Oil type.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Ok so my uncle has owned my recently purchased 89 325i. I asked him what weight of oil he has been using and told me a 20/50. Wow this is way thick, i asked a friend who has had a few e30s and he said he too ran 20/50 when he owned the 2 he has had. I have searched but cant find any specifics, this is is soooo thick, it cant be what is recommended. What are some oils and weights you guys run. Thanks. Also it has been running 20/50 for at least the past 4-6 years. Any adivce and recommendations are very much appreceated.

[nickpdx]

This topic has been covered a million times.

Castrol GTX 20w50 year round for me.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Its funny i did a search and found nothing helpful. Thanks. You think a 15/40 would be ok to run, i really just hate using a 20/50. I know 15/40 isnt much lighter but it still is.

[nickpdx]

Yeah, that would be fine. Most people use 20w50, at least during the summer if in a place where the winters are cold.

[vr2jetta]

http://www.vw-resource.com/engine_oil.html

Scroll down and check the chart and find the normal temp for your area. I wouldnt think 20 50 is too think, especially for a higher mileage engine. I try to run straight 30 because I live in Fl. and it is SOO hot here, but since I started using synthetic, it is hard to find straight weight.

[TheB1G Lebowski]

Thanks guys, i found a mobile 15/40 that looks interesting i wanna give it a try. Also i havent changed oil in it yet ist 5 quarts right or 4 1/2. What filters do you like to use?

[vr2jetta]

Buy 5, add 4 and check it. I think I used all 5 when I did mine but better to be sure and not overfill it.

[5KWattson]

im running 15w-40 in mine but in the NO town it gets hella hot and also i get my oil for free so cant complain

[EricT]

20/50 is whats in my crankcase as we speak.......I thought I read somewhere about people running rotella 15/40 for the higher zinc content. I run it in my bike, but I haven't put it in the e30 yet. Prolly wont but who knows

[ADEN]

i'm running mobile1 0-40w I'm not satisfied with the result it turned black and it keep evaporating, i'm going back to 20-50w

[Alkasquawlik]

Castrol GTX 20w50 year round for me.

This is what I use

[robmespeedy]

the owners manual says 20w50

[RobE30]

Wow 20w50.... maybe I should switch over from 10w40.

[Lance Racing]

Owners manual says 20W-50

Get this, I bought an 1990 325i auto, lots of good maintenance, lots of documentation of oil changes. All oil has been 5W-30 for the majority of this car's life, now with 170k. Runs just fine. For general driving in normal climates I think you can pour anything in these engines and they will run.

[SpecM]

20/50 is whats in my crankcase as we speak.......I thought I read somewhere about people running rotella 15/40 for the higher zinc content. I run it in my bike, but I haven't put it in the e30 yet. Prolly wont but who knows

I switched to Shell Rotella 15w40 two changes ago, so far so good

ran Castrol GTX 20w50 before that