BMW - Synthetic Vs Dino for short OCI

[jfatula98]

I'm sure this has been discussed, but the search function is lacking on the subject.

I recently purchased a 2004 BMW X5 with the 3.0 I6, well maintained with service records, 84k miles. The recommendation is for synthetic oil, but also a long OCI. Being someone that spends my days mostly sitting behind a computer, getting to do an oil change on the weekend is something I look forward to, and my OCI will be in the 3-5k range.

I'd like some opinions on whether I'll benefit from using a synthetic oil versus a conventional for that OCI. My vehicles are garage kept, and winters here are mild. I'll pay the premium for synthetic if it's beneficial, but if the greatest benefit is a longer drain interval, I'll stick with PYB. Thanks!

 

[Voltmaster]

Dont waste money if your going to drain it fast?
most dino can go 4-5k no problems.

 

[camrydriver111]

If you are changing that often it should be fine.

They do have a VANOS which has small oil passages, but they are pretty robust engines.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

You can usually get a cheap synthetic on sale for about the same price as dino. FOr example, AAP's sale on Havoline synthetic, or the Napa syn sale every so often.

 

[jfatula98]

Thanks for the replys.

I have seen the "cheap" synthetics on sale for about the same price, and I'm not opposed to using those. I particularly would be interested in the synthetic Havoline Pro DS. That being said, would I benefit from using that versus the PYB? I only ask because I have been pleased with Pennzoil products, and don't want to change brands without a compelling reason. Thanks again!

 

[deesanti]

Based on your thread, I guess it's BMW E53 (2001 - 2006 X5) which is use M54B30 engine, the same engine that they use in the E39 530i last facelift. M54 engine if I am not mistaken uses Aluminum Block and Aluminum Head with Alusil sleeve, which is have a longer drain interval as long as 30,000 Km or 2 years.

The main problem in Dino Oil is the "expiry date" inside the crankcase, so it's better to use 30wt or 40wt BMW Approved Synthetic Oil, such as Mobil 1 0W-40 or Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 then change it after one year. BMW Approved oil will last to 2 years.

 

[lubricatosaurus]

Originally Posted By: deesanti
The main problem in Dino Oil is the "expiry date" inside the crankcase, so it's better to use 30wt or 40wt BMW Approved Synthetic Oil, such as Mobil 1 0W-40 or Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5W-30 then change it after one year. BMW Approved oil will last to 2 years.


Shouldn't use M1 ESP in the U.S. with our high sulfur fuel. BMW says to use LL-01 oil here for gasoline engines (not LL-04 oils).
At Walmart, I don't think PYB 10w-40 is sold in the 5-quart jug bargain size, but it might be at some Walmarts. Per quart PYB 10w-40 is $4 in individual quarts. Per quart M1 0w-40 or Castrol Edge 0w-40 is about $5 in the 5-quart size jugs. So, I'd just use the excellent synthetic 0w-40's, either brand is fine, that qualifies for LL-01, since its not much difference in price.
If you really wanted to change every 3 or 4 months, and save about $10 per oil change, just use Supertech conventional 10w-40 walmart oil in the 5-quart jugs for very cheap. Supertech comes from Warren Oil Co. usually, although some say up north it may be sourced from Mobil, either way good oil.

 

[Wolf359]

Don't forget there's still a rebate on Mobil 1, $12 for a 5 quart jug and it's good til Oct 31st. So you're not really saving much money going with dino and I think 0w40 isn't really available in a dino. I think it's about $26 at Walmart so after the $12 back, it's $14 or so for a 5 quart jug. I think it also calls for 8.5 quarts of oil and the cartridge filters aren't that cheap. I think you should just stick to the manufacturer's recommended oil and just change it at 7-8k instead of at 4-5k.

 

[donnyj08]

look for syns on sale that meet your spec and stay stocked up.

Many places run specials on M1 or Castrol through the year.

Run M1 0w40, Castrol 0w40 or 0w30 Euro.

I personally wouldn't run a Conventional 10w40 in a BMW.

 

[HTSS_TR]

I ran Chevron Delo 15W40 in my E430 for 2 short OCI's of around 5-6k miles, instead of M1 0W40 with OCI of 10-13k some years ago without any problem.

With dino oil in a German engine you need to reduce OCI by about 1/2. If you stay with normal OCI for synthetic then the engine will develop sludge with dino.

 

[gallydif]

Go ahead and put dino in! Of course if you have weird engine noises and or you don't like how the car runs when you put dino in, change it out. I want to let you know of a nice rebate going on for some good dino. First off, I want to say I'm a Pennzoil guy and when choosing between Pennzoil and Mobil I will go Pennzoil as long as the price is the same or somewhat close. Mobil Super 5,000 miles conventional 5 qt jug is $12.88 at walmart.com. Also, mobile has a $7 rebate to go along with that. Doing the math, it comes out to $5.88 for 5qt's!! PYB is $16.47 on walmart.com for the 5 qt jug. IMO, sorry PYB, not this time.

 

[jfatula98]

Thanks again for the replies!

I think there is a persuasive argument being made that I can go with a less than premium brand synthetic for the same price as the PYB. Setting price aside for a moment, is there a benefit of synthetic over dino for a short OCI? I'm normally the guy saying "stick with manufacturers recommendation", but in this case I'm having trouble with why.

I guess if I was in a pinch, and life got busy (as often happens), I could go beyond the 5k Dino limit if I was using synthetic. Anything else? Thoughts?

 

[camrydriver111]

Another benefit of synthetic is that it's a 10 year old BMW, you might have other opportunities to work on the car on the weekend, besides changing the oil.

 

[jfatula98]

Originally Posted By: camrydriver111
Another benefit of synthetic is that it's a 10 year old BMW, you might have other opportunities to work on the car on the weekend, besides changing the oil.

Ha! This is probably more true than I want to believe. I've been reading other forums, and there seems to be no shortage of things that can go wrong. Good thing it's fun to drive for 2.5 ton SUV.

 

[Kuato]

Originally Posted By: jfatula98
Thanks again for the replies!

I think there is a persuasive argument being made that I can go with a less than premium brand synthetic for the same price as the PYB. Setting price aside for a moment, is there a benefit of synthetic over dino for a short OCI? I'm normally the guy saying "stick with manufacturers recommendation", but in this case I'm having trouble with why.

I guess if I was in a pinch, and life got busy (as often happens), I could go beyond the 5k Dino limit if I was using synthetic. Anything else? Thoughts?


IMO you can only be sure with a UOA. Dino should be ok, but until you check its condition with a UOA, it is just speculation how far it can reasonably go.

 

[edyvw]

Get Toyota!

 

[gallydif]

Originally Posted By: jfatula98
Thanks again for the replies!

I think there is a persuasive argument being made that I can go with a less than premium brand synthetic for the same price as the PYB. Setting price aside for a moment, is there a benefit of synthetic over dino for a short OCI? I'm normally the guy saying "stick with manufacturers recommendation", but in this case I'm having trouble with why.

I guess if I was in a pinch, and life got busy (as often happens), I could go beyond the 5k Dino limit if I was using synthetic. Anything else? Thoughts?


As per short OCI's I can't really say if synthetic will be more beneficial. I've seen taxi cab crown vics with 500k+ miles running on dino. Synthetic is a more refined oil though. But in general synthetics vs dino- this vid should answer your question: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwvTHhOciU8

Also for arguments sake, just because it's synthetic doesn't mean it's always better. Example- PYB is top of the line dino and is better than some of those off brand full synthetics. Food for thought

 

[bvance554]

If you like PYB, don't want to change, and are going to change it every 5k i don't see any reason to use anything else. If there were an added benefit to synthetic in this instance I don't think you or your BMW will notice.

 

[Wolf359]

Originally Posted By: jfatula98
Thanks again for the replies!

I think there is a persuasive argument being made that I can go with a less than premium brand synthetic for the same price as the PYB. Setting price aside for a moment, is there a benefit of synthetic over dino for a short OCI? I'm normally the guy saying "stick with manufacturers recommendation", but in this case I'm having trouble with why.

I guess if I was in a pinch, and life got busy (as often happens), I could go beyond the 5k Dino limit if I was using synthetic. Anything else? Thoughts?


I think if the car spec is for synthetic, you should stick to synthetic. It's one thing if the manufacturer says dino and you put in synthetic, but you normally don't go the other way around. I always love how car makers spend billions on engine design and research, but people with a lot less research decide to do their own thing. For one thing, with a synthetic spec, the oil typically performs better at the extremes in terms of cold temperatures and hot temperatures. I have a Mercedes and it calls for 10k oil change intervals. I'm sticking with synthetic and doing it at the 8-9k mark.

 

[turnbowm]

Had a 2005 BMW 530i and used Mobil 1 0W-40 European Formula (BMW approved) with 10K OCI. Engine repairs are expensive so don't cheap out on oil.