BMW 5W/30 HP Synthetic, 7457 Mi., 02 BMW 325i

[Blue T]

Results of UOA by Blackstone Labs:

Aluminum 4
Chromium 0
Iron 7
Copper 11
Lead 2
Tin 0
Molybdenum 87
Nickel 0
Manganese 2
Silver 0
Titanium 0
Potassium 2
Boron 27
Silicon 4
Sodium 3
Calcium 2772
Magnesium 12
Phosphorus 788
Zinc 941
Barium 0
SUS Viscosity at 210 deg. F 68.0
Flashpoint deg. F 385
Fuel % Antifreeze % 0.0
Water % 0.0
Insolubles % .3
TBN 2.5

Miles on oil: 7457
Time on oil: 8 1/2 months
Milage at sample: 22512
Filter: BMW
Crankcase capacity: 7 qts.
Oil added: None - no observable consumption
Usage is approximately 70% highway/30% city and car is driven carefully.

Oil was changed at the time of this sample and car is now running Mobil 1 0W/40. Just completed a 3000 mi. round trip from South Florida to New England and gas milage seemed to be slightly lower with 0W/40 as compared to previous trips using 5W/30 - from .2 to as much as 2 MPG lower. We experienced several lengthy traffic tieups so it was difficult to get good milage numbers.

 

[buster]

Very nice report. Everything looks great.

 

[pscholte]

Looks good to me too...I'd continue with the original

 

[Pablo]

Looks good!

What viscosity does this oil start at? Just curious.

Ooops - virgin was 66.8 Hardly a change!
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=11;t=000096#000000

EDIT - answered my own question - found a VOA!

[ August 01, 2004, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: Pablo ]

 

[Al]

Looks pretty good. I am not a fan of the 0W-40 Mobil 1. I think you would be better off by mixing the 10W-30 and 15W-50 especially in Florida. What viscosity does the manual call for??

 

[berge]

does this vehicle have an oil life computer? I thought these BMW's went at least 10000miles on the oil changes.

 

[Blue T]

Al:

The manual calls for 5W/30 or 5W/40. I would have used M1T&SUV/Delvac1 5W/40 but haven't been able to find it. The M1 0W/40 is BMW approved so that is what I went with. I am seriously considering mixing M1's to get a high 30 to low 40 oil after the car goes off of warranty. I agree that I don't need 0W/ in Florida.

Berge:

The car has an oil life computer and the nominal interval is 15000 mi. Actually, after the indicator was reset at the 15000 mi. change it showed 15525 mi. With my driving conditions the interval increases and is now 16850 mi. with 11000 mi. on the car since the reset. The UOA shows that the oil is good after a 7500 mi. half interval but I don't feel comfortable going all the way to 15000, at least not without several UOA's in between and a UOA costs almost as much as an oil change.

 

[Motorbike]

quote:

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Originally posted by berge:

I thought these BMW's went at least 10000miles on the oil changes.

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Depends on driving style and engine condition .

I have seen two 15k reports with this oil and engine but both were at their limit . Not bad for 4.10 per quart oil though .