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BMW 3-Series Oil Questions

258 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2009 at 6:40 PM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Engine, Oil, Sedan, Wagon

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#249 of 258 Re: Pat on the back [idoc2] by arbie2211 Dec 29, 2008 (3:07 pm)
Replying to: idoc2 (Dec 19, 2007 10:00 am) According to BMWUSA the following oils are approved:   Castrol Syntec European Formula SAE 0W-30 Mobil 1 SAE 0W-40 Pennzoil Platinum European Formula Ultra SAE 5W-30 Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30   Here's the link: http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Content/Owner/SyntheticEngineOils.aspx
#250 of 258 Re: 2007 328i Sedan: Oil Changes [shipo] by dmaccioc Feb 10, 2009 (6:57 pm)
Replying to: shipo (Dec 18, 2007 10:13 pm) Hey-   I had the first oil change on my '07 328i done at about 13.5k. Just paid to have the second oil change done at 19.7k and had that oil sample sent in to Blackstone for analysis. Here's what they said:   "Don, your BMW is still relatively new, so we are probably seeing some lingering wear-in, in these elevated metals. Universal averages show normal wear levels from this engine type after 61,000 miles on the oil. 7,300 miles will be a fine oil change for you, especially once you get the extra metal out of the system. We'll let you know what things look like next time around, but hopefully everything is going to improve. The TBN is still good at 3.4, and no moisture, fuel, or antifreeze was present. The viscocity was just a little thicker than expected. Try 7,000 to 7,500 miles again."   Basically across the board, there were higher metal levels in my car than the universal averages. Looks like I'll be paying for the off-cycle oil changes since I intend to keep the car to at least 100k miles and quite frankly, oil changes are a small thing to pay for on this otherwise problem-free car.   Just wanted to share with everyone, let me know if you have specific questions on the report.   Thanks- Don Replies to this message: cdnpinhead (Feb 10, 2009 7:34 pm) roadburner (Feb 11, 2009 9:11 pm)
#251 of 258 Re: 2007 328i Sedan: Oil Changes [dmaccioc] by cdnpinhead Feb 10, 2009 (7:34 pm)
Replying to: dmaccioc (Feb 10, 2009 6:57 pm) Interesting.   Thanks.
#252 of 258 Thank-you don by nyccarguy Feb 10, 2009 (8:33 pm)
that is great information. did you have you oil change done at the dealership? how much did it run you?
#253 of 258 Re: 2007 328i Sedan: Oil Changes [dmaccioc] by roadburner Feb 11, 2009 (9:11 pm)
Replying to: dmaccioc (Feb 10, 2009 6:57 pm) You need more than one UOA in order to be able to establish a trend. In the case of my Mazdaspeed 3 the wear metals didn't really settle down until it hit 30,000 miles. My wife's X3 had high Pb numbers and required 72,000 miles to get close to the universal averages:
#254 of 258 18k oil change interval by Firebird_EOU Mar 19, 2009 (8:26 pm)
Replying to: idoc2 (May 31, 2008 1:21 pm) I do 80 miles each day about 55 of it is highway. Computer estimates 18k miles per change and that's what I've done the first 2 free oil changes.   My 2006 330xi has 65k miles now. I last changed at around 10k interval out of pocket. I don't rev or drive the car hard.
#255 of 258 BMW 98 328 e36 by tngolfnut May 09, 2009 (2:12 pm)
Hi, just bought this car with 76,000 miles. Can I use Castrol 5w-30 synthetic blend? Do I have to use BMW filters? Can I use Wagner brake pads and rotors? What tools should I buy? I am a mechanic, but never worked on BMW's. What should I be worried about? What recommendations do you have? Thanks for any information and recommendations for this vehicle. Replies to this message: js330xi (May 09, 2009 3:12 pm) shipo (May 09, 2009 5:16 pm) Mr_Shiftright (May 09, 2009 6:40 pm)
#256 of 258 Re: BMW 98 328 e36 [tngolfnut] by js330xi May 09, 2009 (3:12 pm)
Replying to: tngolfnut (May 09, 2009 2:12 pm) I would stick with the factory parts to the degree you can - if you are BMWCCA member you can often get discounts, or shop from dealers with a large online parts presence for lower prices - most of the factory parts come with unlimited mileage 2 year warranties on the part and most of it is plug and play - as in the parts get replaced not repaired...   If you want to keep the car performing "as new" I wouldn't go substituting after market parts... if the performance can be good enough, or for transportation and doesn't matter to you then give it a try - you can always go back to oem parts..   The tools on the car are pretty simple - there are not a wide variety of fastener types... there is a special snap on trim tool for removing plastic rivets, there are a couple metric hex heads and bolts, but the main issue with tools is access - long tools to reach deep tight locations...   My car has dissappearing oil (passed leak down tests etc) of about 1qt per 1000 mi, yet drives like new, and is very fun at 8 years and 110,000 miles. I have stuck with oem parts and find the repairs costs to be reasonable, more reasonable than your average US made car...   I am not a mechanic, but I find these cars easy to take apart and put back to gether with my limited tools... but I have not gotten as daring as some...
#257 of 258 Re: BMW 98 328 e36 [tngolfnut] by shipo May 09, 2009 (5:16 pm)
Replying to: tngolfnut (May 09, 2009 2:12 pm) You must use a BMW LongLife-01 (aka. LL-01) certified oil, and Castrol 5W-30 is not such an oil. The three most commonly available oils for late model BMWs are as follows:   BMW 5W-30 Castrol Syntec 0W-30 Mobil 1 0W-40 (which is what I use)   Best regards, Shipo
#258 of 258 Re: BMW 98 328 e36 [tngolfnut] by Mr_Shiftright HOST May 09, 2009 (6:40 pm)
Replying to: tngolfnut (May 09, 2009 2:12 pm) German car, German parts.

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