New Indi mechanic says.. switch to Mobil 1

TurnAround · #1 03-16-2010, 09:40 PM

From the CV boot post you'll know.. I love my new Indi shop!

While there, the mechanic (do you EVER get to talk to the mechanic at the dealership?!) said he noticed the sludge on the dip stick and fill cap of my M54 engine. I've noticed this too, plus the fact that this engine burns a quart of oil every 6k - 7k miles.

He was very patient and didn't 'slam' BMW Castrol oil, but gently explained to me that many techs feel that the BMW recommended oil is a poor quality product and is precisely what is leading to the sludge issue that they see over and over. All the BMWs they've switched to Mobil 1 synthetic have cleared this problem up, and burn less or no oil.

I know this might cause a fire-fight... but what's the board's take on switching away to another oil?

I have to say, I'm somewhat seriously concerned about the quantity of 'goop' piling up on the dip stick and inside the oil fill area.

Thanks for your views!

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Repoman · #2 03-16-2010, 09:43 PM

I've been using it for several changes and sludge is an issue that I have not run into.

Yii · #3 03-16-2010, 09:45 PM

My cousin who is a mechanic has helped on occasion with the x5, and always recommends me with mobile 1, i never asked why even though i see that bmw recommends Castrol. Even though Bmw recommends Castrol u dont have to always believe it, they may have been paid to do that. Iv seen a previous post of a member seeing BMW recommended BP for gas because bmw considers them to be top tier while it really isnt. I am no sure what the difference between the two synthetics are but i trust my cousin and haven't seen any gunk left on the dip stick. Just my 2 cents

chefwong · #4 03-16-2010, 09:53 PM

Are you taking the BMW Castrol to their recommended OCI or 7K

I generally just do a oil change whenever wheels are getting swapped which is not exactly a true mileage indicator but it's somewhere around 5-7K on average.

Any decent oil should be okay at 7K intervals. IMO, just use any oil that meets their HTHS spec. M1 01W40 will work just fine.

I'm inclined to steer you towards Amsoil but that just because I like their stuff. TA, if I recall you tow right ? I use Amsoil 75W110 which is a tad heavier when Warm than OEM spec of 75W90. Some food for thought...

FSETH · #5 03-16-2010, 09:53 PM

There isn't anything wrong with BMW Castrol oil. However, I would only run it for about 7,500-10,000 miles max. Not 15,000 miles like BMW says you can. Also, keep in mind BMW Castrol is not the same as Castrol from the local auto parts store.

I feel Red Line is the top dog as far as motor oils are concerned. I would rank Lubro Moly, Amsoil, Mobil 1 and BMW oil all about the same behind Red Line. I am not positive, but pretty sure Mobile 1 runs on the thin side.

Junster · #6 03-16-2010, 10:06 PM

It's preference... I used Mobil 1 5W/30 and have no problem for 3 years i've owned the X5

msammy · #7 03-16-2010, 10:06 PM

We have a Mobil 1 Lube Express a couple of miles from our home. I had a full synthetic oil change done on the X5 for around $90, quite a bit less than the dealer. I've used Mobil 1 synthetic for a while with no problems at all.

Junster · #8 03-16-2010, 10:11 PM

Why not do it yourself. Walmart sells Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W/30 5qts for $23 x 2 = $46 + $8 Oil Filter = $54 takes about 1 hour of your time...

chefwong · #9 03-16-2010, 10:12 PM

not going to debate what oil makes YOU comfortable but IMO, u should be using one that meets HTHS specs. Do you own due diligence ...

TurnAround · #10 03-16-2010, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chefwong

Are you taking the BMW Castrol to their recommended OCI or 7K

TA, if I recall you tow right ?

I've replaced it at 6k to 7k the whole engine life. Tried to stick towards 6k for most of those. Gonna switch to 5k for a while now.

I have the tow hitch.. but we just use it for the bike rack

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