I'd would appreciate any input on changing to a synthetic oil like Mobil 1 after using Maxlife (Conventional) for over 200000 in my 93 BMW 3181. What are the benefits versus risks ? I'm also looking at LubroMoly MOS2 or Mobil1 0-40. I'm a bit worried about developing leak (I don't have any now). Thanks all.
Changing toMobil1 HM after200k ofMaxlife
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Why are you wanting to change? If you have been using an oil for 200K miles, I'd say it's doing its job!
Maxlife is a synthetic blend. I don't see a problem.
Maxlife is a synthetic blend, not conventional. They have full synthetic Maxlife motor oil all over the place now. Peprsonally, I would stick with Maxlife and if you want to go to full synthetic, get Maxlife full synthetic. I'm a Maxlife fan myself and will be using it again, prob full synthetic, when I get done with my "cleaning cycle" in my Celica.
Originally Posted By: tinmanSC
Why are you wanting to change? If you have been using an oil for 200K miles, I'd say it's doing its job!
I totally agree.
Originally Posted By: tinmanSC
Why are you wanting to change? If you have been using an oil for 200K miles, I'd say it's doing its job!
I totally agree.
I would like to try something new but only if it's better. Also, as you mentioned, Maxlife Semi-synthetic has had the A3 rating but I called Valvoline today and it is no longer listed as a A3 rated all. The rep said the formula hasn't changed as far as he knew but it is now a SNoil. Does any one know if it still is an A3 rated oil ? That would make me inclined to stick with Maxlife Semsynthetic.
I would think that the 10W-40 would meet A3.
I've got both some Maxlife SB and Durablend 10W-40 that I intend to use in my 318i.
Both list A3 on the back label of the bottles.
The M1 would be good stuff, but so is Maxlife.
If Maxlife has done well for you for 200K, why change?
I've got both some Maxlife SB and Durablend 10W-40 that I intend to use in my 318i.
Both list A3 on the back label of the bottles.
The M1 would be good stuff, but so is Maxlife.
If Maxlife has done well for you for 200K, why change?
I would not do it.
What do you run in the winter?
Wait, wait, you've been using maxlife for over 200K in the car? So the car has, what, 250+ on it now? And it doesn't even leak oil?
And what is the reason for switching from a product that has worked GREAT for you? Worked great for far more miles than almost anyone owns their car...just to try something new?
Are you crazy?
Try something new if you want...but this has been great for you...I wouldn't switch.
And what is the reason for switching from a product that has worked GREAT for you? Worked great for far more miles than almost anyone owns their car...just to try something new?
Are you crazy?
Try something new if you want...but this has been great for you...I wouldn't switch.
Unless you plan to extend your oil change interval to 8 or 10k, I don't see any good reason to change to a more expensive oil. How many miles are you going between changes now?
I go about 4500 miles between oil changes. I'd probably go 6500-7000 with Mobil 1. Also the car has about 280000 miles on it and burns a quart of oil every 1200 miles.
Also, the question about Maxlife being A3 remains. I was just at Walmart and the A3 designation is no longer on the 10-30 and 10-40 (Maxlife was also raised to $20 per 5 qt. container while Mobil 1 is still at 25.75.
Thanks again for the input. You guys have good points. The maxlife has been an excellent oil. Isn't there some good reasons to use a synthetic (get the engine to go 400000 ?).
Also, the question about Maxlife being A3 remains. I was just at Walmart and the A3 designation is no longer on the 10-30 and 10-40 (Maxlife was also raised to $20 per 5 qt. container while Mobil 1 is still at 25.75.
Thanks again for the input. You guys have good points. The maxlife has been an excellent oil. Isn't there some good reasons to use a synthetic (get the engine to go 400000 ?).
Originally Posted By: KevinV
I go about 4500 miles between oil changes. I'd probably go 6500-7000 with Mobil 1. Also the car has about 280000 miles on it and burns a quart of oil every 1200 miles.
Also, the question about Maxlife being A3 remains. I was just at Walmart and the A3 designation is no longer on the 10-30 and 10-40 (Maxlife was also raised to $20 per 5 qt. container while Mobil 1 is still at 25.75.
Thanks again for the input. You guys have good points. The maxlife has been an excellent oil. Isn't there some good reasons to use a synthetic (get the engine to go 400000 ?).
to BITOG, This community is great! I'm fairly new here myself and the advice these well knowledgeable people give are honestly good ones!
In my opinion, if you're burning oil, I would switch to full synthetic because it can resist more heat and resist burn off better. I would stick with high mileage kind due to the additives that assist with rejuvenating older engines. As to which brand? I'd stick with the bigger brands like Mobil 1, valvoline, Castrol, etc. (high mileage full synthetic). That's what I would do. Good luck
I go about 4500 miles between oil changes. I'd probably go 6500-7000 with Mobil 1. Also the car has about 280000 miles on it and burns a quart of oil every 1200 miles.
Also, the question about Maxlife being A3 remains. I was just at Walmart and the A3 designation is no longer on the 10-30 and 10-40 (Maxlife was also raised to $20 per 5 qt. container while Mobil 1 is still at 25.75.
Thanks again for the input. You guys have good points. The maxlife has been an excellent oil. Isn't there some good reasons to use a synthetic (get the engine to go 400000 ?).
In my opinion, if you're burning oil, I would switch to full synthetic because it can resist more heat and resist burn off better. I would stick with high mileage kind due to the additives that assist with rejuvenating older engines. As to which brand? I'd stick with the bigger brands like Mobil 1, valvoline, Castrol, etc. (high mileage full synthetic). That's what I would do. Good luck
Kevin,
Given the rate of consumption and therefore the amount of fresh oil you're adding, you could extend to 6K on Maxlife.
The 10W-40 should be fine.
BMW OMs of the vintage of yours (or mine) give an API spec and a range of grades to use at various ambient temperatures.
BMW recommended 10W-40 API SF/SG for mine for temps from well below zero up to about 60F. I think that with current oils as well as more frequent changes than the maintenance minder calls for, 10W-40 should be fine for all weather use in a 318i.
Also, this engine does not show high bulk oil temperatures, so a really thick grade (like the 20W-50 BMW then recommended) should not be required.
If I had 280K on an engine, I'd be inclined to stay with the oil I'd been using.
Given the rate of consumption and therefore the amount of fresh oil you're adding, you could extend to 6K on Maxlife.
The 10W-40 should be fine.
BMW OMs of the vintage of yours (or mine) give an API spec and a range of grades to use at various ambient temperatures.
BMW recommended 10W-40 API SF/SG for mine for temps from well below zero up to about 60F. I think that with current oils as well as more frequent changes than the maintenance minder calls for, 10W-40 should be fine for all weather use in a 318i.
Also, this engine does not show high bulk oil temperatures, so a really thick grade (like the 20W-50 BMW then recommended) should not be required.
If I had 280K on an engine, I'd be inclined to stay with the oil I'd been using.
Kevin the maxlife will be new and different - it will be API SN
though in the 10w-40 IDK how much different. Is your fuel mileage still good or has it gone down with the oil burning? If you didnt have so many miles I might recommend going to a 30 grade high detergent synthetic oil to see if you can clean up a stuck ring - but if fuel mileage is OK then keep on with the current weight. That is a fair amount of oil going into the catalyst though ... No MIL lamp for 02 lambda feedback control?
Good luck, enjoy the car.
Good luck, enjoy the car.
Thank you- that makes good sense.
I'm still concerned about why the new SN Maxlife 10-30 and 10-40 no longer has the A3 designation ? Does it only represent changes in additives or an actual reduction in it's heat and stress tolerance (HNTL ?) ?
I'm still concerned about why the new SN Maxlife 10-30 and 10-40 no longer has the A3 designation ? Does it only represent changes in additives or an actual reduction in it's heat and stress tolerance (HNTL ?) ?
Originally Posted By: KevinV
Thank you- that makes good sense.
I'm still concerned about why the new SN Maxlife 10-30 and 10-40 no longer has the A3 designation ? Does it only represent changes in additives or an actual reduction in it's heat and stress tolerance (HNTL ?) ?
limited sales perhaps. Another option might be BMW 10w(15w?)-40 sold at your local BMW dealership.
Thank you- that makes good sense.
I'm still concerned about why the new SN Maxlife 10-30 and 10-40 no longer has the A3 designation ? Does it only represent changes in additives or an actual reduction in it's heat and stress tolerance (HNTL ?) ?
limited sales perhaps. Another option might be BMW 10w(15w?)-40 sold at your local BMW dealership.
If your burning a qt every 1200 miles, why use synthetic? Thats like burning your hard earned cash...
In fact at that rate, you may never have to change your oil again, just the filter. Your doing a perpetual oil change...
In fact at that rate, you may never have to change your oil again, just the filter. Your doing a perpetual oil change...
If you what to try something different you might want to try Maxlife synth which is A3 approved:
http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/Maxlife_Synthetic_PI.pdf
I have had good results running the previous version of it to 10,000 km in my BMW. The previous version was BMW LL01 approved.
http://www.valvoline.com/pdf/Maxlife_Synthetic_PI.pdf
I have had good results running the previous version of it to 10,000 km in my BMW. The previous version was BMW LL01 approved.
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