Oil suggestions?

[detoxed]

New to the E30 M42 arena, doing my reading and research in the quest to learn what I can from those of you whom are more versed with the M42. I have searched these forums and others including "Bob's" with no real answers; so I am asking for suggestions for which oil(s) have given the best results in your opinions?  I know this is like kicking the lid off of Pandora's barrel; just trying to find/ hear a general consensus.
Thanks

[DesktopDave]

I use synthetic oil only in engine, tranny & diff.  Gives better mileage but it's much more expensive.  I use whatever is on sale, as long as it's a major brand like Mobil1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, etc.  Be aware that (except for Mobil1 IIRC) they're not true PAO Group IV synthetics.  I'm going to try out Redline one of these days...they make a very high-quality line of products with a superb reputation.

I avoid Amsoil because they sell oil like they're Jehovah's Witnesses or something...I just can't get myself to trust them.

I also use high-quality filters, not Fram.  I suspect that air & oil filters are even more important to engine life than the oil quality itself.

I usually use 5w30 in the winter, 10w40 in the summer, but I suspect that's not that critical.  It's never really that hot or cold here.  I do try to keep those grading numbers close, I suspect having more polymers like 5w50 or BMW's own 5w60 will shorten the life of the oil.

[1991 E30 M42]

i've found that it depends on the engines age and condition, on my older engine i like to use mobil1 synthetic 15w50 and in my new motor i like to use mobil1 synthetic 5w30/10w30 or royal purple 5w30/10w30

[HATER-PROOF]

I keep Royal Purple as my engine and transmission fluids, nothing's to good for my baby.

[laernu]

Royal Purple blows for our cars that oil is ment for japanese cars but i use Penzoil Synthetic 5w/30 and it works great i also have 97000 miles on my car lol

[beemer1]

I've used Mobil1 for 12 years and the inside of the motor is very clean.  Good enough for me!

[e30itis]

i tried mobil 1 5w30 synthetic and now i have some leaks will folks please also post the weight of the oil they use in addition to the brand so we can be better informed?

[DesktopDave]

i tried mobil 1 5w30 synthetic and now i have some leaks will folks please also post the weight of the oil they use in addition to the brand so we can be better informed?

You're going to get leaks from synthetics...that's proof that it's working!  I use the same oil in my car...the WallyWorld 5L Mobil1 5w30 jug.

Synthetics flow better even at the same SAE grade as mineral oils.  And BMW is not famous for their high-quality oil seals, are they?  We're better off for it, because our cars are just broken in at 100k miles.  Many other vehicles are ready for the scrap heap by that time.  I've been chasing leaks since I've owned the car.  I suspect it'll be a full rebuild before that's fixed!

[P. Kennedy]

Royal Purple blows for our cars that oil is ment for japanese cars but i use Penzoil Synthetic 5w/30 and it works great i also have 97000 miles on my car lol

It's been a long time since I've seen a statement this ignorant.  Tell us how you know Royal Purple is meant for Japanese cars.  It would seem improbable you are a Petro Chemist, and most people that know anything about oil, steer clear of Pennzoil.

[manydubs]

I use dino oil, castrol GTX 20W-50 due to high mileage bc I dont want oil leaks.

That is what the previous owner used for the past 150K miles.

Prior to that the original owner used syn oil from 0 miles to 100K, but the engine seals were good then.