Has 68k miles now, bought in 2003 with 28k. Soon after buying, I changed to Red Line trans and diff fluids, changed drive belts. Have changed oil regulary with M1 EP 15W50, normally Mann or Mahle cartridge filter. Spec oil is 15W-40. Have had no drivetrain issues. Several issues with Seat Belt Light, some Check Engine lights, and now cant reset Oil Change interval lights, and reported PDL not always working, according to the soon to be new owner, my 23 year old son. He started driving the car in January due to his car getting rear ended and totaled. 3 weeks from now he will drive for almost a week from SC to Everett, WA for a summer job. Will drive while there and return to SC in August to complete his Masters in IE through December: then into the world. I envision numerous calamities possible for the 6-7k mile journey. I am gifting him the car, getting it titled in his name prior to the trip. I am doing this in case something happens thousands of miles from SC and I cannot readily rescue the car; he can sell it or what ever needed. He has some, but limited car/mechanical ability (Statics aand Dynamics forced him to change from ME to IE). Also, I have recently replaced air filter, battery, tires...got a gallon of BMW coolant to replace also. Have never changed the spark plugs. Car runs great.
I have numerous oils available for the change just prior to the trip. M1 EP 15W-50, M1 0W-40, GC 0W30, ENEOS 0W-50, Syntec 5W-50, Rotella T4 15W-40...Was thinking of the retaining the 15W-50, or maybe using 2-3 quarts of 0W-40 with the 15W-50. I have never detected any oil consumption.
What oil say you, BITOGers? Anything else to check (have mini air compressor, jumper cables, old belts, aired up spare, lock box for valuables, spare key, orange vest, BMW tools in trunk lid, dynamo flashlight, AAA card).
I have numerous oils available for the change just prior to the trip. M1 EP 15W-50, M1 0W-40, GC 0W30, ENEOS 0W-50, Syntec 5W-50, Rotella T4 15W-40...Was thinking of the retaining the 15W-50, or maybe using 2-3 quarts of 0W-40 with the 15W-50. I have never detected any oil consumption.
What oil say you, BITOGers? Anything else to check (have mini air compressor, jumper cables, old belts, aired up spare, lock box for valuables, spare key, orange vest, BMW tools in trunk lid, dynamo flashlight, AAA card).