Castrol Edge 0W40 A3/B4 vs Shell Helix Ultra 5W40

[LordNilesStandish]

The two darlings of the Euro oil offerings.

I am currently running Edge 0W40 in my B48 powered G30 530i.

Even though it replaced very good oil with low mileage, it is noticeably smoother and has better MPG. 16 to 12 L/100 km spirited driving.

I have also introduced my elderly parents to Edge 5W30 in their 2013 Mazda SP25 and they are reporting smother operation and 20% improved mileage.

We have always used high quality oils however we are very pleased with Castrol Edge.

I'm thinking of also trying Shell Helix Ultra 5W40.

How does this compare performance wise to the Castrol? Is it just as smooth?

Also going to stage 2 tune soon, estimated 320hp crank, are these oils still good at this power level or is it time to go Edge 10W60 or similar? Noting M cars don't like bearings and this will take me to similar power density.

 

[edyvw]

Both would be premier oils in the company lineup.
Pick your poison. IDK, lick each oil, see which one tastes better

 

[Xylene]

I'm thinking of also trying Shell Helix Ultra 5W40.

What if it's not as smooth as Edge 0W-40?

 

[edyvw]

What if it's not as smooth as Edge 0W-40?

Actually, Helix runs super smooth. In the US, it is sold as Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40.

 

[Xylene]

Actually, Helix runs super smooth. In the US, it is sold as Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40.

Yes, but I was wondering how he gauges smoothness. It was more of a humorous comment, than anything else.

 

[edyvw]

Yes, but I was wondering how he gauges smoothness. It was more of a humorous comment, than anything else.

If you know sound of your engine well, you can. I can always notice engine sound changing with different oils.
Older Mobil1 0W40 (API SM) was fairly rough, regardless that it was returning exceptional UOA. I could always notice running that compared to Castrol Edge 0W30 which is very smooth.

 

[chris719]

Also going to stage 2 tune soon, estimated 320hp crank, are these oils still good at this power level or is it time to go Edge 10W60 or similar? Noting M cars don't like bearings and this will take me to similar power density.

I’d use the 5W-40 and would advise against the 10W-60. Your engine has IROX coated bearings and typically has no issues. Not sure how they hold up under additional power exactly but I’d not run 10W-60 in a modern BMW engine unless you were on track and seeing crazy oil temps. Plenty of people make big power on B58s with 5W-40 or maybe 5W-50.

 

[edyvw]

I’d use the 5W-40 and would advise against the 10W-60. Your engine has IROX coated bearings and typically has no issues. Not sure how they hold up under additional power exactly but I’d not run 10W-60 in a modern BMW engine unless you were on track and seeing crazy oil temps. Plenty of people make big power on B58s with 5W-40 or maybe 5W-50.

&THis.
It is all about cooling oil. As long as your oil temperature is in check, you are good. G models have really good cooling, so don;t worry. Take into consideration that thicker oil also has more resistance=less performance&more heat.

 

[Xylene]

If you know sound of your engine well, you can. I can always notice engine sound changing with different oils.
Older Mobil1 0W40 (API SM) was fairly rough, regardless that it was returning exceptional UOA. I could always notice running that compared to Castrol Edge 0W30 which is very smooth.

I drive a 2007 Mazda 6 with 160K miles and a manual transmission. It needs a clutch and a bunch of other things. I don't use Euro oils, so I'm not familiar with them. My question to the op was motivated by humor.

I run either 5W-30 or 10W-30 High Mileage oil in it. It's a miracle this thing lasted this long. I didn't want to spend money on a new vehicle, but it looks like I will get another Mazda.

 

[edyvw]

I drive a 2007 Mazda 6 with 160K miles and a manual transmission. It needs a clutch and a bunch of other things. I don't use Euro oils, so I'm not familiar with them. My question to the op was motivated by humor.

I run either 5W-30 or 10W-30 High Mileage oil in it. It's a miracle this thing lasted this long. I didn't want to spend money on a new vehicle, but it looks like I will get another Mazda.

I know you were being humorous. Just clarifying for OP.

 

[kschachn]

The two darlings of the Euro oil offerings.

I am currently running Edge 0W40 in my B48 powered G30 530i.

Even though it replaced very good oil with low mileage, it is noticeably smoother and has better MPG. 16 to 12 L/100 km spirited driving.

I have also introduced my elderly parents to Edge 5W30 in their 2013 Mazda SP25 and they are reporting smother operation and 20% improved mileage.

We have always used high quality oils however we are very pleased with Castrol Edge.

I'm thinking of also trying Shell Helix Ultra 5W40.

How does this compare performance wise to the Castrol? Is it just as smooth?

Also going to stage 2 tune soon, estimated 320hp crank, are these oils still good at this power level or is it time to go Edge 10W60 or similar? Noting M cars don't like bearings and this will take me to similar power density.

So you’re claiming that an oil with a similar HT/HS has significantly better fuel consumption than another brand?

 

[LordNilesStandish]

So you’re claiming that an oil with a similar HT/HS has significantly better fuel consumption than another brand?

No. I don't know HTHS of old oil.
Both vehicles changed from a decent value brand, still full synthetic but at the value end of the market. A brand I would use again and recommend.
Edge is just noticeably better in both vehicles. And it should be.

 

[LordNilesStandish]

I’d use the 5W-40 and would advise against the 10W-60. Your engine has IROX coated bearings and typically has no issues. Not sure how they hold up under additional power exactly but I’d not run 10W-60 in a modern BMW engine unless you were on track and seeing crazy oil temps. Plenty of people make big power on B58s with 5W-40 or maybe 5W-50.

Good to know, thanks

 

[LordNilesStandish]

Actually, Helix runs super smooth. In the US, it is sold as Pennzoil Platinum Euro 5W40.

Thanks good to know

 

[LordNilesStandish]

I drive a 2007 Mazda 6 with 160K miles and a manual transmission. It needs a clutch and a bunch of other things. I don't use Euro oils, so I'm not familiar with them. My question to the op was motivated by humor.

I run either 5W-30 or 10W-30 High Mileage oil in it. It's a miracle this thing lasted this long. I didn't want to spend money on a new vehicle, but it looks like I will get another Mazda.

Oil based puns are always the best

 

[kschachn]

No. I don't know HTHS of old oil.
Both vehicles changed from a decent value brand, still full synthetic but at the value end of the market. A brand I would use again and recommend.
Edge is just noticeably better in both vehicles. And it should be.

Sure.

 

[LordNilesStandish]

Sure.

Hmmm I see. Thank you for your meaningful contribution.
Come to think of it, old oil was 10W40 in both vehicles if this makes any difference.

 

[kschachn]

Hmmm I see. Thank you for your meaningful contribution.
Come to think of it, old oil was 10W40 in both vehicles if this makes any difference.

Well for one thing there is no way you could make a meaningful fuel economy measurement that discriminates between two different oils, and then attribute your observation to that specific variable. There are many, many variables in every day driving and the effect of the oil is in the noise.

And why should Edge be “noticeably better?

 

[LordNilesStandish]

Well for one thing there is no way you could make a meaningful fuel economy measurement that discriminates between two different oils, and then attribute your observation to that specific variable. There are many, many variables in every day driving and the effect of the oil is in the noise.

And why should Edge be “noticeably better?

Thank you for your comments and questions. I will take them under consideration.

 

[Nesterenko]

Thank you for your comments and questions. I will take them under consideration.

Yes please if it's not too much trouble for your
Lordship.