Quick Oil question, NOT ABOUT BRAND...
 

Hey guys and gals,

I have got a quick question, especially for those of you who live in the warmer climates. I have been running German Castrol 0w30 in my 4.4 since March, which was just after I had my crankcase breather hoses freeze up on me. Great oil for the cold, but if I didn't know any better, in the hot weather we have been having up here lately (30 - 35 C) the oil might just be getting too thin after the big v8 gets up to tempurature. After she gets warm, I get a crazy valve tick, and the oil on the dip stick is really runny. (I actually get the same symptoms on my e46, which I'm looking to rectify as well, if I can use the same summer weight as the e53, the better.) I'm looking for some viscosity suggestions. I think I will switch to the 0w40 German Castrol for the winter months, but I would like to know what you guys down in the hot southern states run during the summer time. The cold weight (0 or 5 w) is a moot point. It's the hot (or up to temp) weight I'm looking for. Would a 40 be enough or should I pop up to a 50? What do you guys think?

-J

unless you are towing or tracking it 0w-30 is OK. it's OK to use 0w-40 in the warmer months. I use 0w30 or 0w40 here in so cal.

Well, way don't you just use 5-40 and or 0-40 and pure some BG MOA in the engine? This will help a lot with viscosity and thermal break down. Just my opinion of course.... I just use 5-30 year round, and do in between changes. At the same time, I pour a can of MOA in at every oil change. Something to think about...

I live in Houston, Texas, and use Mobil 1 15W-50 the year around (very rarely see 32 degrees F). You only need the low viscosity for start-up in cold weather, otherwise the higher the viscosity the better for engine longevity at the slight cost of a fraction of a gallon of fuel due to the increased fluid friction of the higher viscosity oil.

What is BG MOA?

Here, check this out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Qty-2...QQcmdZViewItem

Read the description regarding the Moa addiditive....

Hmmm... interesting.

Google the company up. BG is the maker. They make great additives and fuel cleaners as well. This is what BMW uses on all there cars to do simple tune ups. Look around and do a search on this site and see what others say about this product. GL

Read your hand book page 153, 154, 5-30 and 5-40 are OK.
Years ago i would have agreed to use a addative in the oil but not
now with with the new oils on the market. I live in Italy and drive a December 2006 X5 3.0d one of the last E53, before that 2 Range Rovers with BMW motors, a 530d and a RX300 Lexus and used Castrol 0-30 SLX in all, never had a problem at all, winter or summer. I also change my oil and filter every 5000 km.:thumbup:

My manual (2003) says the following about this and other additives:

Anything that changes the viscosity makes the oil manufacturer's certification as to viscosity and thermal stability invalid; what is the point of buying an SL oil with an A3/B3 rating and losing that rating?

If it works for you, great. Just be aware of the risks and liability.