Cressida,
cSt @ 40C: 10W-30=61.3, 5W-30=53.7, 0W-30=54.8
cSt @ 100C: 10W-30=9.8, 5W-30=9.7, 0W-30=10.1
Visc Index: 10W-30=145, 5W-30=169, 0W-30=176
Pump Limit: 10W-30=-42F, 5W-30=-51F, 0W-30=-58F
From what I've read on this BB, ALL the M1 stuff tends to run on the low end of whatever range they're in. The greater difference between the 30wt M1s is in the warm-up; the 10W-30's thicker at 40C, & then all the 30s are real close at 100C; I don't know how much difference 0.3, 1, or even 10 cSt makes.
In Eric's case, he's got a brand new engine & a warranty to consider besides his moderate climate. Because he drains so frequently, he probably doesn't need to spend the extra $ on a Grp4 syn, but I understand his desire to use one anyway.
My goals are to decrease my maintenance & volume of waste oil while increasing fuel economy & engine protection. For my non-turbo 1990 Saab, I'd rather run the M1 0W-30 for gas savings & better cold-flow (especially since it's been ACEA upgraded for extended drains, along with the other M1 30wts), but didn't know enough about it when I decided to put in the M1 15W-50; yes, I'm concerned about increased oil consumption because of the age of the engine. In my 1999 turbo, I've decided to switch to the M1 0W-40 for better engine protection at the expense of fuel economy. Right now it loses no oil in 10k mi with a Grp3 10W-30, so we'll see what happens with a 0W.
I'm still trying to sort it all out while not giving myself a mental hernia.
This board's been a fantastic resource for me. I just can't tell if I'm getting less dangerous, or more...