1995 BMW M3 and M1 0W-40

[Big Dave]

I've used M1 15W-50 in my M3 since new. I now have 65,000 miles on the car. I change the oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. I recently bought a VW R32. I'm using M1 0W-40 in the R32 as it meets VW specs. I'm thinking of changing over to the M1 0W-40 in my '95 M3. Any thoughts on this? Thanks! David

 

[dB]

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Originally posted by Big Dave: I've used M1 15W-50 in my M3 since new. I now have 65,000 miles on the car. I change the oil every 5,000 miles or once a year. I recently bought a VW R32. I'm using M1 0W-40 in the R32 as it meets VW specs. I'm thinking of changing over to the M1 0W-40 in my '95 M3. Any thoughts on this? Thanks! David

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Has my vote. I run M1 0W40 in my '00 Audi A4 2.8Q and my '86 Audi 4000. The A4 was using some oil, but I think it has stopped now. I think I'll switch my '89 944 over to it at the next change. I'm going with roughly 10k OCI's. (Actually, the Audi is driven less so I change it every year or until the service interval indicator comes on (@8000 miles.)) How do you like that R32? I sat in one at the showroom. It's a pretty slick piece. My wife likes the Touareg. It has one nice interior! [ June 18, 2004, 10:21 AM: Message edited by: dB ]

 

[Cary]

I swiched my Wife's 525i from 15w-50 and found much quieter starts as the lifters received faster lube and a decrease in consumption. Also note that BMW has had issues with thick oils and Vanos in Cold weather. Ow-40 is the only Mobil 1 Synth that receives BMW LL-01 approval. Finally, note that BMW's own 5w-30 Synthetic is a very heavy 30 weight that is A3 rated, and is close in weight to the M1 0w-40.

 

[Labatt Bear]

I am running Motul BMW LL-01 on my Trans Am because it is thick 5w30 weight w/ high HTHS. I posted the topic few weeks ago. Pictures and product data sheet can be found here, http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=006862 Since the car is not driven much, it will take another 5 months to change oil and get UOA done.

 

[Audi Junkie]

Syntec 5w-50 all the way.

 

[pscholte]

Big Dave, If you are happy with how this oil treats your motor, I would not change a thing. NOW...if I were just going crazy to try something different...with a little less viscosity at engine start, I would go to M1 5W50 or Castrol TWS/RS 10W60. CAVEAT: I would do nothing that runs seriously afoul of your owners manual recommendations.

 

[moribundman]

I wouldn't use 0W-40 in an M3.

 

[2KBMW]

Big Dave. If 15w50 worked for you all this time, why change? It seems that you store this car like I do with my 2000 328i. I started using mobil 1 with a mix of 10w30/15w50 at a 4:1 ratio because I cannot find the 0w40 grade in Canada I wanted a slightly thicker oil than the Mobil 5/10w30 grades. I could use the BMW (Castrol) 5w30 but bought the Mobil 1 because it was on sale. I live near the CDN. U.S. border so next week I'll be going to the U.S. and I might stop by one of the auto stores and check out the 0w40.

 

[Quattro Pete]

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Originally posted by pscholte: I would go to M1 5W50

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Mobil sells this grade in the US???

 

[pscholte]

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Originally posted by Quattro Pete:

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Originally posted by pscholte: I would go to M1 5W50

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Mobil sells this grade in the US???

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Q_P, No, they don't...at least not to my knowledge...was thinking too far outside the box...hope I didn't "jumpstart" anyone...

 

[Big Dave]

Hey db, the R32 is really sweet! It's a blast running up thru the gears and the brakes, WOW! Overall really a neat car. This car won't see any salt, same as my M3. 2KBMW, yes I do store my M3 thru the winter months. Car has never seen salt. Rarely does it get wet now. Probably going to stay the course on the M1 15W-50 in the M3 for now. David