters have a notch and thicker oil stays in said notch when the car is cold. IDK

[DesktopDave]

I will say that the very thin synthetics leak a lot more.  The M42 is infamous for it.  No valve clatter though.  I don't mind her marking her spot, I'll replace those gaskets sooner or later.

[nickmpower]

wow, I use 10 w30

[sqlpython]

Nothing brings a diverse response like Engine Oil..

 I think the Next Oil change will be 10/40 as the temp here in New England Dec thru Feb gets pretty cold. Plus I will be driving the BMW less during those months and drive the Jeep.. I want to make certain that the BMW cranks easily if it sits more then a week or two.


  I took Great efforts to replace as many Oil gaskets as possible Crankcase cover to Oil pan, oil pressure switch etc. Also along the way water pump Gaskets and Head.... Some of this Done by the Dealer just prior to purchase.. So right now at 109k my m42 is dry as a bone..

[DesktopDave]

New gaskets for the motor would definitely help, no doubt about it.  Especially if they've been enhanced with better sealing compounds.  I'm planning on using high-quality silicone sealants myself next time I'm in there.

I typically run 5w30 year round.  It's thin oil, but the car doesn't seem to mind.

[keflaman]

My big oil surprise was when I opened a 5 qt jug of Mobil 1 yesterday and found someone had put USED oil it and returned it to the store! I was pretty upset to say the least:mad:

[e30Andym42]

^Bahahaha