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      03-13-2012, 08:52 AM   #1
jparnes1
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What kind of oil are you running?

Our engines, whether it's an N54, N55 or N20 are all turbocharged and run pretty hot (especially for you software junkies out there!). Do you think the stock BMW 5W-30 have enough viscosity to lubricate adequately under those high heat conditions? Anyone using a different brand of oil or a different viscosity?
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      03-13-2012, 09:15 AM   #2
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Im using Castrol Edge 5W-40 as recommended by my BMW Mechanic, but the 5W-30 isnt much different unless you live in a place with extreme heat conditions.
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      03-13-2012, 09:22 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Constant.S View Post
Im using Castrol Edge 5W-40 as recommended by my BMW Mechanic, but the 5W-30 isnt much different unless you live in a place with extreme heat conditions.
I've heard (unsubstantiated, though) that Castrol rebranded there German Castrol as Castrol Edge, so your mechanic may have something there.
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      03-13-2012, 09:32 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jparnes1 View Post
Our engines, whether it's an N54, N55 or N20 are all turbocharged and run pretty hot (especially for you software junkies out there!). Do you think the stock BMW 5W-30 have enough viscosity to lubricate adequately under those high heat conditions? Anyone using a different brand of oil or a different viscosity?
The information should be in your User/Operation Manual. However, you may like to go to this link ...

BMW Maintenance Document ---> Click to Open

Once open fill in the Year, Model information of your car then you will open an electronic PDF file for your car. If I am not mistaken the oil requirement for your car would be ....

BMW High Performance Synthetic oil 5W-30 Synthetic Oil (BMW part number 07 51 0 017 866) for regular scheduled engine oil changes. Page 10 of the PDF file shows oil information. I would always follow the BMW recommendations (not what some mechanic would tell me) as long as the car is under warranty.

There should be a pint in your trunk in a special pouch with the oil specifications right on the label. If you don't have one in your trunk you can get one specific for your car (it's a good idea to carry a spare pint) from your local BMW parts counter. Looks similar to picture below.
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Last edited by Mr. ///M3 RD; 06-12-2012 at 03:22 PM..
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      03-13-2012, 09:37 AM   #5
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Rolf, you missed my point. I know what oil is recommended. I'm asking if anyone is using something else that they feel provided better protection under the high heat conditions of turbocharged engines.
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      03-13-2012, 09:40 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by jparnes1 View Post
Rolf, you missed my point. I know what oil is recommended. I'm asking if anyone is using something else that they feel provided better protection under the high heat conditions of turbocharged engines.
I did see your question okay ... still I would always follow the BMW recommendations (not what some mechanic would tell me) as long as the car is under warranty.

Hope you find what you seek.

Cheers, Rolf
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      03-13-2012, 10:24 AM   #7
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The Castrol Edge 5W-40 is what BMW recommends for hotter Countries Rolf... We know that we should follow what the manufacturer recommends under warranty... It's common logic.

Anyways, back on topic:
Jp I thought that "Edge" was Castrol's full synthetic line but maybe what you heard is correct. I'll be going to Stuttgart next month with a buddy to pick up his SL63 so i'll check and see if they rebranded Castrol in Germany.
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      03-13-2012, 12:38 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Constant.S View Post
The Castrol Edge 5W-40 is what BMW recommends for hotter Countries Rolf... We know that we should follow what the manufacturer recommends under warranty... It's common logic.

Anyways, back on topic:
Jp I thought that "Edge" was Castrol's full synthetic line but maybe what you heard is correct. I'll be going to Stuttgart next month with a buddy to pick up his SL63 so i'll check and see if they rebranded Castrol in Germany.
Constant, I am sure that BMW in "Hotter Countries / or other parts of the World" will adjust to the local expected ambient temperatures (the factory issued TIL's [Technical Information Letters]for that). So I am not talking about that at all. All I am saying from a warranty point of view is to follow the manufacturers recommendation. I am also aware that the majority of folks here are well aware of this fact ... it's only if someone needs to ask then one tries to point that individual in the right direction with tact. I don't think I typed anything to belittle anyone ... or did I?

If I wanted to use a lighter or different viscosity oil in my high performance car that is not on the BMW recommended list for my car within the warranty period then I would ask my SA to ensure my warranty would not be jeopardized.

After all the people at BMW Service Shops I think are closer to the factory and what is and is not good for the cars engine. To ask the people that know and that are in close contact with the factory ,that to me is the logical step to take. The right oil use in any high performance engine is very important. I for one would not follow anyone else's recommendation on that issue.

Besides if as you say it's common logic why not ask the folks that know best? you know the ones that build the engines then tested the engine (on the bench and on the road under various conditions including very hot and sub zero temperatures) for thousands of hours on test cars?

Sure if one does not care about warranty then use anything you like, just don't expect the manufacturer to pick up the pieces when things go wrong. You can be sure a simple oil analysis will tell the manufacturer what oil was used when the engine failed.

Now you might ask why is Rolf going in such details on this issue. Well let me tell you. I once owned a Mercedes AMG in the 1980s and I did not like what the dealer charged me for the oil and service calls since I had my oil changed every 3,000 KM (more frequently then what was recommended). Naturally I followed the inspection and oil change intervals only in between I changed my own oil. So a very long discussion followed with the dealer and manufacturer before the oil I proposed at the time to be used was approved so that the warranty would not be jeopardized. I did get that in writing.

Bottom line ... one should not play around with ones engine unless unless one consults with the dealer (in the case of in between warranty recommended oil changes and oil to be used etc). Anyone not taking this vital step (checking with the manufacturer on type of oil to use), truly does not respect what effort, experience and engineering went into the design and manufacture of the engine.
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      03-13-2012, 01:03 PM   #9
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Point taken Rolf.
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      03-13-2012, 01:29 PM   #10
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all jp was asking, was an opinion, not a lesson on how to read the manual or how/who to speak to at bmw.

Man....first wheels, now oil.....it's always a big dramatic thing isn't it...
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      03-13-2012, 01:33 PM   #11
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Thanks BMWZ4. I didn't have the energy to engage Rolf in another one of these discussions.
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      03-13-2012, 01:42 PM   #12
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no worries....it's difficult to stay quiet sometimes....I was actually a bit interested in what some might have to say with respect to your question and then the thread gets bogged down with this silliness....(although I don't drive the turbo version...good 'ol N52 here)....am curious because I had contemplated changing viscosity....still use Castrol though.

In any event....hopefully someone will post a few suggestions or Constant can find out if the packaging is different overseas etc.
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      03-13-2012, 02:19 PM   #13
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I've used the Mobil SAE 0W-40 in the past on my 335i and also on my Z435i when I had to add a quart a couple months ago. No complaints. Temps are usually below 250.
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      03-13-2012, 02:36 PM   #14
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Yes that's one of BMW's "approved" oils. I don't know if anyone here has a scientific knowledge of different brands of motor oils who can lend their 2 cents. There are high end synthetics likes Redline, Amsoil, Total (Elf in Europe) which are chemically different than your run of the mill synthetics, have superior properties and can last longer between oil changes. From what I've read, BMW (and therefore Castrol) oil is not in this category.
So this led to my question of whether BMW oil at 5W-30 is sufficient or are there are oils or other viscosities that can protect our engines and turbos better than the stock oil. But someone is going to justify there opinion on a sound basis because there are perhaps warranty issues involved.
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      03-13-2012, 03:24 PM   #15
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JP1 you should take care where you buy your oil, i had been told by a mechanic that the syntech sold at Wal-mart is'nt the same sold by BMW dealers.
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      03-13-2012, 04:42 PM   #16
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German Castrol still. This is the new bottle (I predictably find it at Pep Boys).


Note, the other weights are not German Castrol. Only the 0W-30 is "Made in Germany".
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      03-13-2012, 04:54 PM   #17
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Ah hah, so it is called Edge. I had read that but wasn't sure. thanks for the confirmation.
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      03-13-2012, 05:00 PM   #18
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Fellows all I try to do is help and share experience. I give no lessons to be sure enjoy your week ... months and summer in your fine automobile.

Cheers, Rolf
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      03-13-2012, 05:20 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWZ4
all jp was asking, was an opinion, not a lesson on how to read the manual or how/who to speak to at bmw.

Man....first wheels, now oil.....it's always a big dramatic thing isn't it...
Are we on our period or what??? The man offered advice, which I'm sure some on the lesser knowledgeable people on this forum could benefit from. While he offers his knowledge or experience, others like myself too often take it for granted everyone has the same skill sets and don't bother pointing out the obvious. I feel better now!
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      03-13-2012, 05:34 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Baremeg55 View Post
Are we on our period or what??? The man offered advice, which I'm sure some on the lesser knowledgeable people on this forum could benefit from. While he offers his knowledge or experience, others like myself too often take it for granted everyone has the same skill sets and don't bother pointing out the obvious. I feel better now!
Hey! Good for you. Glad you feel better now. As for 'being on my period'....wow...how offensive is that?
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      03-13-2012, 05:45 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BMWZ4
Quote:
Originally Posted by Baremeg55 View Post
Are we on our period or what??? The man offered advice, which I'm sure some on the lesser knowledgeable people on this forum could benefit from. While he offers his knowledge or experience, others like myself too often take it for granted everyone has the same skill sets and don't bother pointing out the obvious. I feel better now!
Hey! Good for you. Glad you feel better now. As for 'being on my period'....wow...how offensive is that?
Don't go getting all dramatic now, will ya!!! Stay on topic!
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      03-13-2012, 05:55 PM   #22
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talk about off topic.
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