Author Topic: What oil are you using? (Read 6340 times)

AL GReeNeRy · « **on:** November 13, 2006, 09:10:39 AM »

Juss wondering what people are using for oil in their m42s. I want brand names, weight, and type. I use Chevron 10w-40, I found a spare in the trunk when i bought the car, so its what I've used ever since. PLUS, its cheap and pretty good quality (my teachers family owned a Chevron for decades and he claims its up there with the good quality stuff)

RED E30 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 13, 2006, 10:19:12 AM »

I only use castrol formula R, but i think it is now called castrol edge, or something similar. I use a 10w 60, probably a bit to heavy but good protection.

RED IS 91 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 13, 2006, 11:08:17 AM »

Mobil One Synthetic 15/50

Alpine003 · « **Reply #3 on:** November 13, 2006, 11:47:30 AM »

For my M42: Supertech 5w30 Synthetic but I've also used the 10w40 High Mileage.

Check http://www.bobistheoilguy.com

romkasponka · « **Reply #4 on:** November 13, 2006, 05:07:49 PM »

Valvoline VR1 10w60

shutter · « **Reply #5 on:** November 13, 2006, 05:19:53 PM »

Mobile 1 5W30 for the winter.

D. Clay · « **Reply #6 on:** November 13, 2006, 05:46:57 PM »

I use Castrol GTX 20W-50. Lozano Bros. in San Antonio (engine builders) have dyno'd oils and racing fuels for years. Mobil 1 Synthetic makes more power, but not much - .5% (201 vs 200 hp). Whether it's better is unknown. Racing fuels depend on too many variables to say one is the best. I would use synthetic if I was sarting new. My M42 had 120,000 on it when I got it.

johna · « **Reply #7 on:** November 13, 2006, 06:15:36 PM »

Castrol GTX3 15W-40

shutter · « **Reply #8 on:** November 13, 2006, 07:50:38 PM »

So I just read a thread on bimmerforums not to use synthetic in an E30. Sure they were specced for older mineral oil b/c technologies were difft back then. Any thoughts? Any increased leaking/consumption? Guys were saying it was going to cause leaks all over the place. Sounds like BS to me.

I put in Mobil 1 a couple of weeks ago, and the car seems to like it. Although I haven't been able to drive it much. I checked it on Saturday though before firing it up after sitting 3 weeks or so, and it was as full as I left it. Also, my engine is fairly "low" mileage for a 91'. 74k on the clock. I feel ok with the synthetic.

Any arguments for or against out there?

RidingSimple · « **Reply #9 on:** November 13, 2006, 09:13:45 PM »

Castrol GTX 10W-40
Hands down the BEST non synthetic oil.
I don't get why you guys run synthetic, it's not needed in this car, waste of money imo.

shellback · « **Reply #10 on:** November 13, 2006, 10:55:40 PM »

Amsoil (can't remember vis.)

Alpine003 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 14, 2006, 12:18:17 AM »

Quote from: Nimble;13714

Castrol GTX 10W-40
Hands down the BEST non synthetic oil.
I don't get why you guys run synthetic, it's not needed in this car, waste of money imo.

I'm sure everyone will have their opinions and favorites. There's a lot of things we don't "need" and necessity is a relative term for car enthusiasts. Do we "need" euro ellipsoids? Do we "need" 15" or higher wheels/tires? Do we "need" --fill in the blank--? I'm sure our gf's or wives will think everything we spend on our car is a waste of money.

BTW, the stupid thread on BF like one of many stupid threads that just get recycled from week to week has to do with the M20 motor which is a dinasour compared to the M42 in terms of technology.

Arguing synthetic vs non is a futile argument that will only go in circles imo. Everyone should do what makes them sleep better(in terms of both protection and/or price). Does is make you feel better to use 2 condoms on a cheap hooker or 1 condom on a high priced call girl?:rolleyes:

silverblades181 · « **Reply #12 on:** November 14, 2006, 01:55:10 AM »

Castrol Syntec 5W40 cuz I live in the snow belt
The thing about synthetic oil is it's thinner when cold then mineral oil, so it's easier on the engine to start it, and it keeps it's properties at higher temperatures then mineral oil...so it's clearly better. For my part, it gives me peace of mind when I rev up to the limiter all day long at the track. Besides for the price I get it, I'd be stupid not to use it.

D. Clay · « **Reply #13 on:** November 14, 2006, 03:25:41 AM »

True story. My friend has an Audi 4 Cylinder fuel injected motor. He changed the oil himself. One morning it was unseasonally cold in Dallas and he started the car to warm it up for his wife and went back in the house. When his wife went out it had died and wouldn't start. He tried a few things and since it was under warranty, had it towed to the dealer. They had about 15 cars die and not restart that morning. The culprit - the oil was too heavy weight. It's supposed to be 10W and anything thicker pumps up the lifters and the motor loses compression. All 15 got oil changes and had no further problems.

Alpine003 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 14, 2006, 11:26:32 AM »

Quote from: silverblades181;13723

Castrol Syntec 5W40 cuz I live in the snow belt
The thing about synthetic oil is it's thinner when cold then mineral oil, so it's easier on the engine to start it, and it keeps it's properties at higher temperatures then mineral oil...so it's clearly better. For my part, it gives me peace of mind when I rev up to the limiter all day long at the track. Besides for the price I get it, I'd be stupid not to use it.

For my personal situation, I use synthetic due to living in the snow belt too but also for the fact that I only drive about 3 minutes before I get on the highway and see sustained 4k+ rpms. With this short of a time, the engine hasn't fully warmed up yet and I feel guilty pushing the engine with a thicker heavier mineral oil. Of course I can always wait xx minutes until the engine is fully warmed up but we all know how long it takes the m42 to warm up in the cold if it's just idleing...