Bought what I think is GC 0w30 gold for my 95 BMW. It is the "square" bottle, states made in germany and European formula on front. Serial number in white on bottom starts with M052876B.. which leads me to think it is gold. I think thii oil will be fine in my M50 BMW 6 cylinder engine with 134,000 miles. Does not use any oil between 4-5,000 mile oil changes. Been using 5w40 or 5w50 Castrol Syntec oil. I did not like Mobil 1 0w40 (noisy engine). Bit concerned that 0w30 oil may not be heavy enough as older BMWs tend to "enjoy" heavier oil. Any thoughts? TIA
GC gold in old BMW-Good Idea?
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I don't think there will be much difference between the GC 0w-30 and the Syntec 5w-40. My recent VOA of Syntec 5w-40 had a SUS viscosity at 212F of 70.7. GC gold is 67-68 at the same temp. GC should be a great oil for winter in your BMW.
I have been running GC Gold and Green in my M54 6 cylinder between dealer free maintainence changes. My UOAs are posted.
I have been running GC Gold and Green in my M54 6 cylinder between dealer free maintainence changes. My UOAs are posted.
If I like it, I would like to run it all year long, not just winter. Summer heat here in Ky gets up to the high 90s.
TIA
TIA
Russell. I've been using GC in my BMW all year and
it's fine. You can also mix 1 quart of 5W50 if you like
it a little thicker.
it's fine. You can also mix 1 quart of 5W50 if you like
it a little thicker.
I'm planning to run GC in my car in south FL all year long. Mine's a bit younger though...
Pete, your car may spec 0w30. My manual does not. Of course, the dealer is of no real help on what weight of oil to run in older BMWs,
I think many of them forgot they solde certain vehicles.
It should be fine in the M50, GC is decently thick and seeing many people run Mobil 1 0w40 in those engines than I don't see any issues.
Your BMW M50 engine is spec'd by BMW for LL-01, LL-98, "Special Oil" and ACEA A3/B3/B4 oils.
GC is LL-01 approved so it's just fine for your engine. In hot climates lower viscosity oils will run cooler and still maintain oil pressure.
Cheers
JJ
GC is LL-01 approved so it's just fine for your engine. In hot climates lower viscosity oils will run cooler and still maintain oil pressure.
Cheers
JJ
Don't mean to hijack this thread. I have a 1995 M3 with 69,000 miles. I've had the car since new. I've always used M1 15W-50 with OCI's of 5,000 miles or once a year. Engine appears happy with this and I have zero oil consumption.
Now with the concerns of M1 possibly not being what it used to be I'm thinking of possibly switching to something else.
The short list is: M1 0W-40,Syntec 5W-40,GC 0W-30,M1 5W-40 SUV/Turbo or something else? I want to stay with a synthetic for sure.
What is the opinion of the board on this?
Thanks,
David
Do I stay with the 15W-50 M1 or is it time to move on?
Now with the concerns of M1 possibly not being what it used to be I'm thinking of possibly switching to something else.
The short list is: M1 0W-40,Syntec 5W-40,GC 0W-30,M1 5W-40 SUV/Turbo or something else? I want to stay with a synthetic for sure.
What is the opinion of the board on this?
Thanks,
David
Do I stay with the 15W-50 M1 or is it time to move on?
consider Castrol Syntec 5w50 as well. My M50 seems to like it. I changed it at about 4,5000 miles. I just have notfully adjusted to long oil changes. I still think aobut it at 3,000 miles.
I'd go with M1 "pseudo-Delvac" 5W-40 in BMW S50 engine. (unless it was also reformulated with Grp III)
I'd add Valvoline Synpower 5W-40 or 20W-50 to the list. They both carry A3/B3/B4 and BMW LL-04 ratings. Recall that Valvoline used to supply the BMW(NA)-labeled 5-40 synthetic before Castrol did the big deal with BMW.
There's also Rotella T Syn 5W-40 as well, or the hard-to-find Pennzoil Platinum 5W-40 Euro.
After using M1 15W-50 for most of its life, I switched to 0W-40 in my 100k M42, and subjectively speaking, it does seem to be a bit "louder."
With all the GC love here, I've been itching to try GC as well, but have had the same concerns as the OP, more so since mine does burn some oil.
There's also Rotella T Syn 5W-40 as well, or the hard-to-find Pennzoil Platinum 5W-40 Euro.
After using M1 15W-50 for most of its life, I switched to 0W-40 in my 100k M42, and subjectively speaking, it does seem to be a bit "louder."
With all the GC love here, I've been itching to try GC as well, but have had the same concerns as the OP, more so since mine does burn some oil.
Forgot to mention there's also Lubro-Moly VS 5W-40. I found a local store here that stocks L-M products, but they wanted $53(!) for a 5 litre jug. That made me pass, but it's another possibility if you're willing to mail order it for substantially less ($33-40). I don't think it's worth the trouble with some many other choices available OTC.
How about Red Line 5-40?
sure, Redline would be great, and plenty of places in SD sell it.
or Motul... www.motorspot.com
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=6#Post714165
www.interautopartssd.com Liqui-Moly in SD and mailorder
or Motul... www.motorspot.com
http://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/s...ge=6#Post714165
www.interautopartssd.com Liqui-Moly in SD and mailorder
It's not too thick for M50's as back when they came out it wasn't uncommon to use a 50 weight still and was recommended for hot climates...however with better oils there is really no need unless it's burning too much 40 weight.
yeah, i use LM 5W-40 in my M44. great oil. i know alot of other BMW owners who love it.
0w30 gold gc in my bmw along with a new Mahle filter. Boy does this stuff poor fast, especially in 50 degree weather. It seems much different than even the castol 5w40 in terms of pourability. Have not driven it yet. Idled ssmooth- seemed quieter.
BTW, I changed the oil/filter with 4,900 miles on the the castrol 5w40. Does it thicken or thin as miles pile up? Seems like the engine was getting noisier with ocassional random tapping at idle with the 5w40. Anyway, just an observation.
BTW, I changed the oil/filter with 4,900 miles on the the castrol 5w40. Does it thicken or thin as miles pile up? Seems like the engine was getting noisier with ocassional random tapping at idle with the 5w40. Anyway, just an observation.
Only about 300 miles on the gold GC. Boy-does the car seem smooth. I think it likes it!!!
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