Motor Oil

any recommendations/opinions on whether i should use regular motor or synthetic. my 328i has 114,000 miles.

t/y

Originally Posted by scott41258

any recommendations/opinions on whether i should use regular motor or synthetic. my 328i has 114,000 miles.

t/y

There are a billion threads on which motor oil to use and why; just do a search. Here, and also at bimmerforums.com

If you just want to shortcut to the quick answer, one of the favorite selections appears to be Mobil 1 synthetic, 10w30; or 5w30 if you live in a colder climate. If you're not sure which to use, that's a good default choice.

btw, since you have a 328, you might be interested in checking out The 328 life.

Originally Posted by scott41258

any recommendations/opinions on whether i should use regular motor or synthetic. my 328i has 114,000 miles.

t/y

If your car has been on regular hydrocarbon oil then stay with it or use a blend. If you switch over to pure synthetics, you might get some leaks from the gaskets.

Scott, since your car is high milage. I would recommend that you stick with standard graded oil 10/30 or 10/40. Going full synthetic might cause oil to slip pass your rings and gasket (aka oil leak). But if you own the car since day one and been using synthetic, then just stick with synthetic.

Originally Posted by ImperialDuckM3

Scott, since your car is high milage. I would recommend that you stick with standard graded oil 10/30 or 10/40. Going full synthetic might cause oil to slip pass your rings and gasket (aka oil leak). But if you own the car since day one and been using synthetic, then just stick with synthetic.

Since when is 114K miles high?


Mobil 1 0W40 and forget about it... Just use a high quality oil that meats the BMW requirements and you'll be fine.

Don't listen to Boi, he doesn't know whats he talking about. Anything above 100k is consider HIGH milage. Wouldn't you agree with me?

Like I stated, if you brought this car brand new and have been using synthetic since day one. Then keep using synthetic. But if you don't know the history about the car (if it abuse or not). Just use Mobil, Castro, etc.. standard oil 10/30 or 10/40.

good ol internet

INTERNET!!!!!!

You thinking I am pulling numbers and figure out my butt . Have you seen an engine that was taken apart or have you taken an engine apart before? Just because you own a 00 M3 and READ about it or was told. Doesn't make you more knowledge then any one who actually have work on cars (espically BMW's).

I am not hear to start any flame war with you and don't intend too. But when you giving out wrong information or don't warn people the effect of synthetic on a worn engine. Its just pure wrong.

We're not talking about an '86 Chevy with a 350 here. '96 isn't that old and 114k miles isn't 'OMG HIGH MILEAGE' Chances are it's been serviced at the dealer and guess what? The dealer uses synthetic(and have for many years!) Gasket swelling isn't a big issue any more. It's not like synthetic oil is new. I'm not going to argue, there are enough topics on the internet about engine oil to make somebodys head spin. You're just adding panic and fear to somebody who is looking for an alternative.


Don't assume anything about me. I didn't assume anything about you.

Originally Posted by bol

We're not talking about an '86 Chevy with a 350 here. '96 isn't that old and 114k miles isn't 'OMG HIGH MILEAGE' Chances are it's been serviced at the dealer and guess what? The dealer uses synthetic(and have for many years!) Gasket swelling isn't a big issue any more. It's not like synthetic oil is new. I'm not going to argue, there are enough topics on the internet about engine oil to make somebodys head spin. You're just adding panic and fear to somebody who is looking for an alternative.


Don't assume anything about me. I didn't assume anything about you.

It doesn't matter if its a 86 Chevy with a 350 iron cast block. With heat and temperture, it will affect the engine (hence wear and tear). Yes the dealer use synthetic and that point is very clear.

Using standard motor oil is safer and have been proven to be very reiable. If he doesn't know the history or about the habbits of the previous owner. He should take it with caution. I know this have been debate on many fourm regarding which oil to use.

Let say we agree to disagree on this subject

i've got a 98' 328I with 95,000 miles. i switched to mobil 1 fully synthetic 10w 30, and have noticed a great difference. but once you go synthetic you must stay with it. in my opinion the benefits are without a doubt worth it.

96 328i with 85k miles. i just switched to mobil-1 0W-40. Engine is running much smoother.