Need Engine oil recommendation

Hi.
I have a 1989 535i with 250k miles whats the best engine oil for it?
And what are my options

Thanks

20w50 if it is cold, 10w40 if it is warm. at 250 thousand you have almost a new engine with a m30.


Andy

Thanks for the help what about brand?
And really people say I need to save up for a new engine soon ?

I had 284k on a M52 and I use 15w-50 in the winter and 10w-40 in the warmer seasons. I ONLY use Mobil1 full synthetic though.

I heard that I couldnt use synthetic oil on mine that it was to thin nd I just burn it quick

I haven't heard that one before. I guess it is up to you. If you like less protection and more frequent(every 3k mile) oil changes, then conventional is for you. From experience with my 284k engine there have been no leaks or burning oil. Make sure the oil drain plug gasket is replaced every oil change too.

This thread is beating a dead horse.

I'm not being bitter or anything, just that search button can be a newbies best friend. There are a bunch of threads to read through that discuss this topic.

Sent from Joe's Galaxy SIII via BimmerApp

Originally Posted by Monsignor

This thread is beating a dead horse.

I'm not being bitter or anything, just that search button can be a newbies best friend. There are a bunch of threads to read through that discuss this topic.

Sent from Joe's Galaxy SIII via BimmerApp

There are also a plethora of opinions on dino vs synth

That is the problem with some forum members. Not everyone can just browse all day for an answer. Not everyone has two cars. Not everyone has time. Some work full time, go to school full time, work a side job that they own, have young kids that they need to tend to, need sleep, etc. that there isn't enough time to "look it up" or "dig/research." Just saying. I don't need the help, but when one thinks they are superior because they have been in the "club" longer and only cares about themselves eh. Yeah, I have been fortunate enough for good help, but my 2 cents regardless. Whatever knowledge I have and gain I will share...even if it was said 100k times. Take care guys.

Thanks ^

Originally Posted by bmwmanz2

That is the problem with some forum members. Not everyone can just browse all day for an answer. Not everyone has two cars. Not everyone has time. Some work full time, go to school full time, work a side job that they own, have young kids that they need to tend to, need sleep, etc. that there isn't enough time to "look it up" or "dig/research." Just saying. I don't need the help, but when one thinks they are superior because they have been in the "club" longer and only cares about themselves eh. Yeah, I have been fortunate enough for good help, but my 2 cents regardless. Whatever knowledge I have and gain I will share...even if it was said 100k times. Take care guys.

OK.... BUT, you also can not expect that others will volunteer their precious time to do your research right? It is not my problem that you have taken on more than you can handle. None of us are getting paid to help you so maybe a different attitude?


I don't mind answering time and again...

I use Mobil 1 0w-40 european formula in my 175k mile 535i all year round. It is BMW approved and $6.50/qt al Wal Mart. The vast majority of engine wear occurs at start up. The thinner the oil the more quickly you have oil flow. Mine is due for a change, it is down about 1/4 qt in the last 5000 miles. That is slightly more than the last four changes.



Oil is debatable all day long. I suggest the "bobistheoilguy" forums for oil discussions.

Originally Posted by bmwmanz2

That is the problem with some forum members. Not everyone can just browse all day for an answer. Not everyone has two cars. Not everyone has time. Some work full time, go to school full time, work a side job that they own, have young kids that they need to tend to, need sleep, etc. that there isn't enough time to "look it up" or "dig/research." Just saying. I don't need the help, but when one thinks they are superior because they have been in the "club" longer and only cares about themselves eh. Yeah, I have been fortunate enough for good help, but my 2 cents regardless. Whatever knowledge I have and gain I will share...even if it was said 100k times. Take care guys.

OP's questions were answered by post #4. Also, the vehicle owner's manual is the best resource in my humble opinion.

Yes, a different attitude would be great! I have just had a sour taste in my mouth from the past. If you dot know something you can just not reply to the thread right? That 0w-40 is working out for ya?

Originally Posted by bmwmanz2

Yes, a different attitude would be great! I have just had a sour taste in my mouth from the past. If you dot know something you can just not reply to the thread right? That 0w-40 is working out for ya?

Hopefully you won't get that sour taste here. Heck, the most common response OP would have gotten on most forums is "RTFM". We don't like to respond that way around here. This is a great bunch of guys here. Just know that most of us work full time jobs too and we certainly are eager and willing to assist where we can, but the question of "what oil should I use" is probably the most frequently asked question and one that will get a wide variety of answers from people who are very passionate about their position.

Should have said this sooner .... Welcome to the Fest to both you and OP

Thanks a lot ill use that 10w-40 .thanks for all the help

Originally Posted by south26

20w50 if it is cold, 10w40 if it is warm. at 250 thousand you have almost a new engine with a m30.

This should be the other way around , I would not put 20w50 when its cold and 10w40 when its warm . 20w50 in cold weather would be like molasses in your engine ....
Andy

Sent from my Desire HD using Bimmer App

"Oil thread".
The Molotov cocktail of the Forum.

Sorry, E.T. Andy.
Tripe'ish, but I couldn't help it.

The Bird

E39 guys, Amiright?!

Originally Posted by Monsignor

E39 guys, Amiright?!

bmwmanz2 is.

Don't get the inside info., but E39 yes. I like the E60 and F10 as well. The E46, E92, E53, and E70 as well. Sorry about the coming off strong. My automotive professors tell jokes and laugh at BMW guys. Ie. what is the difference between a BMW and a porcupine? A: on a BMW all the pricks are on the inside. Pshh, what do I know? They are ford guys.

we're not attacking you. The E34 brotherhood is storong, just making a light joke.


I personally am gigantanormic F10 and F01 fan as well as anything older than 95. Nothing against E39 guys...

Yeah, my in laws have an E32 and (2)E34's. My brother went with an E39 after my E34 was totaled by a sorority girl rear-ending me . I got my E39 and stared working on it. I did my first big head gasket/head replacement on the E34 though. A Bmw is a Bmw and I love them all. Sorry if a bit on edge, I work with and around/go to school around many people who have adopted this ignorant statement: "Bmw stands for Break My Wallet." "What is the difference in a Bmw and a porcupine? A: In a Bmw all of the pricks are on the inside." "You don't want to work on those cars...they are too hard and you have to be a genius to fix them with all their crap." I have to listen to the stupid ford guys and their american this and that. I have done many things on my car, so it is not hard to swap out. Sometimes diagnosing the problem is a challenge, but big deal right? I said in class one day as an intro that I would ultimately like to become a Bmw tech and eventually go into engine performance and custom for German cars ie. more specifically Bmw's and everyone in the automotive class laughed lol. Glad to see others that have a passion for Bimmer's and as fanatical as I am about them. Clean slate?

Where I'm concerned, The Reverend Monsignor is quite correct.

I cut my teeth in that forum.
Schooled, as it were, in the fine art of "Search", not to mention the volatility of an oil thread.
This place is right civil in comparison.

I will take this opportunity to express my pleasure with the new course of the forum.
All you "regular contributors" are the cream.
Having Andy as the new Enforcer was a genius move.
I don't really miss "Roberto the Bruise", although some of Sled's retorts were quite entertaining.
You could feel his BP going thru the roof.

Anyway, enough ravings from the Birdbrain.

Oh, BTW - DELO 400, OF COURSE!!!

Aloha

In Pismo Beach on the central coast of California where it never gets to cold or to hot I run 20-50 year round. No problems of any kind. My M30 has 187,000 miles and uses about half a quart of Castrol between changes...

Originally Posted by bmwmanz2

Don't get the inside info., but E39 yes. I like the E60 and F10 as well. The E46, E92, E53, and E70 as well. Sorry about the coming off strong. My automotive professors tell jokes and laugh at BMW guys. Ie. what is the difference between a BMW and a porcupine? A: on a BMW all the pricks are on the inside. Pshh, what do I know? They are ford guys.

My dang Ford is giving me WAY more problems than my BMW ever has. They have similar milage ~176k, the BMW is 7 years older. I had a fauly door actuator, I disabled the locks since there were five to choose from, and I didn't fell like pulling all the panels. Then the "door ajar" light began to stay on meaning it is a rolling light show, interior lights come on below 10 mph and go off at 20 mph. The the rear wiper ceased functioning. I know what I need to do is pull the rear door apart. My Ford is a much bigger PIA to work on than my BMW, except it is easier to crawl under...

Hopefully time for this one to go to be replaced by a newer one with 1/3 the miles. I'll keep it a few years until it also becomes disposable at which time I intend to replace it with something else German