oil question

[dt8068]

I thought I'd try I thicker oil to quiet the engine down more (approaching 200,000 miles), so I think I'm gonna try Royal purple 20w50.
I originally used M1 0w-40, now royal purple 10w-40. The RP is much quieter/smoother than the M1 was.

My question is will RP 20w-50 be too thick for the m60? I also thought about using M1 15w-50 (the extended performance i think its called?) but apparently M1 isn't very good anymore and its not even a true synthetic now.

anyone use rp 20w-50 in their 540? comments/suggestions?

[uscharalph]

I use Mobil 1 15w-50

[Tiger]

There we go again... not "true" synthetic.... In any case, no it is not too thick... the manual originally calls for 20W50 dino oil.

[J.DeFeo]

There we go again... not "true" synthetic.... In any case, no it is not too thick... the manual originally calls for 20W50 dino oil.

What is the truth with this? I've read so many conflicting opinions on the matter. Is Mobil 1 still good oil? Does the 10w-40 "high mileage" stuff really destroy your engine? There have to be more myths and misconceptions about motor oil than anything else in the world and it's impossible to get good information about it.

[Tiger]

I really don't know the truth. Nothing destroys the engine... exacty on your last statement... even on bobtheoilguy website.

[markus]

i use shell rotella synthetic 5w-40 in my 540i. its cheap and is good oil.

my 540i has a little lifter noise in the morning or after sitting all day at work. but after a few minutes it goes away. i dont know if this is a bad thing or normal.

[Tiger]

It probably is the dreaded oil pump problems found on V8 engines... You should look into it.

[Rick L]

M1 is still a good oil but not as good as what it used to be. After loosing to Castrol, they downgraded theirs too. I'm going to try RP next time...

[Shankster]

I thought I'd try I thicker oil to quiet the engine down more (approaching 200,000 miles), so I think I'm gonna try Royal purple 20w50.
I originally used M1 0w-40, now royal purple 10w-40. The RP is much quieter/smoother than the M1 was.

My question is will RP 20w-50 be too thick for the m60? I also thought about using M1 15w-50 (the extended performance i think its called?) but apparently M1 isn't very good anymore and its not even a true synthetic now.

anyone use rp 20w-50 in their 540? comments/suggestions?

Try the castrol syntec 0W-30. Available at autozone only afaik.

Sid

[J.DeFeo]

What about Valvoline's 20w-50 and 5w-40 Group IV oils? Supposedly they were specifically designed to meet BMW's (and other manufacturers with similar requirements) specifications. I'm assuming for an M30 the 5w-40 would be preferable in a temperate climate?

I'm talking about this stuff:
http://www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=19

Apparently they sell it at NAPA and it's cheap compared to other Group IV oils like Redline. Looks like good stuff and I'm going to give it a try.

[artguy]

[QUOTE=J.DeFeo]What about Valvoline's 20w-50 and 5w-40 Group IV oils?

When I first got my '82 320i the manual listed 20w-50 as the oil that could handle the farthest range of temperatures and conditions. I live in Michigan so the summer can be 90's and the winters in the -20's F. So I went to a local parts store, where all the local mechanics get parts, and they had Valvoline's 20w-50.

Being thicker I believe it also helps to keep those parts coated between runs and helps reduce leaks. I also feel it doesn't break down as quickly as the thinner stuff.

My '82 320i loves it and I plan to use it in my "new to me" '94 530i as well.

I have also heard that the Shell Rotella is good stuff. I have a friend who uses it in his '78 Porsche and several other cars.

I'm definitely no expert so if I'm mistaken in my thinking please let me know and point me to some good info. :)

[repenttokyo]

I have been running 15w50 Castrol Syntec with the most success. 5w40 Mobil 1 and 10w30 just didn't work for me.

For the above poster - 20w50 is too thick for my Montreal winters. -40 degrees F.

[dt8068]

thanks for all the responses. I'm gonna try the Royal purple 20w-50, and I'll be in florida for school so cold weather won't be a problem with that weight. Also the M1 i used to use seemed to noisey (0w-40), so i'll be sticking with RP.