Synthetic oil is wrong for the e-34???

[Russell]

The following is an exchange that Performing Imports and I had over the past two days regarding Synthetic oil in the e34. They do not recommend it as the car was "not designed" for it. Apparently there is some concern about "Vanos rattle". I found the response interesting

Looking for reaction from other people. TIA

Russell Casey wrote 112104
I saw on one of the BMW Bulletin boards, perhaps Bimmerboard, that your company or technician does not recommend synthetic oil in a 95 525i. I bought the car at 72,000 miles-now 102,000. I did use Mobil 1 -20w50. Now I use Mobil 1 0w40 and have done so for about 15, 000 miles. I have changed the oil/filter about 3 times now after starting to use 0w40. By the way, the 0w40 stopped a slight rattle when the engine first started on a cold day.

I am worried now? Should I be?

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His response 11/22/04

Russell
That engine was never intended for synthetic oils, and we do not recommend them. But, if you are happy with the results you are getting - keep using the oil you like. It won't hurt the engine. If your Vanos unit starts to rattle you will need to switch back to 20/50.

Performing Imports

[632 Regal]

dudes smoking crack.

You have no worries as the synthetic you are currently using is WAY better than the grades and certifications of the very best dino oil back when your engine was designed.

There must be a reason they are making that claim, such as they sell some special oil? I met an engine builder one time that swore it was the worst thing ever put in an engine, a discussion even made him start arguing with me. He said "have you ever seen an engine that ran that crap in it?". Uhhh yes sir, can I have my gasket kit now?

Never went back there.

[Warren N.CA]

The following is an exchange that Performing Imports and I had over the past two days regarding Synthetic oil in the e34. They do not recommend it as the car was "not designed" for it. Apparently there is some concern about "Vanos rattle". I found the response interesting

Looking for reaction from other people. TIA

Russell Casey wrote 112104
I saw on one of the BMW Bulletin boards, perhaps Bimmerboard, that your company or technician does not recommend synthetic oil in a 95 525i. I bought the car at 72,000 miles-now 102,000. I did use Mobil 1 -20w50. Now I use Mobil 1 0w40 and have done so for about 15, 000 miles. I have changed the oil/filter about 3 times now after starting to use 0w40. By the way, the 0w40 stopped a slight rattle when the engine first started on a cold day.

I am worried now? Should I be?

--------------
His response 11/22/04

Russell
That engine was never intended for synthetic oils, and we do not recommend them. But, if you are happy with the results you are getting - keep using the oil you like. It won't hurt the engine. If your Vanos unit starts to rattle you will need to switch back to 20/50.

Performing Imports

[chamilun]

heard the same recommendation the other day.

"older cars have more leaks with synthetic".

if i had the 6 cyl, id probably run standard oil as well, however. V8=synthetic

[Russell]

What difference does it make if it is a v8 or a 6? BTW, no leaks on my 6 with Mobil 1 0w40.

heard the same recommendation the other day.

"older cars have more leaks with synthetic".

if i had the 6 cyl, id probably run standard oil as well, however. V8=synthetic

[632 Regal]

id run it in anything, no preferences, i recycle the old stuff in my lawnmonster and into the residial vehicles after it's out of the bimmer. as for 6 or 8 I think Chamelliun is being sarcastic.

[rockyfeller]

My 540ia has always run conventional 10w30 but I too want to switch to Mobil 1 0W40. Sorry if this is probably the most commonly asked question, but is it OK to switch?

[cary]

Time to find a new mechanic. Why don't you ask him why your manual references BMW Special oils which is, are you ready, BMW Synthetic Oil.

[Paul in NZ]

If i dare take my 535 to the local BMW dealer for an oil service,guess what kinda oil they put in it.?












Castrol synthetic 5 w 30

[632 Regal]

My 540ia has always run conventional 10w30 but I too want to switch to Mobil 1 0W40. Sorry if this is probably the most commonly asked question, but is it OK to switch?