Poll: Best Synthetic Oil Brand for e39?

[bcain79]

Which synthetic oil should I use in my 2001 BMW 530i e39? - has 175,000 miles.

[SwissCheeseHead]

2 for any car :)

I'm surprised you don't have Amsoil or Royal Purple in there (which I think is crap)

[bcain79]

Royal Purple? In a BMW? Isn't that stuff just overpriced oil dyed purple to lure in the American muscle crowd? :buttrock

Do you use it? :b_yellow

[SwissCheeseHead]

No. RP = Crap.

[e39hamann]

No. RP = Crap.

Proof?

Royal purple has been used in my car for for over 160k miles and my car runs great. It's hardly what I'd call crap.

[SwissCheeseHead]

Google is a good friend. At the end of the day, everyone will have their opinion on whatever oil they run and you will find equal opinions on whether or not to run a certain brand of oil. Not worth getting into a pointless argument over.

[timsev]

Have you guys ever seen that thing in the top of the page? I think it starts with an "S". :rolleyes

[Regamaster]

Ah the never ending oil debate.

Royal purple is definitely over-hyped and over-priced, but is still quality oil nonetheless.

OEM oil is just Castrol Synthetic 5W-30 with a BMW sticker on it, BMW sponsors Castrol.

Amsoil I believe is the best synthetic you can buy in the US, if you're willing to pay the price.

Mobil1 is another hyped brand with mixed reviews from BMW owners, some swear by the
stuff while others claim to experience louder valve tick, more oil consumption, etc.

After much research I now use Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic with a Wix filter in my S52, many
users across many automotive forums have posted back with great results and excellent UOAs.
The price is right and my valve tick vanished immediately after pouring it in. :buttrock

[MarcoZandrini]

Ah the never ending oil debate.

Royal purple is definitely over-hyped and over-priced, but is still quality oil nonetheless.

OEM oil is just Castrol Synthetic 5W-30 with a BMW sticker on it, BMW sponsors Castrol.

Amsoil I believe is the best synthetic you can buy in the US, if you're willing to pay the price.

Mobil1 is another hyped brand with mixed reviews from BMW owners, some swear by the
stuff while others claim to experience louder valve tick, more oil consumption, etc.

After much research I now use Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic with a Wix filter in my S52, many
users across many automotive forums have posted back with great results and excellent UOAs.
The price is right and my valve tick vanished immediately after pouring it in. :buttrock

"Amsoil I believe is the best synthetic you can buy in the US, if you're willing to pay the price."

Redline is the best synthetic oil. Ahhh, another intra-thread discussion.

[ezbmr]

Bimmerforums...over 1,000,000 oil forums posted

I wouldn't say there is anything you can quote on quote say is absolute best, if you could, then I would say, it is 1% better than the rest. That being said, you can go with Amsoil, Mobil 1 0w40, Castrol 0w30 or Castrol 5w40

The Mobil and Castrol are very easy to get and are sometimes as low as 5 a quart

[Regamaster]

"Amsoil I believe is the best synthetic you can buy in the US, if you're willing to pay the price."

Redline is the best synthetic oil. Ahhh, another intra-thread discussion.

Forgot about Redline since nobody mentioned it. It is definitely up there with Amsoil, probably even better.. which is why I'm running it in my diff.

[thejlevie]

Quite possibly the best oil would the oil you get from your dealer. And no it is not just rebranded Castrol from what I've been able to find out.

[AusE39er]

Sorry to hijack a little, but what grade of oil do you guys think I should be using?

96 523i m52 engine with 118060 miles on it. 5w40 synthetic?

[bayerische]

"OEM BMW oil." lol.

[RangerGress]

Oil is complicated. Each OEM makes oils with different additive packages, at different price points and with different chemistry. Some outfits make only terrific oils, some make only lousy oils, other makes some of both. But just because an oil is terrific, doesn't make it a good choice for your car, season and driving habits.

[bcain79]

Ah the never ending oil debate.

Royal purple is definitely over-hyped and over-priced, but is still quality oil nonetheless.

OEM oil is just Castrol Synthetic 5W-30 with a BMW sticker on it, BMW sponsors Castrol.

Amsoil I believe is the best synthetic you can buy in the US, if you're willing to pay the price.

Mobil1 is another hyped brand with mixed reviews from BMW owners, some swear by the
stuff while others claim to experience louder valve tick, more oil consumption, etc.

After much research I now use Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic with a Wix filter in my S52, many
users across many automotive forums have posted back with great results and excellent UOAs.
The price is right and my valve tick vanished immediately after pouring it in. :buttrock

Where do you buy your Shell Rotella?


Bimmerforums...over 1,000,000 oil forums posted

I wouldn't say there is anything you can quote on quote say is absolute best, if you could, then I would say, it is 1% better than the rest. That being said, you can go with Amsoil, Mobil 1 0w40, Castrol 0w30 or Castrol 5w40

The Mobil and Castrol are very easy to get and are sometimes as low as 5 a quart

What weight should I be running? I thought 5w30 was correct, but you mention something else - just curious why? I am definitly open to new ideas, as you can tell I do NOT know everything. lol

[rynburns]

Amsoil in my car, front to back, top to bottom. Being a dealer helps with the price lol. Currently using their high-zinc 20W-50 in the engine, 205k miles on it, and runs like an absolute champ. Commonly these motors exhibit a lifter tick at auto-x events due to fast, sharp cornering. All the E36's around mine will tick like sewing machines, mine's quiet and happy, never a sign of the tick, and with almost no evidence to back it up besides the fact that they are NOT running Amsoil, I credit my high-mileage happy engine to Amsoil..

[Regamaster]

Where do you buy your Shell Rotella?

Walmart (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Shell-Rotella-Synthetic-5W-40-Motor-Oil-1-Gal/14958681) seems to have the lowest price in my local area.

[sprintman]

Ah the never ending oil debate.

Royal purple is definitely over-hyped and over-priced, but is still quality oil nonetheless.



OEM oil is just Castrol Synthetic 5W-30 with a BMW sticker on it, BMW sponsors Castrol.



Amsoil I believe is the best synthetic you can buy in the US, if you're willing to pay the price.




Mobil1 is another hyped brand with mixed reviews from BMW owners, some swear by the
stuff while others claim to experience louder valve tick, more oil consumption, etc.



After much research I now use Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic with a Wix filter in my S52, many
users across many automotive forums have posted back with great results and excellent UOAs.
The price is right and my valve tick vanished immediately after pouring it in.



:buttrock

Wrong. Castrol has 22 different 5W30's on their web site, all with varying operating viscosities, HTHS, NOACK volatility, pumpability etc etc. BMW LL01 5W30 is nearly a 40W, has a HTHS exceeding 3.5 etc, and much more. That will do for a start.

[Regamaster]

And no it is not just rebranded Castrol from what I've been able to find out.


Wrong. Castrol has 22 different 5W30's on their web site, all with varying operating viscosities, HTHS, NOACK volatility, pumpability etc etc. BMW LL01 5W30 is nearly a 40W, has a HTHS exceeding 3.5 etc, and much more. That will do for a start.

Alright gentlemen, BMW oil may not be just some restamped Castrol Synthetic 5W-30.. but neither of you have proved that BMW oil is not made by Castrol.

[sprintman]

Alright gentlemen, BMW oil may not be just some restamped Castrol Synthetic 5W-30.. but neither of you have proved that BMW oil is not made by Castrol.

Didn't say that. It is but Castrol buy the majority of their basestocks from Mobil.


Quite possibly the best oil would the oil you get from your dealer. And no it is not just rebranded Castrol from what I've been able to find out.

Yes it's Castrol, and it's synthetic, but it isn't 'rebranded' anything. It's a specific LL01 spec oil, a very tough spec to meet by the way.

[Kredithai]

I think Lubro Moly is worth trying as well, if only it were cheaper

[mdnuojame]

Google is a good friend. At the end of the day

[pizzaman09]

I have always been happy with the OEM BMW Castrol oil. My 740 always gets full synthetic Castrol.

I have also only heard good things about Mobile 1 though I have no personal experience with it.

Any car other then the BMW gets what ever oil is cheapest at what ever store I am at.

[jdantuono]

Amsoil ftw.

[sprintman]

I have always been happy with the OEM BMW Castrol oil. My 740 always gets full synthetic Castrol.

I have also only heard good things about Mobile 1 though I have no personal experience with it.

Any car other then the BMW gets what ever oil is cheapest at what ever store I am at.

Mobil 1 0W40 meets spec, their XW30's don't.

[EE05063]

Other: Rotella T6 5W-40

Because from my research it is every bit as good as the most popular Mobil1 0W-40 but has superior shear strength to the Mobil1. All of the Blackstone Labs reports I have seen like on bobistheoilguy seem to agree.

It is also readily available and relatively inexpensive. Seems to be doing a fine job in my S52. It does not have the LL-01 approval, but my limited research says the ACEA-9 approval it does carry is more difficult to meet than LL-01. Apparently it hasn't been subjected to the LL-01 tests? So I have read.

[sprintman]

Other: Rotella T6 5W-40

Because from my research it is every bit as good as the most popular Mobil1 0W-40 but has superior shear strength to the Mobil1. All of the Blackstone Labs reports I have seen like on bobistheoilguy seem to agree.

It is also readily available and relatively inexpensive. Seems to be doing a fine job in my S52. It does not have the LL-01 approval, but my limited research says the ACEA-9 approval it does carry is more difficult to meet than LL-01. Apparently it hasn't been subjected to the LL-01 tests? So I have read.

M1 0W40 is a pretty thin 40W to start with. Not an oil for a burner or leaker. Rotella T6 would be a better choice of oil than what most BMW owners use.

[Fuebsisa]

In it something is. I will know, I thank for the help in this question.

[pbonsalb]

On the advice and experience of forum members, I am trying the Rotella T6 5W40 in my 99M3 and the 99 528i that I maintain. Too early to tell any improvements over the other synthetics that I have run (I have tried just about everything over the years and not noticed much difference with any of them).

My goal is to reduce consumption a little. The 528i probably needs a new filter housing gasket since that side of the engine is wet. I replaced the CCV and hoses a couple of years ago. The M3 is very dry underneath but has a rebuilt engine with 2618 JE pistons that run a little looser and the factory CCV has been replaced so any consumption appears to be internal.

My 08 M3 seems to use one quart per 4k miles and is dry underneath so consumption is likely internal. It gets the factory 10W60 synthetic Castrol.

[TexFinn]

I already thought Sprintman had taken his oil drivel elsewhere, but not a chance. :lol Now we just need GoingNuts and his theory of Mobil1 causing valve cover gasket leaks. :shifty

[sprintman]

I already thought Sprintman had taken his oil drivel elsewhere, but not a chance. :lol Now we just need GoingNuts and his theory of Mobil1 causing valve cover gasket leaks. :shifty

This is a thread for people with a reasonable intellect. What are you doing here son?

[TexFinn]

This is a thread for people with a reasonable intellect. What are you diing here son?

What am I diing here? Oh, nuttin'... :redspot

[sprintman]

What am I diing here? Oh, nuttin'... :redspot

Sorry that empirical data is beyond you, but lack of a decent education isn't the forums problem.

[TexFinn]

Merry Christmas to you, too. :cool

[d1984]

i have some total quartz energy 9000 5w-40 on the way, should be good

[sprintman]

i have some total quartz energy 9000 5w-40 on the way, should be good

It is!

[bcain79]

Looks like it has been narrowed down to the top few - thanks everyone.

[jp5Touring]

Other: Rotella T6 5W-40

Because from my research it is every bit as good as the most popular Mobil1 0W-40 but has superior shear strength to the Mobil1. All of the Blackstone Labs reports I have seen like on bobistheoilguy seem to agree.

It is also readily available and relatively inexpensive. Seems to be doing a fine job in my S52. It does not have the LL-01 approval, but my limited research says the ACEA-9 approval it does carry is more difficult to meet than LL-01. Apparently it hasn't been subjected to the LL-01 tests? So I have read.


Interesting,, Been Mobil 1 n Castrol user for decades..
Guess its of to bobistheoilguy again..:)

[EE05063]

Interesting,, Been Mobil 1 n Castrol user for decades..
Guess its of to bobistheoilguy again..:)

Let me know if you find specific info otherwise please. I have searched and the info is kinda scattered.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[sprintman]

Let me know if you find specific info otherwise please. I have searched and the info is kinda scattered.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

It really isn't. Your engine requires LL01 spec oil, how much easier could it possibly be?

[bcain79]

I finished flushing the system today and put in Castrol Edge Full Synthetic 5w30 because I couldn't find Amsoil 0w30 or 5-30. The car already runs quiter :). I was going to put in Mobile 1 0w40 but too many people in a bunch of forums said they use that and their engines run louder. who knows, but i'm a little happier today.:redspot

[EE05063]

It really isn't. Your engine requires LL01 spec oil, how much easier could it possibly be?

What do you mean? That I should blindly follow the lettering printed on the jug instead of using actual oil analysis results to determine what oil is best?

Technology progresses, as do recommendations. If the Rotella T6 Synthetic provides the same kind of fluid characteristics but also provides superior shear strength and the oil analysis results back that up, why would you NOT use it? Simply because there's not a LL-01 on the bottle?

Here, give me a Sharpie, let me write LL-01 on the bottle so you will be okay with it.

Seems to me I remember BMW telling me my transmission had a lifetime ATF in it also...Only to change their minds to a couple other service intervals... But hey, as long as you follow the manufacturer recommended guidelines you're good no?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[sprintman]

What do you mean? That I should blindly follow the lettering printed on the jug instead of using actual oil analysis results to determine what oil is best?

Technology progresses, as do recommendations. If the Rotella T6 Synthetic provides the same kind of fluid characteristics but also provides superior shear strength and the oil analysis results back that up, why would you NOT use it? Simply because there's not a LL-01 on the bottle?

Here, give me a Sharpie, let me write LL-01 on the bottle so you will be okay with it.

Seems to me I remember BMW telling me my transmission had a lifetime ATF in it also...Only to change their minds to a couple other service intervals... But hey, as long as you follow the manufacturer recommended guidelines you're good no?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

I've read more UOA's than you have had hot dinners, I think that takes care of that. Now for punters who don't understand oil it's prudent to just buy LL01 spec oil and be done with it. Very few understand HTHS, NOACK Volatility, Viscosity Index, TBN, TAN, etc.

[M I C H A E L]

Rotella T6

or AMSOIL.

[FastJohn]

FWIW: Rotella T6 is designed primarily for use in diesel engines - I've been using it in my F350 for the past couple of years. Darn good oil, it quieted the injectors down and improved cold starts. Takes 3.5 gallons per change, so the cost does add up.

But... diesel engines have different stress points and limits than gas engines. What's good for one may not be the best for the other.

I'm sticking with Castrol 0-30 for my E39.

[bcain79]

Rotella T6

or AMSOIL.

Couldn't find either locally and since i'm having surgery in a few days, I just had to buy what I could find and get it done. I went with Castrol Edge Full Synthetic. Not my first pick, but it will do for now. :az

[325bob]

What do you mean? That I should blindly follow the lettering printed on the jug instead of using actual oil analysis results to determine what oil is best?

Technology progresses, as do recommendations. If the Rotella T6 Synthetic provides the same kind of fluid characteristics but also provides superior shear strength and the oil analysis results back that up, why would you NOT use it? Simply because there's not a LL-01 on the bottle?

Here, give me a Sharpie, let me write LL-01 on the bottle so you will be okay with it.

Seems to me I remember BMW telling me my transmission had a lifetime ATF in it also...Only to change their minds to a couple other service intervals... But hey, as long as you follow the manufacturer recommended guidelines you're good no?

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

It became "lifetime oil" when BMW had to change it, kinda like the magic motor oil that helps them pass CAFE requirements.

[EE05063]

I've read more UOA's than you have had hot dinners, I think that takes care of that. Now for punters who don't understand oil it's prudent to just buy LL01 spec oil and be done with it. Very few understand HTHS, NOACK Volatility, Viscosity Index, TBN, TAN, etc.

So this is now about how many UOA's you've read? Congratulations, you win, I'm all out of trophies.

I will still use my own judgement and my own methods to determine what oil to use instead of strongarm oil nerd tactics of some random dude on the internet. No offense but I take manufacturer recommendations as recommendations but not as black and white fact.

I did notice you did not challenge the use of Rotella T6 in the I-6 Petrol engine aside from a lack of a LL-01 emblem. Since you are so well versed in motor oils, perhaps you can elaborate on why we shouldn't use RT6, with facts and UOA's to back it up. I am sure there is a large audience here who would find that most interesting and helpful info since it is very popular and in use by many members.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[AusE39er]

http://www.deviantart.com/download/269392430/shit_just_got_real_by_dbzsgtjustin-d4ge0j2.jpg

I recently topped up my unknown oil with Shell HX-5. Will have to do a change soon.

[felicitero]

I credit my high-mileage happy engine to Amsoil..http://www.wengmj.com/11a.jpg

[sprintman]

So this is now about how many UOA's you've read? Congratulations, you win, I'm all out of trophies.

I will still use my own judgement and my own methods to determine what oil to use instead of strongarm oil nerd tactics of some random dude on the internet. No offense but I take manufacturer recommendations as recommendations but not as black and white fact.

I did notice you did not challenge the use of Rotella T6 in the I-6 Petrol engine aside from a lack of a LL-01 emblem. Since you are so well versed in motor oils, perhaps you can elaborate on why we shouldn't use RT6, with facts and UOA's to back it up. I am sure there is a large audience here who would find that most interesting and helpful info since it is very popular and in use by many members.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

You missed the point again. I've been studying tribology for 15 years so understand that Rotella T6 will do a great job even though it doesn't meet LL01. 99.999% of punters here don't know what a UOA is, let alone how to read one, for them LL01 is the way to go. There are many Rotella T6 UOA's at BITOG for those interested? and you can be sure the engine using T6 will last longer and run better than the one using BMW OEM LL01 5W30. It doesn't comply with CAFE directives but who gives a toss?

[DieselGhost]

Castrol ONLY, not only for my BMW, but that's what i use in my Cummins too !

[EE05063]

You missed the point again. I've been studying tribology for 15 years so understand that Rotella T6 will do a great job even though it doesn't meet LL01. 99.999% of punters here don't know what a UOA is, let alone how to read one, for them LL01 is the way to go. There are many Rotella T6 UOA's at BITOG for those interested? and you can be sure the engine using T6 will last longer and run better than the one using BMW OEM LL01 5W30. It doesn't comply with CAFE directives but who gives a toss?

Well it sounds like we are on the same page. Glad to hear someone well versed in the subject confirm.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

[Regamaster]

..so understand that Rotella T6 will do a great job even though it doesn't meet LL01.

No ones knows whether Rotella T6 meets LL-01 standards or not because BMW simply doesn't have to test it. It's a diesel oil marketed in the US, leaving no reason at all to have an LL-01 rating on the bottle..