GC + Arizona Summer + BMW 540i?

[Hessen]

Hello! I've been lurking on BITOG for a few months now and finally registered to post. I've learned a lot already and look forward to more.

I'd appreciate the input of the board on using GC over the summer here in Phoenix, AZ (gulp).

My car: 2003 BMW 540i w/ approx 90k mi, recently purchased used from private party. Most maintenance was done at BMW dealer including oil service. However, the records I have show the oil was usually changed at BMWs recommended extended drain intervals.

My location: THE SUN. Yes, it's already approaching 100 degrees here on May 5th.

Driving habits: I commute between 50-80mi per day, 4x per week. About 80% hwy, 20% city.

Additionally, I wonder about using MMO to clean up the (likely) sludge deposits on my neglected engine. What do you guys think?

 

[JAG]

Welcome. Let us know what it looks like when looking through the oil fill hole, then we can make better suggestions. The 540i is a cool car!

 

[JHZR2]

That is nearly ideal use. GC would be great. Given your lack of knowledge on it, Id likely run 15w40 HDEO like rotella in there for a few 1000 mile OCIs to get it cleaned out. Consider running Auto-RX or at least LC20 through then. Should be good.

You could consider droppin the lower oil pan, which ma not be that hard, to help get a gauge on the insides. Ditto with pulling a valve cover, but IMO the oil pan is likely simpler!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Hessen
My car: 2003 BMW 540i w/ approx 90k mi, recently purchased used from private party. Most maintenance was done at BMW dealer including oil service.

Congrats on a new ride! Has the car had its cooling system replaced yet? If not, you may want to look into it really soon.

Quote:

My location: THE SUN. Yes, it's already approaching 100 degrees here on May 5th.

Hot weather isn't really as hard on the engine/oil as we might think. We humans start to feel uncomfortable in this type of climate, but it doesn't mean the machines feel the heat the same way.

FYI, I've used GC in my 530i when I lived in Florida without any problems at all. You'll be fine, too, assuming your cooling system is working properly. And if it is not, then you have much bigger problems to worry about, and thicker oil is not going to help you.


Quote:

Driving habits: I commute between 50-80mi per day, 4x per week. About 80% hwy, 20% city.

So, how often are you planning on changing the oil? Considering that it's mostly hwy, you should be able to run it pretty long. I change mine every 10k miles.

 

[Hessen]

Originally Posted By: JHZR2
That is nearly ideal use. GC would be great. Given your lack of knowledge on it, Id likely run 15w40 HDEO like rotella in there for a few 1000 mile OCIs to get it cleaned out. Consider running Auto-RX or at least LC20 through then. Should be good.

You could consider droppin the lower oil pan, which ma not be that hard, to help get a gauge on the insides. Ditto with pulling a valve cover, but IMO the oil pan is likely simpler!


JHZR2- I've been reading up on HDEO per your post. So basically, these oils are designed for "heavy duty" applications such as trucks, SUVs etc (including diesel) with an add pack that is geared towards cleaning and deposit control? But these oils can also be used in passenger cars safely? I'm intrigued since many people on the board say they are using HDEOs exclusively in passenger cars. Are you referring to Rotella T "Triple Protection" 15w40? For cleaning purposes, how many 1000mi OCIs do you think would be sufficient to clean an engine in my circumstance? (I probably won't be able to drop the oil pan anytime soon to give you guys a visual clue on the sludge.) I would prefer not to use oil additives if I can clean sufficiently with regular oils. Does a product like Redline 15w40 with high ester content clean effectively?

Sorry for a million questions, I'm trying to get my head around all this stuff. BTW, I just picked up 15 quarts of GC at AutoZone for $6 each... I'm stoked!

 

[Hessen]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete


Quote:

Driving habits: I commute between 50-80mi per day, 4x per week. About 80% hwy, 20% city.

So, how often are you planning on changing the oil? Considering that it's mostly hwy, you should be able to run it pretty long. I change mine every 10k miles.



Quattro Pete, thanks for your info on running GC in Florida in your 5er. I'm not sure what's worse in the summer--FL or AZ--at least you guys have beaches! I'm already tempted to drive over the border to hit up the turquoise waters of Mexico. But then again, I'd prefer not to take a drug smugglers bullet to the head.

My plan would be to change fluids every 7.5k.

And yes, the cooling system was replaced before I purchased the car

 

[castamir]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete

Hot weather isn't really as hard on the engine/oil as we might think. We humans start to feel uncomfortable in this type of climate, but it doesn't mean the machines feel the heat the same way.


This is VERY true. Humans tend to base their judgement on their sense of feelings!!! Within safe parameters, engines can withstand both extreme heat and cold.

Engine compnents and liquids are tested in both extreme cold and hot temperatures prior to production. The Arizona heat is nowhere near the temperatures the oil were tested in.

By the way, from my car-shopping research, I have found that cars tend to last longer in places with warmer climates throughout the year. What kills engines and transmissions are the fluctuations of temperatures throughout the year. The change in temperature causes metal to expand and contract. It is not uncommon to see engines to last up to 400,000 miles in Arizona. However the same cannot be said about cars in Washington where climates fluctuate quite radically throughout the year.