BMW E36 94 318i. Read Bobs the oil guy 101 info. Was using 20w/50. What now - 5w/40 ok ?
G'day,
Read the guide 101, 102, 103 etc.
I understand the guide info re the first number i.e the viscosity of the oil when cold but if an older car such as mine, states 20w/50 for my climate and according to the guide, we really cant go thin enough for start up until operating temp (presuming no leaks, engines not worn etc) and all car manufacturers / oil makers aim for 10cst at op temp, then what are we supposed to aim for with the second value ?
E.g in my scenario
260kms on the 318 m43 engine. No leaks, no smoke and no oil use whatsoever using 20w/50 valvoline xld. I change the oil & filter more or less every 5 -7500kms.
If i where to use an oil that doesnt thicken as much when cold (as per bobs guide) then im looking at 0w or maybe 5w- ....?
Should i be aiming at 0w-30, 0w-40, 0w-50, 5w-30, 5w-40....etc.
I live in Adelaide where we are coming into summer 30-40c days, city driving, fairly short trips. Winter has passed but we get a few 0-3c days but mainly 6 - 16c through winter.
Oil available here is from shops such as http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl....aspx?id=60104
or http://www.autobarn.com.au/engine-oils
G'day,
Read the guide 101, 102, 103 etc.
I understand the guide info re the first number i.e the viscosity of the oil when cold but if an older car such as mine, states 20w/50 for my climate and according to the guide, we really cant go thin enough for start up until operating temp (presuming no leaks, engines not worn etc) and all car manufacturers / oil makers aim for 10cst at op temp, then what are we supposed to aim for with the second value ?
E.g in my scenario
260kms on the 318 m43 engine. No leaks, no smoke and no oil use whatsoever using 20w/50 valvoline xld. I change the oil & filter more or less every 5 -7500kms.
If i where to use an oil that doesnt thicken as much when cold (as per bobs guide) then im looking at 0w or maybe 5w- ....?
Should i be aiming at 0w-30, 0w-40, 0w-50, 5w-30, 5w-40....etc.
I live in Adelaide where we are coming into summer 30-40c days, city driving, fairly short trips. Winter has passed but we get a few 0-3c days but mainly 6 - 16c through winter.
Oil available here is from shops such as http://www.supercheapauto.com.au/onl....aspx?id=60104
or http://www.autobarn.com.au/engine-oils