What oil?

[r4dr]

I'm really not a fan of these oil tests. I wish there was a way to actually test the accuracy but they seem to be the only ones doing it.

I don't buy into them like it's the gospel or anything, but I think they provide objective information especially when you're comparing numbers between their tests. You would hope that their practices, regardless of the specific methods, would be consistent (reproducibility vs. absolute accuracy). I think it's also important to have a VOA to compare with a UOA, otherwise you don't have the whole story.

Looking at those two VOAs, I think it's interesting that this specific 0W-50 essentially looks like an 0W-40. I've seen lots of suggestions that S54s do fine on 0W-40 but who knows.

[IamFODI]

I'm really not a fan of these oil tests. I wish there was a way to actually test the accuracy but they seem to be the only ones doing it.

FWIW, there are actually a bunch of companies that do oil analysis. I wish more people knew this as Blackstone is... good, but not good enough to deserve their perceived monopoly.

I use Polaris Labs. They're relatively annoying to get started with (you have to call/email them to set up an account before you can order), but they sell 10-packs of analysis kits that give you a significantly better test package for less money than Blackstone charges.

MRT Laboratories and CAT are two more examples (not really familiar with their offering). If you want to shell out more money for a much more comprehensive analysis package plus personalized and detailed advice from a mad scientist, you can go to Dyson Analysis.

Can't think of any other specific examples but I know there are more.

[Arith2]

I'm really not a fan of these oil tests. I wish there was a way to actually test the accuracy but they seem to be the only ones doing it.

[r4dr]

Why not use FCP where you pay once + return shipping. Even though you are on the other coast from them, flat rate USPS will surely cost less than $50?

I did the FCP oil dance once. After paying to ship 7 quarts of oil back (in those round Redline bottles) via UPS (even with the discounted rates my Amazon friend gets at the HQ) and the hassle of doing all that... meh. Maybe 6 rectangular quart bottles (like the BMW ones) would fit better in a small flat rate USPS box.

Been using Eneos Sustina 0w50 since my rod bearing service at 157000 miles. It's a bit on the thin side it seems, but so far so good.

Do brand new rod bearings typically show lead in the first few oil analyses? Or does that take a couple intervals before it starts showing up again?

I'd be curious to see what a longer OCI looks like on that, like 7500 or so.

Edit: here's an interesting BITOG thread about a VOA of that 0W-50: https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forum...topics/2816079

By comparison, here's a VOA of Redline 0W-40 side by side.

[Arith2]

I use Eneos in my wife's Sonata. It's really good oil. Not sure I'd personally run anything that thin but glad it works.

[Jickel180]

Been using Eneos Sustina 0w50 since my rod bearing service at 157000 miles. It's a bit on the thin side it seems, but so far so good.

[mrgizmo04]

I never subscribed. I applied the "coupon" then deleted it out of my cart. But after that, even now, it still shows "coupon applied" for a 20% discount. I'm tempted to order a couple cases while it's cheap. But that would be ridiculous.

Why not use FCP where you pay once + return shipping. Even though you are on the other coast from them, flat rate USPS will surely cost less than $50?

[Arith2]

I never subscribed. I applied the "coupon" then deleted it out of my cart. But after that, even now, it still shows "coupon applied" for a 20% discount. I'm tempted to order a couple cases while it's cheap. But that would be ridiculous.

Do it

[r4dr]

You're right, it wasn't GREAT. Something weird though, it unsubscribed me automatically. That was how you got the coupon discount was to subscribe. When I checked later to cancel, it never stuck.

I never subscribed. I applied the "coupon" then deleted it out of my cart. But after that, even now, it still shows "coupon applied" for a 20% discount. I'm tempted to order a couple cases while it's cheap. But that would be ridiculous.

[Arith2]

You're right, it wasn't GREAT. Something weird though, it unsubscribed me automatically. That was how you got the coupon discount was to subscribe. When I checked later to cancel, it never stuck.

[r4dr]

I can't wait to fill my engine. Sadly I need 6.5L and used about half already during lubing an engine that was sitting for a while. When the oil filter housing is removed, BMW calls for an extra liter and I definitely saw why when I rotated my engine on the stand. Oil somehow kept coming out. It was spawning out of thin air it almost seemed. I feel good using Castrol TWS because so many have been using it. Hopefully we didn't buy knock off oil...

I don't think we did. Amazon has a huge fakes problem but usually "sold by Amazon" directly is ok. And it's not like the price was too good to be true.

[Arith2]

I would be genuinely curious how an engine with bulletproofed rod bearings runs on 0W-40 longterm. Not curious enough to do it myself though.

Just did an oil change today with $9/L Castrol 10W-60 from Amazon.

I can't wait to fill my engine. Sadly I need 6.5L and used about half already during lubing an engine that was sitting for a while. When the oil filter housing is removed, BMW calls for an extra liter and I definitely saw why when I rotated my engine on the stand. Oil somehow kept coming out. It was spawning out of thin air it almost seemed. I feel good using Castrol TWS because so many have been using it. Hopefully we didn't buy knock off oil...

[r4dr]

I would be genuinely curious how an engine with bulletproofed rod bearings runs on 0W-40 longterm. Not curious enough to do it myself though.

Just did an oil change today with $9/L Castrol 10W-60 from Amazon.

[JokerElite]

Used nothing but BMW 10w60. Definitely will be ordering more from FCP Euro!

[benzthis]

castrol 0-40.i daily my car also.