Member
Thread title says it all.
Background, though it's not particularly relevant: 2002 325xi, 100K miles, doesn't burn a drop, smooth runner, town driven, parked in commercial garage. silver. Daughter driven. CEL light on for evap system. Probably should put in new plugs, but only b/c the PO was likely not current on maintenance. Due for trans flush and filter change, parts and fluid in hand.
I could send an oil sample to Blackstone for a professional opinion, but let's hear vox populi first.
Let's hear it...
Last edited by Honolulu; 03-26-2018 at 01:01 AM.
Charlie
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to add value to these threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same or similar problem stands on your shoulders.
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Change it. You're over a year, you live in a humid place, probably a lot of stop-and-go or short runs, oil/engine is not going to be able to get hot long enough to drive off the water from condensation.
Apprentice w/#yrs. exp.
Never go over 12months between oil&filter changes-unless you enjoy sludge buildup,filter failure.
Remove plugs, check condition, I usually replace at 30~50k miles or 5yrs, whichever comes first.
Transmission intervals the same(30~50k miles or 5yrs), so it's time.
Great southern trendkill
change due to time.
Member
I'll have an amusing weekend with the xi, the K1300GT, maybe even the C280 and my 3.0CS. Line 'em up, knock 'em down.
Charlie
Your mission, should you decide to accept it, is to add value to these threads, either by pictures or by descriptions, so the next person with the same or similar problem stands on your shoulders.
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That oil is too thin for the M54 engine. The only M1 oil that did meet bmw standards was 0W40. Mobil changed how its M1 oils are formulated, and so there is no M1 oil that meets the specs. Try Shell Rotella T6. Many owners at E46Fanatics swear by this oil even though it’s not a BMW LL01 oil. Otherwise, look for an oil with the BMW LL01 logo on the bottle. You won’t go wrong with it.
Last edited by MarcoZandrini; 03-27-2018 at 02:38 AM.
Member
Amusing - you sorta advocate LL01, then advocate a non-LL01. Yeah, I know that Rotella is recommended and used by many BMW aficionados. Actually, Rotella T6 is closer to LL-04 than -01, as it's a low-SAPS oil. As such, you SHOULD NOT run it to the full 15K limit, as it's TBN is lower and the base components will be exhausted before then. I would go with a 7500 mile change if you're using T6.Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini
Apprentice w/#yrs. exp.
My go to oil on most engines, and yes-the M54
Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 Full Synthetic Motor Oil-European Formula
What is your take on this oil, floydr?
Member
I've never used it, but have considered the similar LL-04 rated Castrol. I would have no hesitation using either. (I decided on a more easily-available Pentosin product.)
Apprentice w/#yrs. exp.
Thank you, for your honest opinion.
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