Best Oil For M50???

[ecko457]

I went to FAQ's and tread through most of the oil questions and it seems to cover mostly M52's the M50 is an entirely different motor. The dealer frowns on synthetics until the m52's came out, Now which is the best way to go on the M50??? I've tried conventional 20w-50 and 10w-40 but my car is getting some miles on it and want some extra protection and I'm sure the rest of the e36 M50 owners are with me as well. So what do you use and what has worked best for most of you?

[richter]

Yeah, I read most of the threads regarding the "Best oil." I couldn't find that much info about the M50 motors, but I did look around and talk to a few people.

I spoke with two independent BMW shops. The first BMW shop recommended that I use 20W-50 Valvoline (full synthetic) through any season. Then I spoke to the second BMW shop where I take my car to get an oil change (’94 325is) they told me they use Castrol GTX 5w-50 (full synthetic) because of the single vanos engine and through any season as well.

So, I decided to call BMW themselves (1800-831-1117). They told me to either use Mobil 1 (full synthetic) 5w-30 or Castrol GTX (full synthetic) 5w-30 throughout the entire season. I asked if I were to use the 5w-50 would that change or hurt anything and he said it wouldn't hurt, but would just stick with the 5w-30. He stated that it had to be full synthetic 5w-30 oil for any 3-series BMW except for the M3s and that’s where it changes.

[ecko457]

Yeah, I read most of the threads regarding the "Best oil." I couldn't find that much info about the M50 motors, but I did look around and talk to a few people.

I spoke with two independent BMW shops. The first BMW shop recommended that I use 20W-50 Valvoline (full synthetic) through any season. Then I spoke to the second BMW shop where I take my car to get an oil change (’94 325is) they told me they use Castrol GTX 5w-50 (full synthetic) because of the single vanos engine and through any season as well.

So, I decided to call BMW themselves (1800-831-1117). They told me to either use Mobil 1 (full synthetic) 5w-30 or Castrol GTX (full synthetic) 5w-30 throughout the entire season. I asked if I were to use the 5w-50 would that change or hurt anything and he said it wouldn't hurt, but would just stick with the 5w-30. He stated that it had to be full synthetic 5w-30 oil for any 3-series BMW except for the M3s and that’s where it changes.

I read in one of the post that a guy used 5w-30 in a '94 and it wasn't enough cold start protection, he stated his car made a racket on start up.

[ecko457]

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum...6&postcount=19

[NAe36]

my dealer said you didn't have to run synthetic because they weren't factory filled with it and weren't designed with synthetic in mind, but they said run 15w-40 year round.

[RobHacker]

Mobil One 5w-30 for me.....

[NAe36]

im afraid to switch to synthetic because it does clean alot better than dino which in turn could break loose some of the carbon build up and start leaks.

[ecko457]

im afraid to switch to synthetic because it does clean alot better than dino which in turn could break loose some of the carbon build up and start leaks.

I read that too and I am becoming skeptical, what about a synthetic blend? The guys that haven't gone to synthetic do you use any additives like Lucas oil treatment or something of the sort?

[NAe36]

idk about synthetic blend, but i just run 15w-40 castrol GTX, and change it every 3000 or close to that.

[strad]

I got the best results with 10W40 castrol syntec in winter, 20w50 in summer. I tried 0w40 once, but ended up with a bunch more vanos noise than I wanted. This is a motor that had 90k when I bought it and 150k when I sold it. Same year as the OP's.

[NAe36]

i might try synthetic when i change my headgasket and put in the s50 cams

[ecko457]

I got the best results with 10W40 castrol syntec in winter, 20w50 in summer. I tried 0w40 once, but ended up with a bunch more vanos noise than I wanted. This is a motor that had 90k when I bought it and 150k when I sold it. Same year as the OP's.

I think I'm gonna go with 10W30 or 10W40 Synthetic, I think I need that 10 for the cold starts as it is I already get a lil knocking in the AM at start up, I don't have any Vanos noise yet at 157K and thats what I am trying to avoid.

[Tefal]

generally, the hotter the climate, the thicker the oil. like most things, when hot it becomes thinner, hence the thicker oils listed for hot climates

[ecko457]

Thx Guys I appreciate ur help...

[jasonf860]

I run Mobil 1 15w-50 year round in New england. Good start up protection and good hot temp protection. No issues yet and zero vanos noise at 198K

[richter]

When you do your oil changes when do you change your oil? Every 3k miles or 5k miles? Just wondering. The reason I ask is because I'm going to start doing my own oil changes. I already have the oil reset tool. I'm tired of paying around $100 for my oil changes at that local shop.

[NAe36]

well if its regular dino oil i change it every 3000 or close to that, synthetic you can go around 6 or 7500 before a change.

[richter]

Ok thanks!

[fourwhitelights]

I myself use Amsoil 5W-30 year round - a couple of my other Bimmer friends use the same; it's never failed them. You can also mix it with other synthetics, which is nice since it's so dang expensive...

[richter]

I think I'm going to put Mobil 1 or Castrol GTX 5w-30 and see what happens . Mines been getting 5w-50, but I don't think anything will happen.

[skanders]

well i got 20w /50 think thats why i got shit mileage.

so im switching to 10w/40

[JNS BMW]

I use 10w40 and Lucas Heavy Duty Oil stabilizer. Works like a charm. Lucas has saved many an engine for me.

[Jed]

im afraid to switch to synthetic because it does clean alot better than dino which in turn could break loose some of the carbon build up and start leaks.

That happened on my old 325es. I had switched to synthetic at around 100K miles and started getting oil leaks from the pan-whatever deposits were there around the seal were dissolved.

[Daved]

For California, I'd use 15w50.

[iratetanker]

i just got my 92 325i and i just stick with the bmw brand oil that the manual states to use. might be a little more per quart but you know your using the right stuff you know..