A question for the Canadians here......
 

We're planning a possible trip to Montreal/Quebec over the winter break, and of course, it's gonna be pretty cold up there. What kind of motor oil do you Canadians use? (This can apply to X5 and X3 owners alike with the I6 engine) Is it still the BMW Synthetic 5W-30, or do you guys use a thinner oil for better cold pumpability/starts? After all, we do want the X3 to start in oh say, -5F mornings! http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/ima...lies/uhoh2.gif

As a side note, any places in particular you guys recommend we visit?

I guess Stewthebassman is your guy. He lives in Montreal or in vicinity.

BMW Canada recommends the standard BMW synthetic 5w-30 for all temperatures. This holds even with the lack of plug-in heaters for the engine block. It pumps fine at low temperatures. If I was in -30 to -40, I would start thinking about changing, but it is be easier to just find places to park that are warmer than ambient, as there are other things beside the engine that wear and break at those temperatures (voice of experience here, lol).

Recommend you warm it up gently, drive off at moderate speeds as soon as you have oil pressure, and be gentle on the rest of the powertrain, not just the engine.

EDIT: I just checked the test temperature for 5W-30, out of interest. The cold cranking test (ASTM D5293) is at -30C, the pumpability test (ASTM D4684) is at -35C. Your -5F equates to -20C.

With global warming, the last few winters have seen long periods without the cold. Depending on when you go, you may not notice much cold. Don't forget your shovel, snow can really pile up in front of our igloos. :thumbup: Enjoy the stay.

You will be fine with 5W30. Unless the temperature drops below -30C, you won't have a need for 0W30... ;) enjoy the cold!

I use BMW 5w30 in the X5 (Dealer changes) and Castrol 0W30 in the 330xi (DIY changes). The latter only because that's the only flavor of Castrol available here that's LL01 and not because of the viscosity rating.