Which Oil Please.

[zazoo]

Hi Guys,

I am using Castrol Magnatec 5W30 LLO4 engine oil which I got from a BMW dealership in Germany recommended by the salesman.
Did my Oil and filter change about 4 months ago with the Magnatec Oil only to find out today I am just barely above minimum on the Oil Gauge and had to top up with nearly 2 Quarts to get it to between the Minimum and Maximum Gauge on the dipstick.

Is this due to the Kind of Oil I am using here in Accra and the weather (up to 35degrees celsius which is about 95degrees fahrenheit with quite a lot of humidity) Car has 78000miles on it and I have done about 1100miles since I got the Oil and filter change done..

Thanks for your suggestions guys.

[1stE53]

I don't know what is available there in Ghana, but I would suggest a 0w40. Don't know if Castrol has it but Mobile 1 does for sure. The heavier weight holds up well in high temps. Don't worry about burning oil, my X usually burns about a half quart every 6 or 7 thousand miles. My first 10k miles burned a quart but this time I haven't used half a quart yet and its been 8k. I'm using BMW 5w30 but that is here in Missouri. I check the oil weekly, but I'm a little exaggerated. I bet every two weeks would be fine. FYI - from min to max levels should only be one quart not two.

[JCL]

First step is to make sure the oil is topped off to the full mark, and then start checking it yourself weekly. You don't know that you consumed 2 quarts in 1100 miles, as it may not have been completely full after the oil change (unless you checked it yourself).

Anything up to a quart consumption per 1000 miles is pretty normal. It is higher than many of us would like to see, but it isn't unusual.

I wouldn't change oil to a 40w at only a 35C ambient. That isn't hot. You can change if you want, but it is unlikely to make much difference. At this point you don't know where the oil is going, so I would say it is premature to change oils.

Once you have figured out how much you are using (keep records), then you need to figure out if the engine is burning it, or it is leaking.

[princemoe2m]

Originally Posted by JCL

First step is to make sure the oil is topped off to the full mark, and then start checking it yourself weekly. You don't know that you consumed 2 quarts in 1100 miles, as it may not have been completely full after the oil change (unless you checked it yourself).

Anything up to a quart consumption per 1000 miles is pretty normal. It is higher than many of us would like to see, but it isn't unusual.

I wouldn't change oil to a 40w at only a 35C ambient. That isn't hot. You can change if you want, but it is unlikely to make much difference. At this point you don't know where the oil is going, so I would say it is premature to change oils.

Once you have figured out how much you are using (keep records), then you need to figure out if the engine is burning it, or it is leaking.

check for leaks, specially by the drain plug area ( sometimes they dont screw it all the way) also just a thought.. i seen alot of oil brand over seas from castrol, Mobile1 & etc and some dont say they r fully synthetic on em even if the back says it meets BMW LL04

[sprocket1200]

don't use 0w40 as the 'spread' between weights is too high for your location. study up on oil at bobistheoilguy.com or similar types. if your ambient temperature is generally that high you will want a heavier weighted oil.

[zazoo]

Checked the car and found no leaks at all, Car is clean underneath and around the engine Bay area. The Castrol Magnatec is fully Synthetic and I heard its quite a good Oil too and like I said I picked it up from a BMW dealership in Germany.
Been monitoring for Leaks since the Top up and found none even before I noticed the low oil I have never found Oil leaks in Garage or anywhere else!!!.

I am on my way back to Germany tonight and have to pass by the dealership tomorrow to pick up a few things will let them know and see what they say.

Thanks Guys.

[zazoo]

Left the BMW dealership in bremen this afternoon trying to keep a smile on after paying for the spares I am taking back to Accra. X5 parts sure dont come cheap guys.

Asked the dealer about the Magnatec Oil and he referred me to one of their mechanics, since the car was far away on another continent he could not offer me any concrete suggestions but did confirm that it was a good choice oil and felt the guys who did the Oil change may have missed the marker during the oil change.

Will see what it looks like when I get back in a week.

[1stE53]

Any updates on on oil level?

Why would you not use a 0w40? Stock in many other German cars. I use it in my Merc year round in middle America (extreme hot and cold)