2015 JCW Countryman - "Cleaning" oil recommendation?

[302efi]

Extremely long time lurker, first time poster!

Against my good judgment, my wife had to have this 2015 JCW Mini Countryman with the 1.6l turbo. In great shape overall, but looking down the oil cap and running a bore scope in the oil drain plug hole shows a lot of varnish. Does not smoke, or make any weird engine noises. Looking for some recommendations on what to run to clean some of this up.

I'm in Florida, mainly hot weather. It will see a lot of small trips. Would like to stick with a 0w40 or 5w40 with the 100+ heat.

I'm thinking I should just run Mobil 1 ESP 0w40 with a few shorter OCIs ?

Open to any recommendations, not brand loyal or anything. Thanks in advance!

 

[JohnnyG]

What does the owners manual specify for the recommended oil?

I like your plan with the Mobil 1 0W-40. If that fits with the recommendations, I'd do that first.

 

[302efi]

What does the owners manual specify for the recommended oil?

I like your plan with the Mobil 1 0W-40. If that fits with the recommendations, I'd do that first.

Owner's manual says anything from a 0w-20 through 5w40

 

[JohnnyG]

Does it call for Euro spec oil? Like MB 229.5 or something?

 

[302efi]

Does it call for Euro spec oil? Like MB 229.5 or something?

Yes Euro, BMW LL-01

 

[scrllock]

B38 right? If you can find 0w40 ESP that's excellent. If you want an approved oil 0w40 FS is also fine. But I doubt warranty is a concern.

 

[GW.]

Do you have oil consumption?

 

[Andyd95]

0w40 M1/purflux filters

 

[Andyd95]

B38 right? If you can find 0w40 ESP that's excellent. If you want an approved oil 0w40 FS is also fine. But I doubt warranty is a concern.

2015 should be an n18

 

[scrllock]

2015 should be an n18

oof

 

[JD!]

Here you go- approved oil specs for the N18 engine, the USA owner's manual doesn't always give the full picture with BMW Group products. The API SP/SQ rated Mobil 1 ESP products are an good choice in a GDI turbo engine (LL-04). ESP 0w-30, unless it's changed since I last checked, is a legacy formulation with a higher ester content. Ca is about 1800ppm which is high by modern standards, although still half what the old Euro oils used to have - not sure if the N18 is known to be LSPI prone, but something to consider.

In my experience, that golden colored varnish is tough stuff that you'll not easily be able to eliminate. Your best shot is probably Valvoline Restore and Protect to combat it, but be advised that its oxidation performance, shear stability, and viscosity likely aren't in line with the BMW LL spec.

If there's no sludge, you'll likely do more damage to your psyche worrying about the varnish than the varnish can do to your engine!

 

[kschachn]

Post a picture of how bad the varnish is through the fill hole.