0w-40 or 15w-50 from Mobil1?

[m3f_mirus]

amsoil sells 15w-40 for $6.85 per quart. I've been using RP 15w-40, but have been thinking of switching after reading the rear diff thread. Here is the link for the amsoil:


http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/pco.aspx


It's strange, but if you search the m3 on the amsoil site, that oil does not come up as a recommendation even though it recommends 15w-40 for operating above 5F.


edit: apparently that is a diesel oil

[m3f_zhp43867_7e80676f55]

Does anyone use diesel oils like Rotella T? I think I've seen those in 15w-40 in 5-liter jugs at chain auto parts stores.



I'm running 10w-40 Shell dino now, and I get very very slight lifter noise at idle (which may be the injectors clicking, too) but burn zero oil over 3000 miles with 103,000 on the engine.



Next oil change I'm switching to a synthetic oil, but I'm curious about the Rotella. Any advice?



There was a thread on bfc about this in the E36 M3 section in the last few days. The conclusion was good, there are people that run it, and someone is going to get their oil analyzed after using it.

[m3f_///sleeper_f29d08a5a4]

Does anyone use diesel oils like Rotella T? I think I've seen those in 15w-40 in 5-liter jugs at chain auto parts stores.



I'm running 10w-40 Shell dino now, and I get very very slight lifter noise at idle (which may be the injectors clicking, too) but burn zero oil over 3000 miles with 103,000 on the engine.



Next oil change I'm switching to a synthetic oil, but I'm curious about the Rotella. Any advice?



Did my last change (about 400 miles ago) with Shell Rotella T6 5w40 and put a little under 8qts in (maybe 7.5qts or so). So far, its been very good as far as I can tell...my car was in storage untill this change and had developed a NASTY lifter-tick (likely due to starvation from not being circulated in several months) which went away immediately after the change. Now, take that with a grain of salt as how I mentioned the fact it was in storage previously, but for what its worth my motor hasn't sounded as good as it does with this oil since I've owned it...



I plan on getting an analysis after my next change...I'll post the results when I do, prob a month out or so.



Either way, given the fact that I bought the two 1-gallon jugs from walmart for ~$40, that oil is ALL WIN in my book.

[m3f_Bimmerman3_4f9a469965]

A couple BMW mechanics I talked to strongly recommended conventional 20w50 in summer and 10W40 in winter. I figure a 15w50 is a good compromise. That's what I'm going with.


My engine's at 160k mi, burns NO oil, though I haven't a clue what the previous owner used for oil. I'm putting in 15w50 when it comes time.

[m3f_cracky_88af6b7d5a]

Neither are the recommended oil viscosity for your car.



But in your position (and between those 2 only), i'd run the 15W50 over the 0W40. I'm not a big fan of the 0W oils. I just don't know how much i'd trust it not to denature down to a base stock that's much thinner than the out of container viscosity.



Also, i've personally had issues with lifter noise on cold startup in the warm months with 5Wxx oils. I wouldn't put a 0W in my car due to this.



German Castrol 0w-30 does great in our cars.

[m3f_M3Works4Me_fbf8d325d4]

I just picked up enough M1 0W-40 to do a couple of oil changes. It is listed as one of the BMW LL-01 recommended oils and it has decent numbers (80 - 14.3 centistokes).

[m3f_spankyou12_1bd6755d26]

I agree with the Mob 0-40, have been using it for years, BWM says you can use it (BMW LL-01 European car formula), it's fine for DD, if your racing you need more protection so go with something with with a better insulation for your engine.. it's the 40# that is the most important here, the 0 is just for cold weather (starting) I have camped out on BOBISTHEOILGUY.COM for a few years and they are big fans of 0-40 it has been to death (again if you track, it's not for you) for "average" guys it's the sheitz... also, it's available anywhere and it's on sale at the moment at Autozone (5 quarts and a filter) for $29 (give the filter to your girlfriend or something) :soapbox: