Best Oil to run

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  • AlexSutherland
    Member
    • Apr 2017
    • 41

    #1

    Best Oil to run

    I’ve been using 5W-30 on my E30. I recently read so many mixed answers for what oil to use. The ones I’ve seen: 5W-30, 10W-30, 5W-40 10W-40, 20W-50 on M20 motors. I thinking about 10W-40 to lower the lifter noise but just want to make sure I’m not going to damage the engine or clog oil lines.
  • 15Michaeljoseph
    E30 Mastermind
    • Aug 2013
    • 1693

    #2
    Hey man, the 'what oil to run' debate has been covered tons of times, and threads like this usually get flamed by the seasoned members of R3v. Try googling 'e30 what oil to use' or something of that sort and you'll find plenty of information... Most of it inconclusive.

    The weight of oil can depend on where you live/ your climate, and the type/brand of oil depends on what additives you're looking for. Mainstream modern oils don't really have the 'traditional' additives that were spec'd by BMW in the 80's... So your best bet is to choose a good synthetic in the proper weight for your climate, and run it with a OE quality Mann filter for 3-5k, and then change it.

    Personally, for the past 5 years I've owned the car I've been using synthetic Mobil 1 European blend 0w-40 year round (I live in MA, so winter and summer are within the temperature spec). I recently found out that this oil lost it's BMW LL-01 approval, so I may switch brands soon to LiquiMoly or Castrol, keeping that 0w-40 weight.

    Do some research :)

    Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk
    (OO=[][]=OO) For Life

    Comment

    • cheffy30
      E30 Enthusiast
      • Sep 2016
      • 1159

      #3
      our cars were designed before synthetic was invented.
      go fossil. i like rotella, castroil.
      2c
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      '90 325i sedan daily driven
      '85 325e coupe also a daily

      Comment

      • SkiFree
        R3VLimited
        • Jun 2011
        • 2766

        #4
        I've gotten tired of answering this question every other week, so I just wrote an article on it.


        Here you go.... https://adamsautosport.com/bmw-m10-m...ine-oil-guide/
        ADAMS Autosport

        Comment

        • ForcedFirebird
          R3V OG
          • Feb 2007
          • 8300

          #5
          Originally posted by SkiFree
          I've gotten tired of answering this question every other week, so I just wrote an article on it.


          Here you go.... https://adamsautosport.com/bmw-m10-m...ine-oil-guide/

          Nice!


          Don;t forget Mobil 1 15w50 is a good box-store oil. We have proven it on the race track, but have actually changed over to LiquiMoly 10w60 about 3 years ago. We saw a 10psi increase in idle pressure with 300° oil temps after hard summer track sessions when we changed. Street cars still get the M1 at the shop, unless they request the race oil.
          john@m20guru.com
          Links:
          Transaction feedback: Here, here and here. Thanks :D

          Comment

          • Flying Potato
            Noobie
            • Jul 2018
            • 7

            #6
            Originally posted by SkiFree
            I've gotten tired of answering this question every other week, so I just wrote an article on it.


            Here you go.... https://adamsautosport.com/bmw-m10-m...ine-oil-guide/
            Thank you sir!

            Comment

            • Das Delfin
              R3VLimited
              • Sep 2014
              • 2293

              #7
              I use Mobil 1 15w-50 available in a 5 quart jug at walmart for 22 bucks. I change at 7k mi intervals and use the oil year round here in CT.

              Whatever you do, make sure you get an oil that specifies a high zddp content, or buy an additive at autozone and use it with every oil change


              it's a Kenny Powers quote on wheels

              Comment

              • Bearmw
                E30 Fanatic
                • Aug 2010
                • 1323

                #8
                I've been using Mobile 1 15w50 in my M30 and it's nice to see confirmation that it is a good street oil choice.
                Never argue with stupid people, they will drag you down to their level and beat you with experience. -Mark Twain

                Comment

                • 15Michaeljoseph
                  E30 Mastermind
                  • Aug 2013
                  • 1693

                  #9
                  Liquimoly Ceretec additive looks pretty good as well, read up on it. I think I'm going to try it out at my next oil change.

                  Sent from my moto g(6) using Tapatalk
                  (OO=[][]=OO) For Life

                  Comment

                  • digger
                    R3V Elite
                    • Nov 2005
                    • 5911

                    #10
                    There is no need for additives just oil use an oil with the right stuff in it.
                    89 E30 325is Lachs Silber - currently M20B31, M20B33 in the works, stroked to the hilt...

                    new build thread http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=317505

                    Comment

                    • PDXPeter
                      Wrencher
                      • Apr 2018
                      • 225

                      #11
                      I just picked up 3 one gallon jugs of Chevron Delo 15w-40 at Costco for $37. Has the same level of zinc as the M1 equivalent.
                      Last edited by PDXPeter; 07-31-2018, 04:18 PM.

                      Comment

                      • LowR3V'in
                        R3V Elite
                        • Feb 2004
                        • 4209

                        #12
                        The new vr1 jug looks like a fabric softener bottle.

                        Comment

                        • LowR3V'in
                          R3V Elite
                          • Feb 2004
                          • 4209

                          #13
                          The new vr1 jug looks like a fabric softener bottle.

                          Comment

                          • dnguyen1963
                            R3VLimited
                            • Nov 2011
                            • 2648

                            #14
                            Originally posted by PDXPeter
                            I just picked up 3 one gallon jugs of Chevron Delo 15w-40 at Costco for $37. Has the same level of zinc as the M1 equivalent.
                            Stay away from this oil...I think. I used to use Shell Rotella 15W40 then switched over to Chevron because of the price. My car has a small oil drip from the pan now. I think Chevron has more detergent and it cleans the deposit from the oil pan and created my small seepage. It might just be coincidence...

                            Comment

                            • PDXPeter
                              Wrencher
                              • Apr 2018
                              • 225

                              #15
                              Originally posted by dnguyen1963
                              Stay away from this oil...I think. I used to use Shell Rotella 15W40 then switched over to Chevron because of the price. My car has a small oil drip from the pan now. I think Chevron has more detergent and it cleans the deposit from the oil pan and created my small seepage. It might just be coincidence...
                              Cant say I noticed any new leaks with about 100 miles on it since the change. Will watch for it. Already trying to run down a coolant leak.

                              Comment

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