Castrol 10-60 for '03 M3

[ScottM3]

1st oil change on '03 M3 SMG
Here are the results from Blackstone:
Miles on oil: 1150
Miles on Unit: 1150
Sample date: 11/13/02

Comments:
Oil had an SAE 50W viscosity @ 210F, NO gas, moisture or anti-freeze present. Oil could have been in longer use

Elements in PPM:
Aluminum 5
Chromium 0
Iron 9
Copper 5
Lead 2
Tin 0
Molybdenum 4
Nickel 0
Manganese 3
Silver 0
Titanium 0
Potassium 0
Boron 124
Silcon 7
Sodium 3
Calcium 1208
Magnesium 472
Phosphorus 688
Zinc 734
Barium 0

Sub Viscosity @ 210 should be between 90-115, was 94.8, Flashpoint should be above 380, was 395

ANY COMMENTS??!!

 

[MavRick]

I'd say all looks well so far! You are getting 9ppm Iron per 1000 which seems reasonable for the breakin period.

 

[Patman]

It's interesting that there is virtually no moly in this oil, while with many new cars the factory fill seems to contain a few hundred ppm of it. Good wear metals so far for such a fresh engine! Disturbing that it thinned out to a 50wt so quickly though. Makes me wonder why they bother specifying a 10w60 if it turns into a 10w50 or even a 10w40 by the time the interval is up.

 

[ScottM3]

All your comments and recommendations are welcome!
BMW recommends keeping this oil in for up to 15,000 miles. Can't see that, and will slowly move my oil changes out to a maximum of 5000 (if analysis looks ok) from 2500.
Scott

 

[MolaKule]

This oil is relying on Borates for anti-wear and detergency - "Boron 124."

The oil appears to be almost an SL rated oil in terms of its ZDDP levels.

It is also interesting to see the low levels of calcium and magnesium; again relying on borates for most of the cleaning.

I agree with others that after the run-in period, a synthetic 20W50 or 15W50 should be able to work well in this engine.

 

[TooSlick]

I'd run Amsoil or Redline in this motor, in a 20w-50 grade ....I just think a 10w-60 isn't going to be as stable under high heat conditions.

I'm sure BMW charges an arm and a leg for the 10w-60 Castrol ....

As I recall, BMW has free maintenance for the first 36,000 miles/3 years - I'd bring my own oil to dealer anyway, as I am doing with my Audi TT ....

TooSlick