Simple question, regarding M5 motor oil........... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

FAST 5 · 5th February 2003, 03:14

Hi Guys,
I know BMW uses two different types of engine oil for the M5, one being a thicker weight than the other. I am aware that the thicker of the two oils is hefty in price. But, how about the other "thinner" motor oil, is it also expensive like the thicker version oil? Or is the thinner type less expensive in price? I know I could call the BMW parts dept. tomorrow and get price quotes on the two oils, but I thought someone might know the answer on this board.
The reason why Im asking this question, is due to the fact, that my sales rep. is going to give me 4 bottles of the M5 motor oil, when I pick up my car at the end of this month. Should I ask for a specific motor oil, thicker or thinner weight ????
Which one would I be better off with, especially if Im getting it free of charge? Thanks guys for your input. Much appreciated!
Robert

Nybes · 5th February 2003, 03:24

I just checked. The VANOS system operates at 1,450psi. Don't y'all think the 10w-60 is a good idea?

CEC · 6th February 2003, 21:53

I remember someone saying the the 10W-60 was around $9 a quart. I just bought 6 quarts of 5W-30 that set me back $25 ($4 each). Go for the 10W-60

willwin2day · 6th February 2003, 22:44

Your dealer has a service bulletin that recommends that all M motors go to the 10w-60. This same question was asked several months ago and I forwarded the sevice bulletin number. If you need the number I can try to find it for you.

Donnie

FAST 5 · 6th February 2003, 22:51

pertaining to the service bulletin on the motor oil recommendation.
Thank you so much!
Robert

BostonRocket · 6th February 2003, 22:55

So confusing, this oil issue and our cars. I would use the type of oil that is recommended on the little sticker in the engine bay.

'Rocket

MAH · 6th February 2003, 23:37

Quote:

Originally posted by Nybes
I just checked. The VANOS system operates at 1,450psi. Don't y'all think the 10w-60 is a good idea?

It might be a good idea, but according to BMW it is overkill for all M5s built after March of 2000. 5W-30 is the oil recommended after that.

FAST 5 · 7th February 2003, 00:16

Mah,
Can you please expand on your comment, regarding the weight of the motoe oil? Thanks a lot.
Robert

MAH · 7th February 2003, 02:29

Quote:

Originally posted by FAST 5
Mah,
Can you please expand on your comment, regarding the weight of the motoe oil? Thanks a lot.
Robert

Robert,

All M5s produced prior to March of 2000 were required to use 10W-60 weight oil. This was what the car required because of the rings and pistons that were in production at the time.

After March 2000 all M5s required 5W-30 weight because BMW changed the rings and pistons from that point in time on.

I have had both MY00 and MY01 M5s. They had different oil requirements posted in the engine compartment. I saw the same posting requirement for the MY03 M5 as I have on my MY01 last weekend at a local MBW dealership.

I would assume based on feedback on the board that there has been no change in the posting requirements on the engine of 5W-30 between MY01 to MY03 model years. I have not heard anything to the contrary accept for an advisory that has been mentioned from time to time here. I have not been notified by BMW that they have changed the requierment, so I must conclude that the original posting on the engine is the only correct choice at this time.

The requirement could change, but no one has produced anything that proves that to this point in time. If someone could post differently, I would stand corrected.

Mark

FAST 5 · 7th February 2003, 02:58

One last question if i may, wouldn't the thicker oil stand up better than the thinner oil, when it comes to heat generated from the M5 motor. Im guessing that the engine must create a lot of heat under the hood. Any thoughts on this? thank you.
Robert

MAH · 7th February 2003, 03:07

Quote:

Originally posted by FAST 5
One last question if i may, wouldn't the thicker oil stand up better than the thinner oil, when it comes to heat generated from the M5 motor. Im guessing that the engine must create a lot of heat under the hood. Any thoughts on this? thank you.
Robert

Robert,

You would be correct in your thinking here, but BMW believes that the synthetic oil (5W-30) will meet their expectations with no problems. Purchasing the more expensive oil(10W-60) certainly is not a bad idea, but not a required one either.

If you are concerned about the oil breaking down, you might want to change it at the 7500 mile mark. This would still be less expensive than what most of the dealers charge for 10W-60. You can purchase Castrol 5W-30 for $4.99 a quart at Pet Boys. I have seen specials for a low as $4 a quart from time to time.

Mark