2003 BMW 330 Ci factory fill Differential oil 38,000

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2003 BMW 330 Ci differential UOA

Date: 08-05-2005
Miles on sample: 38000
Dates: from Feb 2003 to August 2006
Lab: Blackstone

Factory fill – probably Castrol SAF-XO 75w-90

code:

Universal Averages

Aluminum 0 8

Chromium 1 2

Iron 240 322

Copper 2 15

Lead 0 7

Tin 3 1

Molybdenum 0 5

Nickel 0 3

Manganese 10 7

Silver 0 0

Titanium 0 0

Potassium 1 6

Boron 216 128

Silicon 7 61

Sodium 4 15

Calcium 7 585

Magnesium 3 60

Phosphorus 1452 1118

Zinc 6 326

Barium 3 19



SUS Viscosity @ 212 74.5

Flashpoint F 410

Water % 0.0

Insolubles % 0.1



Lab Comments:
This sample looks good. The universal averages column shows typical wear from a differential after about 60,000 miles. You changed the oil, though it probably could have stayed in use longer. Metals all read below averages and show no problems at all. Insolubles (solids) were low at 0.1% which is great. No moisture or other contaminants found. The viscosity was normal for a 75W/90 oil. We think you’ll be able to leave the next oil in place longer than 38K miles unless BMW calls for it to be changed to keep the warranty valid.

My comments:
The car has 2 trips to the drag strip for a total of about 8 runs, two track days and about 10 Auto cross events. I changed to Motul Gear 300 75w/90. I chose it because it starts a little thinner than most other gear lubes, is full synthetic and has a high Viscosity index giving a lower viscosity at lower temps.
code:

Lubes I considered:

Motul 300 Motul Castrol Mobil 1 Red Line Castrol

MotylGear SAF-XO Syntec



API GL4 GL5 API GL4 GL5 API GL5 API GL-5/MT-1 GL5+ API GL-5/MT-1

MIL-L-2105D MIL-L-2105D





Vis 40C 72.6 81 103.7 106 115

Vis 100C 15.2 14.5 15.7 15.2 16.4 15.0

VI 222 188 162 150 155

Pour pt C -60 -48 -51 -46 -45

Flash Pt C 200 200 220 175 227 198





Comparison of viscosity (cSt) of Motul and redline at different temps:
Calculator link : http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/3655/VI.html
code:

Motul Redline

0 F 1292 5491

30 F 453 1288

60 F 194 411

90 F 96.5 164

120 F 54.3 78.6

150 F 33.4 42.7



 
Don't see many diff analysis. This one looks great to me. The iron seems high but is less than universal average so must be no problem. Excellent considering drag racing would put the most stress on a diff in my opinion.
 
The last time I checked, "cold" weather in Houston meant about 50F. LOL! I don't think that's even a consideration in this particular case. I'd be looking at high temp performance and wear protection under controlled conditions.

I would have also considered the Amsoil Severe Gear, 75w-90. I think you'll find it protects better than most of the candidates you've looked at.

TS
 
Well TS the average low here in Houston never gets below 45 but I usually drive less than 5 miles to work so my diff doesn't get up to temp. If I take the long long way to work it's about 8 miles, straight to work is about 0.8 miles.
I just posted the info on vis at temps for those that were in the frozen north.

Red Line is very popular here with the BMW club members.
 
I'd get a bicycle and use the car on weekends...
smile.gif


TS
 
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