Quick E39 oil question

[valvesprung]

Well here's my first post. I'm fresh form the Volvo scene and still involved, before that it was VWs. 2 weeks ago I picked up a '99 528 with staggered 18" X5 5-spokes, sport suspension w/ Bilsteins, an M spoiler, M-sport leather wrapped steering wheel, and a few other things.

The dealership, as I'm sure you all know, is telling me that the only oil to be put in my 528i is Castrol 5w30 synthetic.

Is this true, or are there other options. I have a huge stash of Castrol Syntec 5w40, and it would be really nice to use that if possible.

[winfred]

that 5/40 won't hurt one thing

[valvesprung]

that 5/40 won't hurt one thing

Rock on.

[BillionPa]

castrol syntec 5W30 isnt even synthetic by the way, thats what the PO of my car ran before the nikasil block failed, and the oil pans and cam chain covers are STILL covered in all sorts of crap.

but thats only because he was going 8K intervals, 3500 would be fine.

[valvesprung]

I'm a bit anal, so it'll never see a mile past 3k mi. Thanks for the input. I do know that Castrol Syntec (5w40) complies with VWs rules for oil in not only their turbo cars, but also their diesels.

As a technincian, I am truly curious why they are giving this strong recommendation. Any of you know specifics?

[Jr ///M5]

I use the BMW 5w-30w in my wifes '01 525. It's cheaper than Mobil 1 in the same weight and is a full synthetic. Since her car is used mainly on the highway traveling 120 miles a day, the change intervals are at every 6000 miles. Currently she has a little over 100,000 miles on the car and still going strong.

Jr
'91 318iS
'91 ///M5
'01 525i

[valvesprung]

Mine is a highway runner that has about 163K miles on it. It used to run from Portland to California on a regular basis, so I'll keep it on the 3k mile plan. Thanks a lot for the input.

[632 Regal]

3k for a full synthetic is overkill unless you use the old stuff in another car, or mower, or whatever. Dont seem to work great mixing with gas in the 2 cycle engines ;)

[valvesprung]

The oil is free to me, so as long as I can I'll keep it @ 3k, as it's not hurting anything to over do it.

[mamilapon]

I'd chose the 5w40 over the 5w30 anytime. At least i'll have that extra bit of protection at higher temps.

[valvesprung]

Cool, thanks.

[Jr ///M5]

I'd chose the 5w40 over the 5w30 anytime. At least i'll have that extra bit of protection at higher temps.

Have a look at this....http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/oilshear.htm