01 BMW 540i - Lubro Moly 5W-40 Full Synthetic

[tomski]

Hi. I purchased the car in January 09. I ran the oil from January till June with a total of 7878km on this current sample.
I again went with Lubro Moly, I understand that GC 0W-30 is also a good oil for for this engine.
Thanks for any input.

Report done at Wear Check


Silicon 8.3
Potassium 0.0
Sodium 226
Fuel -2.0
Glycol NEG
Water -0.1
Soot ----
Sulfation 49
Nitration 44

Boron 15
Barium 0.1
Calcium 2325
Magnesium 20
Molybdenum 19
Sodium 226
Phosphorus 720
Sulfur 2098
Zinc 867
Visc@100C 10.3
Oxidation 43
TAN 2.15
TBN -----

Iron 9.3
Nickel 0.0
Chromium 0.4
Titanium 0.1
Copper 2.6
Aluminum 4.8
Tin 0.5
Lead 1.0
Silver 0.0

 

[saaber1]

Wow a 10.3 viscosity in 4900 miles for a 40 weight? That seems awfully thin. What viscosity does this oil start out at?

Why would sodium be so high? Does zero potassium mean it's an additive in the oil and not a coolant issue?

 

[tomski]

I had the oil changed at a reputable shop, is it possible that a different grade of oil was filled. Also the comment from Wearcheck
on the condition of the oil stating "the viscosity of the oil is low indicating either viscosity index(IV)improvers shearing, or the addition of a lighter oil).
Also I had the valley pan gasket changed, which required the removal of the intake plenum.
Thanks

 

[Quattro Pete]

Well, the 2% fuel content is probably what caused the oil to thin out. This oil starts out at 14.4 according to its spec sheet.