bmw e30

silver1 · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: Astro14
I know that BMW spec'd up to 50 in the heat of summer...so did MB back then...but oils have improved considerably since then...The T6 is a full-synthetic that exceeds every spec your car calls for - and with a viscosity of 5W40, you can change it once a year.

Use the T6 year-round in your car - it will be just fine.

You could spend more, but you won't get anything better for this car...

Thanks for your input I never even realized you could run diesel oil in gas engines. I do recall seeing some time ago an oil that was approved for both. I dont remimber what it was though. Something happened today that made my mind up for me, I stoped at advanced A.P. today to pick some things and they had royal purple 10w40 for $5.95 a qt. seems there not going to carry the 10w40 any more so they have it on closeout headsup to everyone who likes R.P. 10/40 check your local advanced A.P. I was able to get enough fot 3 O.C.I.'s but when I run out Ill give T6 a go.

Quattro Pete · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: silver1
Thanks for your input I never even realized you could run diesel oil in gas engines.

Technically, T6 is an HDEO, not a diesel oil per se. Let me quote our friend Pablo here:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2509572#Post2509572

JHZR2 · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: silver1
thanks for the reply. I drive this e30 less than 5k a year am I crazy for even thinking synthetic

Not at all.

JHZR2 · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: silver1
Thanks for your input I never even realized you could run diesel oil in gas engines.

Technically, T6 is an HDEO, not a diesel oil per se. Let me quote our friend Pablo here:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2509572#Post2509572

But those diesel oils are for industrial, marine and similar engines burning MGO, black oil, and worse. Different oils for different engines.

silver1 · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: silver1
Thanks for your input I never even realized you could run diesel oil in gas engines.

Technically, T6 is an HDEO, not a diesel oil per se. Let me quote our friend Pablo here:
https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2509572#Post2509572

But those diesel oils are for industrial, marine and similar engines burning MGO, black oil, and worse. Different oils for different engines.
Thats kinda what I figured so rotella in a gas engine or not I.Y.O. ?

Bluestream · Jan 31, 2012

Silver, put some GC in the motor, and you will never look at any other oils again..

silver1 · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Silver, put some GC in the motor, and you will never look at any other oils again..

sorry GC? whats that? if its german castrol where do you get it?

Quattro Pete · Jan 31, 2012

Originally Posted By: silver1
Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Silver, put some GC in the motor, and you will never look at any other oils again..

sorry GC? whats that? if its german castrol where do you get it?

Yes. Autozone and PepBoys.

45ACP · Feb 1, 2012

Originally Posted By: silver1
thanks 45 acp, love my Colt compact 45 acp by the way.(ccw holder IN.&FL.) My e30 is an 87 ic which is the vert,with the 2.5 L motor.

Gun control means using both hands!!! Very nice. Got some nice grips on her? Or does that mess with it fitting in the carry holster.

IIRC, you also have the last year of the "short" taillights (2 squares instead of 3.) Right? In either case, you got a nice little setup there. If i ever come through that way id be picking up both of the things you have..

but not yet. BMW is more or less something i will get back. Im good with my Stang right now. E30 is happening though.

Now, back to this issue of the oil..

Originally Posted By: silver1
thanks for the reply. I drive this e30 less than 5k a year am I crazy for even thinking synthetic

No, you arent. The E30 and the engine you have CAN use synthetic, as long as there arent any leaks which (im going to come out and say it) Synthetics can SOMETIMES exaggerate whereas using a dino may not.. it is all relative but it does happen. M1 15W-50 is a good choice for this car as it is a lighter oil than a dino 20W-50. That said, 20W-50 is what a lot of people use. I am like the previous poster, i noticed some consumption with 10W-40 and 5W-50 seems "about the same" maybe a little less consumption.. but 5W-50 put my mind at ease more, as it WAS synthetic. Very rarely did i actually put 20W-50 in there except when i was topping up 10W-40 and the engine was fully warmed, thus making the 20W irrelevant. (Also, if i had it again, i may use 20W-50 in the summertime. This engine has an oil pump that can handle it. And yes i used to let it run a minute to get the flow. Optional.)

And "T6" is Shell Rotella T. People use it in their cars.. i personally wouldnt but i dont have a good reason for that except that i dont drive a tractor-trailer truck on Route 70.

When i select oils for my car, i go to Walmart and i look at what is grouped in the PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OIL section. Rotella is not in the same section. it is in the "Diesel Oils" section. Now, that said.. you COULD use it, but for this car id choose either the 5W-50 Syntec (Cant get at Walmart) or a dino 10W-40 or 20W-50. OR synthetic 5W-40 like Valvoline Synpower. This engine likes a thicker oil, it helps not burn it off. This is a torquey BMW I6, it really "needs" a 40 or better. Except maybe in cold temps.. which i always used 10W-40 in. This is one of THOSE cars.

You are either ok with the somewhat fast one quart consumption with 10W_40 or you go 20W-50 since you see SOME consumption on 5W-50 syntec is what im saying. RP in this car, given consumption issue, is a waste.. unless you can find the RP 20W-50 and it doesnt.

You could also give GC a shot. Costs the same as RP, but might be good for this car too. Go to Autozone and get the Syntec 0W-30.. may still say "European Formula" on it. See if your car likes that first.

Ok sorry for long post. Try GC!!!

silver1 · Feb 1, 2012

Originally Posted By: 45ACP
Originally Posted By: silver1
thanks 45 acp, love my Colt compact 45 acp by the way.(ccw holder IN.&FL.) My e30 is an 87 ic which is the vert,with the 2.5 L motor.

Gun control means using both hands!!! Very nice. Got some nice grips on her? Or does that mess with it fitting in the carry holster.

IIRC, you also have the last year of the "short" taillights (2 squares instead of 3.) Right? In either case, you got a nice little setup there. If i ever come through that way id be picking up both of the things you have..

but not yet. BMW is more or less something i will get back. Im good with my Stang right now. E30 is happening though.

Now, back to this issue of the oil..thanks 45acp i I like a 380 pocket pistol for ccw colt stays in the consol!

Originally Posted By: silver1
thanks for the reply. I drive this e30 less than 5k a year am I crazy for even thinking synthetic

No, you arent. The E30 and the engine you have CAN use synthetic, as long as there arent any leaks which (im going to come out and say it) Synthetics can SOMETIMES exaggerate whereas using a dino may not.. it is all relative but it does happen. M1 15W-50 is a good choice for this car as it is a lighter oil than a dino 20W-50. That said, 20W-50 is what a lot of people use. I am like the previous poster, i noticed some consumption with 10W-40 and 5W-50 seems "about the same" maybe a little less consumption.. but 5W-50 put my mind at ease more, as it WAS synthetic. Very rarely did i actually put 20W-50 in there except when i was topping up 10W-40 and the engine was fully warmed, thus making the 20W irrelevant. (Also, if i had it again, i may use 20W-50 in the summertime. This engine has an oil pump that can handle it. And yes i used to let it run a minute to get the flow. Optional.)

And "T6" is Shell Rotella T. People use it in their cars.. i personally wouldnt but i dont have a good reason for that except that i dont drive a tractor-trailer truck on Route 70.

When i select oils for my car, i go to Walmart and i look at what is grouped in the PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OIL section. Rotella is not in the same section. it is in the "Diesel Oils" section. Now, that said.. you COULD use it, but for this car id choose either the 5W-50 Syntec (Cant get at Walmart) or a dino 10W-40 or 20W-50. OR synthetic 5W-40 like Valvoline Synpower. This engine likes a thicker oil, it helps not burn it off. This is a torquey BMW I6, it really "needs" a 40 or better. Except maybe in cold temps.. which i always used 10W-40 in. This is one of THOSE cars.

You are either ok with the somewhat fast one quart consumption with 10W_40 or you go 20W-50 since you see SOME consumption on 5W-50 syntec is what im saying. RP in this car, given consumption issue, is a waste.. unless you can find the RP 20W-50 and it doesnt.

You could also give GC a shot. Costs the same as RP, but might be good for this car too. Go to Autozone and get the Syntec 0W-30.. may still say "European Formula" on it. See if your car likes that first.

Ok sorry for long post. Try GC!!!

silver1 · Feb 1, 2012

Originally Posted By: Shannow
I used 15W-40 and straight 30 in mine from -7C to 40C...and a lot more than 4,800 revs. (20-105F)

Straight 30 was Caltex 4 stroke mower oil for a couple of OCI just to see what it did. Filter was the big "Z-9" for ford 6s and small blocks, as it was $20 cheaper than the correct rated BMW item.

thanks for tne heads up on the ford oil filter iI like purelator pure on filters on all my moters harleys included but could'nt get one for for my 87 325ic but you can in the ford filter + all that xtra capasity.

drtyler · Feb 1, 2012

Instead of the PureOne, you can get a Bosch 3421 at Autozone or PepBoys. It's made by Purolator and is a very similar (some say identical) filter to the PureOne. I use this filter or either the Mann or Mahle filters on my '88 325iC, and they have all worked well over the years.

The '87 was a good year for the 325i. Last year of having two fuel pumps, instead of one single pump in the tank. The set of two pumps are generally a bit more reliable than the single.

silver1 · Feb 2, 2012

Originally Posted By: drtyler
Instead of the PureOne, you can get a Bosch 3421 at Autozone or PepBoys. It's made by Purolator and is a very similar (some say identical) filter to the PureOne. I use this filter or either the Mann or Mahle filters on my '88 325iC, and they have all worked well over the years.

The '87 was a good year for the 325i. Last year of having two fuel pumps, instead of one single pump in the tank. The set of two pumps are generally a bit more reliable than the single.

Drtyler thanks for the reply I started using Pureone filters when I was trying to find a better filter for my harley I found out stock HD filters bypass more oil than they filter. They are probably made by fram! lol. Is the bosch cheaper, or do you have any specs on it. Yea my 87 e30 ic is my baby its good to know people here have good things to say about it.

drtyler · Feb 2, 2012

I think the everyday price at AutoZone for the Bosch 3421 is $6.50 or $6.99, although they do include it as the filter in some of their oil change special deals. RockAuto and Amazon also sell them, but the shipping may negate any of the lower price point savings.

I've had my '88 325iC since March 2004 and put close to 100k miles on it. Total mileage on the car is around 280k miles. I've done the timing belt a couple times, replaced a failed fuel pump, and installed a new top (now that was a job!). These are all just typical maintenance items for a 20+ year old convertible.

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this to you, but changing the timing belt at regular intervals (4-5 years or 50k miles) is essential since the engine is an interference type. The belts are known to break when these intervals are stretched out some. If you don't already have the Bentley manual for the car, I would suggest obtaining a copy. It is by far the best manual for the car.

Good luck with it. They are great cars.

silver1 · Feb 2, 2012

Yes a timing belt is going on soon. I have my bentley and pics from bimmerforms I am planing on doing it my self. I need a new top as well, not looking forward to that! Mines only got 107k actual miles looking foward to putting a couple hundred k on her then passing her on to my currently 16yo son. You should see the smile on his face everytime I take him out in it. Ive told him hes going to have to learn to drive a stick shift before he can drive the vert!

fdcg27 · Feb 3, 2012

Originally Posted By: silver1
hi i'm new here and i'm trying to find the links to oil discussion for the m20 motor Ive done several searches and cant seem to find them. Could some one please post some links.Thanks in advance!

I can tell you that my e36 M42 loves M1 15W-50.
No leaks, low consumption and good fuel economy.
I have Maxlife 10W-40 on it at the moment.
These engines need an oil that meets A3, meaning HTHSV of at least 3.5.
These are usually at least forty grades, although some thirties, like GC, do meet A3.
The e30 'vert is a nice ride, and I hope you enjoy it.

silver1 · Feb 5, 2012

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
Originally Posted By: silver1
hi i'm new here and i'm trying to find the links to oil discussion for the m20 motor Ive done several searches and cant seem to find them. Could some one please post some links.Thanks in advance!

I can tell you that my e36 M42 loves M1 15W-50.
No leaks, low consumption and good fuel economy.
I have Maxlife 10W-40 on it at the moment.
These engines need an oil that meets A3, meaning HTHSV of at least 3.5.
These are usually at least forty grades, although some thirties, like GC, do meet A3.
The e30 'vert is a nice ride, and I hope you enjoy it.
thanks for the reply . Yea love the vert been keeping the miles down because the timing belt is over 8years old, it only has about 30k miles on it but till I change the belt I am not driveing her hard or much at all really, just a few miles a month.

Brons2 · Feb 7, 2012

Originally Posted By: 45ACP

And "T6" is Shell Rotella T. People use it in their cars.. i personally wouldnt but i dont have a good reason for that except that i dont drive a tractor-trailer truck on Route 70.

When i select oils for my car, i go to Walmart and i look at what is grouped in the PASSENGER CAR MOTOR OIL section. Rotella is not in the same section. it is in the "Diesel Oils" section. Now, that said.. you COULD use it, but for this car id choose either the 5W-50 Syntec (Cant get at Walmart) or a dino 10W-40 or 20W-50. OR synthetic 5W-40 like Valvoline Synpower. This engine likes a thicker oil, it helps not burn it off. This is a torquey BMW I6, it really "needs" a 40 or better. Except maybe in cold temps.. which i always used 10W-40 in. This is one of THOSE cars.

T6 meets API SM specs, so it's suitable for use in many passenger cars. I'm sure more people would use it, if there were more cars that spec'd an xw40.

Shannow · Feb 7, 2012

Originally Posted By: drtyler
The '87 was a good year for the 325i. Last year of having two fuel pumps, instead of one single pump in the tank. The set of two pumps are generally a bit more reliable than the single.

Mine had the LP pump removed (rumoured to be a fire risk) by a previous owner...when the HP pump died, got a chinese knock-off 077.

Shannow · Feb 7, 2012

Originally Posted By: silver1
Originally Posted By: Shannow
I used 15W-40 and straight 30 in mine from -7C to 40C...and a lot more than 4,800 revs. (20-105F)

Straight 30 was Caltex 4 stroke mower oil for a couple of OCI just to see what it did. Filter was the big "Z-9" for ford 6s and small blocks, as it was $20 cheaper than the correct rated BMW item.

thanks for tne heads up on the ford oil filter iI like purelator pure on filters on all my moters harleys included but could'nt get one for for my 87 325ic but you can in the ford filter + all that xtra capasity.

Go in eyes wide open, as the bypass settings are way different between the two (BMW 20ish psi higher), so you aren't really playing the game the way that the BMW engineers wanted it played

bmw e30

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