New to E30 325is What OIL?

[mfree325is]

I have searched and received mixed messages on which oil to use for my next oil change. It is an 87 325is. thanks Matt

[nmlss2006]

I'd recommend Mobil1 5W30, change it every 5000mi and live happily ever after. One could even make the case for 0W30, but that... hasn't been time tested enough.

[CorvallisBMW]

No, 5-30 and 0-30 are WAY too light for these engines. Use the Mobil1 15w-50, your engine will be much happier on that.

[lowlightbw]

ive had two mechanics recommend 20w50 for here in south GA. its working great for me, errr my motor.

[mfree325is]

thanks

Thanks i will give 15w 50 a try

[nmlss2006]

Uh? Why would you want W50 on an M20? This is not an S54 and 15/20W will do you no favours on startup, especially in NY, which is not FL. But, to each their own.

[CorvallisBMW]

Uh? Why would you want W50 on an M20? This is not an S54 and 15/20W will do you no favours on startup, especially in NY, which is not FL. But, to each their own.

Because m20s are older engines with larger tolerances than newer engines. Even the S54 recommends special Mobil1 5w-60 I believe. Most new engines from Ford, Honda, etc want 5w30 or even 5w20, but they are built different than our older motors. Especially in warmer climates, you'll want a thicker oil to protect the engine. Using oil that is too thin will accelerate and increase wear.

[lordofthewaters]

ive had two mechanics recommend 20w50 for here in south GA. its working great for me, errr my motor.

+1 for summer

For you I'd go 10w40 or 30 for winter, but of course I'm not really well versed on NY winters.........

[nmlss2006]

Because m20s are older engines with larger tolerances than newer engines. Even the S54 recommends special Mobil1 5w-60 I believe. Most new engines from Ford, Honda, etc want 5w30 or even 5w20, but they are built different than our older motors. Especially in warmer climates, you'll want a thicker oil to protect the engine. Using oil that is too thin will accelerate and increase wear.

Castrol TWS Motorsport, 10W60, yes. But the M52/M54/N5x all use 5W30 - so did the S54, for some time - and I'm not really sure that the M20 has tolerances that are that much higher than the M50s. Of course, it depends on how many miles are on the engine, etc., but I don't know if I'd trade the greater initial wear for the possible greater wear while operating. Of course, in FL/TX/AZ it may be somewhat different.

[Ray McCooney]

Agreed on the use of 5W-30 for E36 and up generations.

Don't waste your money on synthetic for an M20 though. Non-synthetic Castrol 10W-30 or 20W-50 should be sufficient.

[e30Matt]

15W40 Rotella here. :)

[silversleeper]

Rotella T FTW

[Mystikal]

Ugh, so much misinfo. And it really scares me, because a lot of people are running these stupid oils in E30s and ruining the motors.

10W-40 for cold weather (like less than 50F)
20W-50 for warm weather (above 50F)

This is as per all BMW manuals, including the owner's.

[CorvallisBMW]

Ugh, so much misinfo. And it really scares me, because a lot of people are running these stupid oils in E30s and ruining the motors.

10W-40 for cold weather (like less than 50F)
20W-50 for warm weather (above 50F)

This is as per all BMW manuals, including the owner's.

Thank you for clearing things up

[Erick]

15W40 Rotella here. :)

Absolutely. Keeping my motor clean since '06.