E90 - Oil Change

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

achtung,

i think you're bmw-sg's very own Genie47...... muahaha,

may i ask, do you think 0w-40 mobil 1 or Castrol SLX-A3 would be more suitable for a car that sees light track use and is revved to high rpms frequently? or perhaps other oil recommendations?

cheers

Genie47 of MCF and Ken4 of Toyota forums are the real gurus.... I only find out enough to use the right oil They send their used oil to Dyson in USA for oil analysis.... whereas I just look at other people's used oil analysis

If I were you, I will not mind using either the SLX-A3 or the Mobil 1 0w40 on Singapore roads. But the day before track... since I KS, I will put in Castrol RS 10w50. And on the morning of the track day.... drive slowly for the first 20 minutes (i.e. in Singapore) till I hit the NS then I will WOT :laughlik: At least I won't worry about protection if I decide to blast it hard on the track. Check oil level before heading back to SG, top up if necessary. Once back in SG and till the next servicing, just don't WOT in the first 20 minutes.

Somehow, Castrol RS 10w50 does not have the BMW approved oil thingy... but it has been getting very good numbers in the used oil analysis, so should be fine.

 

[pingman]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

too many oil liao. achtung. may i ask what should i use for my E65 if i use the car for regular driving and once-in-a-while (once in a week thing) revving to 7000 rpm.

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

As SFW says[SAF mechanic who repairs 3-tonners cant go very wrong], BMW knows what they are saying if they recommend 25000km oil change/servicing. While I dont doubt that, I just wonder on what basis that comes about. Previously, I had a honda which requires oil change every 10000km. Also, a previous a Nissan requires oil change every 7000km. Of course nothing beats my first ever car, which needs oil change every 5000km. Why huh?

Also as per fantastic3[old Hia-Dee], 5000km is probably a bit too kiasu to do an oil change.

Well having read every brudder and sysders comments, I shall stick with the schedule and wait till 25000km is reached. If it so happens that the car get into problems due to long oil change interval, then just blame it on their wrong recommendation

 

[SFW]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Well having read every brudder and sysders comments, I shall stick with the schedule and wait till 25000km is reached. If it so happens that the car get into problems due to long oil change interval, then just blame it on their wrong recommendation

Then sue BMW for that. If their cars need more regular oil change, it would have been stated in the manual. BTW, can anyone enlighten me whether it need more regular oil change as stated in the manual? (Just in case I missed that page.) Just to add, BMW is known for low running cost worldwide due to this.

The only concern I have is whether we need the first oil change after running-in. The answer I get from the German Area Service Manager and almost all the PML CSA whom I asked is "NO".

 

[CABERNET.S]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

I am not too sure about Mobil 0w30. It is not available locally except at Carrefour when they import directly from the USA and maybe some other specialist oil shops like Forklift and Gee Boon. If you want to use a 30 weight oil, please make sure that you see this on the specification "BMW Longlife-01"

Engine oil is a very interesting topic to me

Mobil 0w30 is not a BMW approved oil http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_1_0W-30.aspx
Mobil 0w40 is a BMW approved oil http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_1_0W-40.aspx

Castrol SLX:
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productdetailmin.do?categoryId=8310005&contentId=6006199
http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm?newsid=2041207.008&bmw=1.html/country/gcf

Hi ACHTUNG,

I have quite a bit of stock of Mobil (Fully Syn) oil 10w30, will it be good for E90 ?

 

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Then sue BMW for that. If their cars need more regular oil change, it would have been stated in the manual. BTW, can anyone enlighten me whether it need more regular oil change as stated in the manual? (Just in case I missed that page.) Just to add, BMW is known for low running cost worldwide due to this.

The only concern I have is whether we need the first oil change after running-in. The answer I get from the German Area Service Manager and almost all the PML CSA whom I asked is "NO".

Hi SFW

I wrote an entire page of reply then it disappeared when I went to take care of my crying baby....:furious: No more energy to redo the entire post and all the links.......

Anyway, I will just point you to some sites and used oil analysis results and you will have to come your own conclusion.

Used oil analysis done on an E90 330i with only 1,278 miles on the engine. Read the comments from the lab. It is showing lots of "run-in wear". Looks like it is recommended to drain out the run-in oil.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19499&highlight=oil+change

3,000 miles on the oil and see the condition of the oil filter.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=94785

This is the other extreme....
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=269465

Some good info if you are really keen to know more.....
http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/Oils1.html
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/
http://63.240.161.99/motoroil/
http://www.nordicgroup.us/oil.htm

Cheers
achtung

 

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Hi ACHTUNG,

I have quite a bit of stock of Mobil (Fully Syn) oil 10w30, will it be good for E90 ?

How long have you go those? There is a shelf life to all oil, yes even unopen bottles.
Will you be able to list down the specs of the oil? (usually found at the back of the bottle)

 

[e46sg]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Just to add to the knowledge base. I Changed my oil at 10k mileage for 180+ inclusive of oil filter at PML.

Not too sure if the saving outside is worth the peace of mind.

Cheers.

 

[pingman]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Just to add to the knowledge base. I Changed my oil at 10k mileage for 180+ inclusive of oil filter at PML.

Not too sure if the saving outside is worth the peace of mind.

Cheers.

hi e46sg. same price for 7L of 5w50 at a popular workshop outside.

 

[louis]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Just to add to the knowledge base. I Changed my oil at 10k mileage for 180+ inclusive of oil filter at PML.

Not too sure if the saving outside is worth the peace of mind.

Cheers.

i beg to differ,

i would rather pay MORE to have my oil changed OUTSIDE for peace of mind.

everytime i send my car into PML, i get extra door dings and scratches.

 

[CABERNET.S]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Hi again,

Err,..., not too long, around 18 months I guess..... still in their half carton box as I have forgotten to bring them down for 2 servicings on my last ride, and damn Kah Motor slaughtered me with their Shell Helix, sigh ,....

Ok, the specs are, I cut n paste from their site on this product ;
Product Description

Mobil 1 10W-30 is the most advanced performance synthetic engine oil designed to provide the cleaning power, wear protection and performance reserve to keep engines running smooth and clean. Mobil 1 10W-30 exceeds the requirements of the latest industry standards required by newer modern gasoline and diesel powered automobile engines. Mobil 1 10W Technology is approved and the first choice by premium car manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bentley, Cadillac, Corvette, Dodge Viper, Mercedes Benz, Pontiac, Porsche.



Features and Benefits

Mobil 1 10W-30 is made with a patented proprietary blend of ultra high performance synthetic basestocks fortified with the most advanced additive system available today. This oil is uniquely designed to provide unsurpassed levels of performance, cleaning power and engine protection, while meeting the demanding OEM ILSAC GF-4 fuel economy standards. Key features and benefits include:




Features
Advantages and Potential Benefits
Fully synthetic formula with SuperSyn Technology Helps prevent deposits and sludge build-up to enable long engine life
Excellent overall lubrication and wear protection performance for all driving styles
Outstanding thermal and oxidation stability Outstanding performance during the maximum oil change interval recommended in a vehicle’s owners manual
Enhanced frictional properties Aids fuel economy
Excellent low temperature capabilities Quick cold weather starting for ultra fast protection
Helps to extend engine life

Applications

Mobil 1 10W-30 is recommended for all types of modern vehicles, including high-performance turbo-charged, supercharged gasoline and diesel multi-valve fuel injected engines found in passenger cars, SUVs, light vans and trucks.

Mobil 1 10W-30 is the recommended viscosity grade for a variety of SUV, light van and truck engines, as well as a number of older model passenger cars.
Mobil 1 10W-30 is not recommended for 2-Cycle or aviation engines, unless specifically approved by the manufacturer.


Specifications and Approvals

Mobil 1 10W-30 meets or exceeds the following industry specifications:

ACEA A1, B1, A5,B5
API SM,SL,SJ,EC,CF
ILSAC GF-4


Mobil 1 10W-30 has the following builder approvals:

Daimler Chrysler MS-6395
General Motors Service Fill (Corvette) GM 4718M
General Motors Service Fill GM 6094M


Typical Properties

Mobil 1 10W-30

SAE Grade 10W-30
Viscosity, ASTM D 445
cSt @ 40º C 62
cSt @ 100º C 10.0
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270 147
Sulfated Ash, wt%, ASTM D 874 1.0
HTHS Viscosity, mPa·s @ 150ºC ASTM D 4683 3.14
Pour Point, ºC, ASTM D 97 -45
Flash Point, ºC, ASTM D 92 224
Density @15º C kg/l, ASTM D 4052 0.86

Technically, never mention BMW, why BMW recommends W40 ???
Thanks in advance for your insight !!!

Cheers !!!

 

[Ahbengdriver]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

"...............Mobil 1 10W Technology is approved and the first choice by premium car manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bentley, Cadillac, Corvette, Dodge Viper, Mercedes Benz, Pontiac, Porsche.................................."

err..hmm. Where is BMW? How come BMW boh park-kay one?

 

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Specifications and Approvals

Mobil 1 10W-30 meets or exceeds the following industry specifications:

ACEA A1, B1, A5,B5
API SM,SL,SJ,EC,CF
ILSAC GF-4


Mobil 1 10W-30 has the following builder approvals:

Daimler Chrysler MS-6395
General Motors Service Fill (Corvette) GM 4718M
General Motors Service Fill GM 6094M


Typical Properties

Mobil 1 10W-30

SAE Grade 10W-30
Viscosity, ASTM D 445
cSt @ 40º C 62
cSt @ 100º C 10.0
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270 147
Sulfated Ash, wt%, ASTM D 874 1.0
HTHS Viscosity, mPa·s @ 150ºC ASTM D 4683 3.14
Pour Point, ºC, ASTM D 97 -45
Flash Point, ºC, ASTM D 92 224
Density @15º C kg/l, ASTM D 4052 0.86 [/I][/B]

Technically, never mention BMW, why BMW recommends W40 ???
Thanks in advance for your insight !!!

Cheers !!!

No BMW approval but should not be an issue. It has ACEA A1 and API SM, SL ratings.
Our manual recommends ACEA A3 (which means long drain interval, i.e. you "can" go 20,000km on such oil)

ACEA = Association des Constructeurs Europeens d'Automobiles
API = American Petroleum Institute

Meaning of A1, A2, A3 etc.
Full ACEA specs are:

A1 Fuel Economy Petrol
A2 Standard performance level
A3 High performance and / or extended drain
B1 Fuel Economy diesel
B2 Standard performance level
B3 High performance and / or extended drain
B4 For direct injection passenger car diesel engines
E1 Non-turbo charged light duty diesel
E2 Standard performance level
E3 High performance extended drain
E4 Higher performance and longer extended drain
E5 (1999) High performance / long drain plus American/API performances. - This is ACEAs first attempt at a global spec.

Any 20 or 30 weight oil would in my opinion will help reduce fuel consumption, so A1 rating here is no brainer.

Meaning of API SM, SL, SJ etc.
SM: Latest specs:- For all automotive engines presently in use. Introduced in the API service symbol in November 2004
SL: Current specs (soon to be replaced by SM):- For all automotive engines presently in use. Introduced in the API service symbol in 1998


Startup Viscosity (local condition @ 40ºC) – Your mobil Kinematic Visc@ 40ºC is 62 compare with SLX's Kinematic Visc of 68.5 @ 40ºC. This means that when you start the car, your oil will flow quicker than the Castrol SLX. This actually translates into less startup wear compare with SLX. Of course if it’s below freezing condition then SLX will flow faster because SLX is 0w30 whereas your Mobils is 10w30.

HTHS – SLX has a higher HTHS of 3.6 compare with your stock of Mobil's HTHS of 3.14. This means that the SLX will give added protection during high temp and load condition.


So IMHO, your oil is okay to use, just don't do extended oil change interval (OCI) with them. Probably no more than 7,000km. (Remember that at most time we are stuck in jams so while the mileage might be low engine mileage is high).

Remember as with all professional bodies of any profession, certification fees can come up to quite a big sum of money. The oil manufacturer have to pay the professional bodies like ACEA, API and car manufacturers to certify their oil. That is BIG $$££¥¥.

.

 

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

"...............Mobil 1 10W Technology is approved and the first choice by premium car manufacturers including Aston Martin, Bentley, Cadillac, Corvette, Dodge Viper, Mercedes Benz, Pontiac, Porsche.................................."

err..hmm. Where is BMW? How come BMW boh park-kay one?

Simple, they can't afford to have all the big time car manufacturers certified every type of oil they have.

Remember as with all professional bodies of any profession, certification fees can come up to quite a big sum of money. The oil manufacturer have to pay the professional bodies like ACEA, API and car manufacturers to certify their oil. That is BIG $$££¥¥.

 

[e46sg]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

i beg to differ,

i would rather pay MORE to have my oil changed OUTSIDE for peace of mind.

everytime i send my car into PML, i get extra door dings and scratches.

Haha, true,

I actually wrote in BOLD "DO NOT WASH" when i sent it in to fix some stuff and get the oil change. At the same time, i drilled into the CSA how particular I was about the paintwork.

Car came back safe

 

[louis]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

last time round, i told them not to wash and also told them how particular i was about my paintwork....BUT.... i had to leave my car for around a week for some warranty claims and such.

they parked my car on the F*%king roof and it rained almost everyday. i neglected to apply some wax/sealant before i sent it in and when i got my car back, the paintwork was watermarked beyond repair.....

and to top it off, they didn't manage to fix my warranty claims. have to go back in again..... bah.

back to oils...... i'm told that the castrol slx used by BMW dealers is different from the castrol bought off the shelf. any truth in that?

 

[piggyboyz]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Anyone knows where i can get the 10W 30 Mobil 1 ? Carrefour don't seems to carry them anymore...

Thanks...

 

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

For the benefit of other new car owners.
I dumped out my factory filled engine oil last Saturday (mileage was 5,200km) and replaced it with Castrol SLX Longtec.

Oil changed done at BVO: S$25
4L of Castrol SLX Longtec 0w30 from Forklift: S$78
0.5L of BMW (Castrol) 0w40: S$0 came in the welcome pack when I collected my car
E90 oil filter from PML: About S$15

Will do another oil change at the 10,000km mark.

Cheers
achtung

 

[achtung]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Anyone knows where i can get the 10W 30 Mobil 1 ? Carrefour don't seems to carry them anymore...

Thanks...

Found Mobil 1 10w30.
This is a local site. http://www.mxtradings.com/Priselist.htm

 

[rickys_369]

Re: E90 - Oil Change

Hey guys, I'm new here so please excuse me if anything.

My 320 e90 engine oil indicator light indicates the oil is low and need to be topped up to 1l.

My last full servicing and oil change was done around March in around 83k+ mileage. My mileage now is around 89k + and I use the 3 in 1 flux OWS engine oil as recommended by Riverview.

Few questions as below, all answers will greatly be appreciated.

1) Can i just top up the extra 1L or should I drain out the entire engine oil and fill up a totally new oil? If I top up the 1l of oil can i use a different brand of oil e.g Castrol or should I stick to OWS?

2) Must the engine oil filter be changed everytime you change and / or top up the engine oil? Will it make any difference?

3) Where to buy the cheapest engine oil, for OWS / Castrol?