The low oil level light has just come on and I'm wondering which oil to get. The BMW garage used Castrol slx on it's last service about 7000 miles ago. Is this stuff good enough not to thin etc. etc. or does anyone recommend another? I know you aren't suppose to mix them!
I suspect a lot of replies to this post will be forthcoming.
My two pence is
Castrol GTX Magnatec in 10sw40.
I wanted Mobil 1 in this weight, but can only find 0sw, which I understand can be too thin and leak in older (50000+miles) engines.
I have noticed more noise over the last two months (500miles ish) but as I am due a Inspection II and valve adjustments I am putting it down to the shims and clearanaces, not the oil.
I am new to ///M5 so will be looking at all replies with an open mind, so if I ought to be using something else, then please tell me.
Ivan
E34 ///M5 1990 3.6 80000mls
PS. Dont drive it with that light always on. Action is required !!
Last edited by IvanDias; 24th September 2001 at 23:44.
7,000 miles? Never mind adding oil, it is time to do a complete change of filter and oil.
I'm not sure what "Castro six" is in your statement but even if it is a full synthetic I believe you are due a complete change. And as far as just topping up I would go with whatever brand your shop is using. I keep an extra quart in a ziplock bag in the trunk along with a liter of water and some good old duct tape. (duct tape can fix anything)
Just had my 1200 mile service and BMW dealer says that Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 is the newest for the M5. Anyone heard of or using this? Critiques/
I noticed you have an e39 and BMW switched oils to Castrol Syntec 10w60 for the e39. Do a search in the "e39 M5 and Z8 forum" and you will find a slew of threads with much more detailed information
In the e34, as Ivan and Alan said, Castrol 10w40 is generally recommended by BMW. I used Castrol 10w40 GTX on my old e34, and I found it used a quart between each interval, but I topped it when it was low and had no problems at all with leaks.
I'm using Redline 10W40 with changes every January (2002 will be my first actual Redline change, but I digress...).
I've only conusmed about 300ml over the last year and 14,000kms. Yes, I treat the engine gently until 60-70C oil temp, but then lookout! Redline in the crank case, Redline on the tach.
I'd put Mobil 1 15W50 in for 2 weeks prior to the Redline and the car felt like it was pulling a small trailer. The extra viscosity really sapped some power and the upper RPM range was much weaker. The Redline woke it up again, though!
Some have said the S38B36 is prone to noise if too light an oil is used. I've not noticed it at all.
Fuel consumption hovers at 14L/100 city (moderate traffic but low average speeds) and I got 9L/100 on a 2500km highway trip in October (averaged 90km/h).
Cheers,
Anthony
__________________
A Freudian slip is where you say one thing and you mean your mother.
7,000 miles? Never mind adding oil, it is time to do a complete change of filter and oil. 
Linear Mode
