engine oil

jmjx5 · #1 02-19-2009, 01:47 PM

I have 02 3.0, whats the best oil to use. Mobil one or bmw oil, thanks

JCL · #2 02-19-2009, 02:20 PM

Yes.

Any name brand synthetic that meets the API spec is fine, in the weight that BMW recommend. Usually that is 5w-30.

Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec (the BMW product, rebranded) are both fine. I wouldn't use Syntec Blend, as it is not a full synthetic.

primetime · #3 02-19-2009, 02:41 PM

yeah try to use a "full" synthetic 5w -30 Castrol or Mobil 1.

jmjx5 · #4 02-20-2009, 03:33 PM

whats good brand for oil filter.

mthexuma · #5 02-20-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmjx5

whats good brand for oil filter.

The oil filter is very cheap at the dealership. Also you can generally get 10-20% off if they send you coupons on parts if on mailing list or just asking them.

primetime · #6 02-20-2009, 04:22 PM

Always get an OEM oil filter from the dealer...It comes with a new rubber O-ring, and a crush washer for the drain bolt.

JCL · #7 02-20-2009, 04:29 PM

You can find filters at autoparts stores made by the same companies that make filters for BMW, but you have no guarantee that they are built to the same spec internally. Physical dimensions being the same and a cross-reference number doesn't guarantee that they use the same filter media.

AzNMpower32 · #8 02-20-2009, 04:28 PM

Buy the OEM one from the dealer.

NOVAX5 · #9 02-20-2009, 05:49 PM

the only safe alternative for bmw oil filter is mann brand (which makes bmw oil filter anyway) they share the same part number.

JCL · #10 02-20-2009, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NOVAX5

the only safe alternative for bmw oil filter is mann brand (which makes bmw oil filter anyway) they share the same part number.

Ever tested it? Just wondering if the micron rating is different. I have been involved in testing of filters from OEM sources (not BMW) and the same apparent filters direct from filter manufacturers, with the same part numbers, that have different filter media. We tested them with portable particle counter testers (Parker CM20 as I recall) plumbed to the equipment to prove it out. Sometimes manufacturers use the same part number but a different internal tracking number in the manufacturing process.

In our case, we solved a wear problem by determining that a specific oil filter was flowing higher micron particles than the spec allowed, despite the labelling on the filter. Changing the filter supplier saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. Customer went back to OEM filters.