Topping up with 2 year old new motor oil?

In two months my car will be due it's routine oil change.

Currently, however, the oil level reads slightly below maximum and I want to top it up using some spare BMW 5-30 oil I still have from the last time I needed to top up two years ago. It resides in the original plastic container, capped, and sitting on a shelf in my garage.

I'm only looking to add perhaps 4 to 8 ounces between now and this next oil change.

Any reason NOT to use this oil? Could the plastic in the container have contaminated the oil?

Originally Posted by jackalope

In two months my car will be due it's routine oil change.

Currently, however, the oil level reads slightly below maximum and I want to top it up using some spare BMW 5-30 oil I still have from the last time I needed to top up two years ago. It resides in the original plastic container, capped, and sitting on a shelf in my garage.

I'm only looking to add perhaps 4 to 8 ounces between now and this next oil change.

Any reason NOT to use this oil? Could the plastic in the container have contaminated the oil?

Unless you fear that the PCB's in the plastic could cause your vehicle to get cancer, go ahead and use it. I have been working on BMW's (and other marques) for many years, and often do the same.

Originally Posted by terrystu

Unless you fear that the PCB's in the plastic could cause your vehicle to get cancer, go ahead and use it. I have been working on BMW's (and other marques) for many years, and often do the same.

I just died laughing from that

Originally Posted by terrystu

Unless you fear that the PCB's in the plastic could cause your vehicle to get cancer, go ahead and use it. I have been working on BMW's (and other marques) for many years, and often do the same.

LOL, thanks!

Originally Posted by Bimmer1995318ti

I just died laughing from that

+1

That was funny.

For synthetic oils shelf life is almost indefinite. No reason not to use oil as long as cap has been on to inhibit oxidation.

For Dino oil extended storage in cold environments can cause permanent precipitation of paraffin wax (aliphatic hydrocarbon waxes) in the oil, significantly increasing viscosity and adversely affecting pour point temperature (very poor lubrication during cold starting). In other words regular petroleum motor oil should not be stored for long periods, especially in cold garages, but instead purchased and used immediately.

Of course not many on this forum are using Dino oil.