First time oil change for my 4.8is

sarb · #1 08-15-2009, 06:13 PM

Hi just wondering i just got oil change done on my x 4.8is, local delar used castrol syntec 10w30 and he said i can also use 5w30. Is this the rite oil for my x? please help.

motordavid · #2 08-15-2009, 06:28 PM

5W-30 is usually the rec'd weight...some of us here run other viscosity
ranges. I would think for Calgary, a 5W is preferred over 10W, esp in
winter. Surprised your local BMW dlr used 10W, but I would not lose
sleep over it...

You may, or may not get another 5 to 100+ opins, as this topic has
been beaten to a pulp: try Search Tab for literally dozens of full Threads
on the topic of "what oil to use".
GL,mD

killcrap · #3 08-15-2009, 07:33 PM

castrol 5w30 is the correct viscosity. there is no "weight" in engine oil ratings.

motordavid · #4 08-15-2009, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killcrap

castrol 5w30 is the correct viscosity. there is no "weight" in engine oil ratings.

My apology, killcrap...I did correct myself in my own post by
ref'ng viscosity range. The "weight" term was left over in
my brain from when I ran official, branded, "HD 70 Weight"
during the hot summer months, in my '75 HD Shovelhead,
a while before you were a tech.

Harley then and now, and the oil rating "biz", wasn't quite as
sophisticated as the buzz words are now ...

I feel the OP got
the answer, however.

JCL · #5 08-16-2009, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by killcrap

castrol 5w30 is the correct viscosity. there is no "weight" in engine oil ratings.

I was thinking about this last night, as I also personally refer to oils (engine oils and others) as having different weights. I fully appreciate that the SAE J300 standard doesn't specify a weight, either as a specific weight or otherwise, but it also doesn't specify a viscosity as one would expect.

When the standard was first invented (in the early 1900s sometime) it refered to the time it takes to pour different oils. "Heavier" oils poured more slowly, so that is likely where the weight tag came from. Eventually, they figured out both dynamic and kinematic viscosity tests, and applied it to the time standard references that different oils had (for their pouring time). The trouble is, the standard doesn't reference a viscosity, it has evolved from historical oil ratings, and has a "viscosity index" attached, but a variety of 10W-30 oils from different base stocks, and different refineries, will have a range of actual viscosity indexes based on how the oils perform on various tests.

I do agree that the W is often confused with weight, instead of Winter.

Probably more than anybody wanted to know about oil standards, but given that I use the term 'weight' in my garage, I figured I would explain why.

sarb · #6 08-16-2009, 01:39 PM

Thanks very much guys i am loving this site.

roadfrog · #7 08-16-2009, 07:20 PM

According to my manual, 5w30 is called for. Not nearly as cold here in Vancouver area, but I'm sticking with the above.

What'd they quote you for a price Sarb? Normally I do my own changes, but my extended warranty demands 3000 mile oil changes by a certified shop. It's killin' me! LOL!

sarb · #8 08-17-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roadfrog

According to my manual, 5w30 is called for. Not nearly as cold here in Vancouver area, but I'm sticking with the above.

What'd they quote you for a price Sarb? Normally I do my own changes, but my extended warranty demands 3000 mile oil changes by a certified shop. It's killin' me! LOL!

Hi Chris i know most of the staff at local dealer i own a OPA Souvlaki of Greece so they come here for lunch and they charging me $ 130 + tax. I don't have time to do my own and, I read lots about oil change from last 2 days but seems like i am paying extra $ 25 but they give me loaner car so i really don't mind.

vinuneuro · #9 08-17-2009, 08:16 PM

The standard Castrol Syntec is NOT capable of following BMW service intervals. If you want to go that distance with a 30wt oil, either use the BMW OEM Castrol 5W-30 or German Castrol 0W-30. Mobil1 0W-40 will also work fine.

I wouldn't leave the oil you have in there longer than 7,500miles.

sarb · #10 08-18-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

The standard Castrol Syntec is NOT capable of following BMW service intervals. If you want to go that distance with a 30wt oil, either use the BMW OEM Castrol 5W-30 or German Castrol 0W-30. Mobil1 0W-40 will also work fine.

I wouldn't leave the oil you have in there longer than 7,500miles.

Hi vinuneuro thanks for info i just talk to the local dealer they will do oil change free or charge to bmw 5w30, driving 7500 miles wont be happning with me for next 2 years so i am doing it asap. Thanks a lot guys.