BMW Approved mineral oil

[wingman]

Some good info and thanks. I've been using Valvoline XLD Plus which is 10-50. It did a great job in the E12 and also in my wife's Subaru. My specialist uses Motul(sp.) which is on the BMW approved list. I just can't get a copy of this list. I've seen the synth list but not the other. My father doesn't stock Motul but he does stock Valvoline, Castrol, Mobil, Penrite and some others that I can't think of at the moment. I'll keep looking on the net.

[Kalevera]

It probably would have been a Castrol product, but don't quote me on it. All of the BMW branded stuff would have been relabeled (conveniently not mentioning true source), anyway. I personally like the valvoline 5w30 dino, myself. Seems to stay cleaner longer.

I prefer synthetic, but it's important to remember that these cars didn't come with synthetic from the factory -- they were still using dino.

best, whit

[Zeuk in Oz]

it's important to remember that these cars didn't come with synthetic from the factory -- they were still using dino.

best, whit

Interesting, because I have been told by a number of BMW people here in Oz that they were using full synthetics in the late 80s. However I bow to your greater knowledge.

Tony, I use Mobil 1 0W40 on my M20 without any obvious ill effects - it has done 245 kkm now. So far I am very impressed with it - the only problem has been getting it - like rocking horse **** - but I have now bought enough of it that my local parts shop stocks it !

[wingman]

Howdy Bo and thanks for your reply! I can get most oils for the price of a few minty wrappers. My father uses the approved Castrol stuff in his E46 and it only comes in something like 20 ltr drums. I'm hesitant to swap to fully synth in one go. Maybe a blend for a few changes to condition the seals. I can buy 5 ltrs of synth for about AU$20. Cost is not an issue but I'm afraid of freaking out the engine and the seals. BTW, was it you that posted the motor v. engine post?

[Kalevera]

BMW didn't start using synthetic engine oil ("special oils") until 1996; even then, it was on a few select engines, like the S52. BMW HPS was phased in for '99 model year cars. Now, everything gets BMW HPS (Castrol somethinerother) or TWS (S54/S62/probably S85, don't know off the top of my head).


best, whit

[Scott H]

$Dealer$ $for$ $an$ $oil$ $change$

BMW didn't start using synthetic engine oil ("special oils") until 1996; even then, it was on a few select engines, like the S52. BMW HPS was phased in for '99 model year cars. Now, everything gets BMW HPS (Castrol somethinerother) or TWS (S54/S62/probably S85, don't know off the top of my head).


best, whit

[Blitzkrieg Bob]

With just one sacred oil change, you all can live on in the slippery path of synthetic righteousness.

Now all join hands and say Hallelujah! and repeat after me...We can all reach 200k in the shadow of a Mobil 1 bottle, and enjoy the varnish free rewards to be given to all who dare peer under the oil cap deep into the depths of the valve cover.

Ahmen Brothers & Sisters

Now please send money, so I can afford to keep my fleet free from sin.