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What type of oil should I use for my BMW E36?

22nd April 2007

What type of oil should I use for my BMW E36?

posted in Engine, Performance, Technical Info |


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 For those of you who like to fix their BMW car(s) by themselves, I recommend you to get the Bentley BMW 3 series service manual which is one of the best books I've ever read. I got it and recommend you to get one for you as it will save you too much time and money while fixing your car.

Hi Guys,

 

Oil types make me feel sick because I usually don’t understand them. What weight is better?! operating temperature! thick oils and how this will affect the performance and the age of my engine. Anyway, today I felt like reading about these stuff to make sure I won’t feel sick next time I hear someone talking about this. I think you should read this article because it will definitely add something to your knowledge that you just didn’t learn (well, or hear about before). The article was found here. Thanks Cary for the article (the author).

 

 

Disclaimer: Use this info at your own risk!! I’m not responsible for your mistakes man! :D


1) New BMW’s require synthetic oil. As far as weight, only certain production dates of M3’s and M5’s require the use of Castrol TWS 10w-60.

 

2) The Factory BMW Synth 5w-30 is a version of Castrol TXT Softect sold overseas. A few important things about the BMW oil:

  1. It is a Group III hydrocracked oil which cannot be called synthetic in Europe.

  2. It is a heavy 30 weight (30 weight can run from 9.3-12.5cst@100c, the BMW oil is about 12.2cst).

  3. It is a ACEA A3 oil which means that it is approved for longer change intervals and has a HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) measured at 150c of greater than 3.5.

3) In the US, the only Group IV PAO Synthetics that are available are

  1. Mobil 1.

  2. Amsoil (but not the Xl-7500).

  3. Royal Purple.

  4. German Castrol 0w-30 (it has the red label and says on the back, “Made in Germany). Redline is a Group V PolyEster based oil. All other Castrol, Quaker State, Pennzoil, Valvoline “synthetics” are a Group III hydrocracked oil. It is debated how much better Group IV base oils are than group III, but generally they are considered better.

4) When looking for oil for any BMW that does not require Castrol TWS 10w-60, you want to purchase an oil that has either/both of the following ratings:

  1. ACEA A3.

  2. BMW LL-98 or LL-01.

5) Note that Mobil 1 0w-30, 5w-30, and 10w-30 are NOT ACEA A3 or BMW LL approved oils. This is because they all are thin 30 weight oils (approximately 9.8-10 CST@ 100c) and have HTHS of approximately 3.1. Mobil 1 0w-40 and 15w-50 are A3 rated and the Ow-40 is BMW LL-01 approved. For 99% of climates and users 0w-40 or 5w-40 is the appropriate grade. There are some 0w-30 and 5w-30 oils (like the BMW 5w-30) that are formulated on the heavier end of the 30 weight scale and are accordingly rated A3. These oils will work well also. LOOK FOR THAT ACEA A3 rating. If the oil doesn’t have it, pass on it.

 

6) Some people seem confused about how oil thickness is measured. The first number (0W, 5w, 10w, 15w, etc) is a measurement of how thick the oil is at temperatures of -35c- -20c (depends on the grade). The lower this first number the thinner the oil is at LOW temperatures. The second number (30, 40, 50) refers to oil thickness at 100c (operating temperature). 30 weight can be from 9.3-12.5 cst, 40 weight from 12.6-16.2 cst, 50 weight from 16.3-22cst (approximate). So you can have two oils, one called a 5w-30 (i.e. bmw oil) another 0w-40 (Mobil 1) that are very similar thicknesses at operating temperature. Compare this to Mobil 1 Xw-30 which is close to a 20 weight oil at 100c.

 

7) BMW’s recommended interval of 12,000-15,000 miles is too long. Used oil analysis has shown the BMW oil is generally depleted at 10,000 miles. Running it longer results in excess wear. It is highly recommended that you change your oil once between each BMW recommended interval (approx 7000-7500 miles). If you want to run your oil the BMW recommended interval, I would suggest that you use Mobil 1 0w-40 or Amsoil 5w-40 and change the oil filter at 7500 miles. I would encourage a full oil change at 7500 if you want your engine to last.

 

8) If you want to spend a few hours learning about oil, go to www.bobistheoilguy.com! But it’s like a different language…. so which one do you suggest if you were going to change your oil?

 

 

Unless you have an M3, in the following order:

 

  1. Mobil 1 0w-40.

  2. Mobil 1 0w-40, and

  3. Mobil 1 0w-40.

 

If you can’t find the 0w-40, the Mobil 1 SUV 5w-40 is a great oil. Can’t find either of these, then go to your dealer and get the BMW 5w-30.

 

The Mobil 1 0w-40 is a great oil, widely available (Walmart, Checker, Kragen, Autozone), and moderately priced. It is factory fill in Mercedes AMG, Porsche, and Austin Martin.


Wait for more from . . . BMW E36 Blog

 

Best regards,

Tony Sticks.

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This entry was posted on Sunday, April 22nd, 2007 at 6:40 am and is filed under Engine, Performance, Technical Info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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  1. 1 On April 25th, 2007, Mic said:

    Interesting enough, I just had a Service II done today on my M3 1999 and the dealership used a 15W40 BMW oil. It’s my understanding that the BMW oil would be the Castrol TXT (semi-synthetic) that you mentionned above.
    I usually go to a performance garage for my oil change and they use Castrol Syntec 5W30 (every 5,000 miles). The BMW oil is just $1.90 a quart when the Syntec is over $4.00.

    posted on April 25th, 2007 at 8:27 pm

  2. 2 On April 25th, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    I think you will need to learn boxing for such situations, LOOOL!

    posted on April 25th, 2007 at 10:26 pm

  3. 3 On May 3rd, 2007, newkid said:

    What about an older model, in my case a ‘94 316i (my first BMW)? Would the Mobil 1 still be the best choice?

    posted on May 3rd, 2007 at 8:43 am

  4. 4 On May 4th, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    Newkid, yes, I think Mobil 1 is your best choice.

    posted on May 4th, 2007 at 4:59 am

  5. 5 On July 1st, 2007, Morea Grun said:

    Mobil 1 is great, been using it with EXCELLENT results for years.

    Trying to decide between M1 0w-40 or 15w-50 for my recently aquired, 150k, 318i 5spd???

    Doesn’t appear to be burning any oil . . .

    Any thoughts?

    Thanks for the site!

    posted on July 1st, 2007 at 2:47 pm

  6. 6 On July 1st, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    I personally prefer the Mobil 1 0w-40.

    posted on July 1st, 2007 at 10:20 pm

  7. 7 On July 12th, 2007, SammyJ said:

    thanks for the details and info on oil. unfortunately we don’t get Mobil 1 here, which sounds great. We have to resort to the 5w30 oil from the dealers.

    does this oil also not hold up to the recommended service intervals specified by the agents?

    Why would they specifiy a longer service interval if it would be detrimental to your motor?

    posted on July 12th, 2007 at 6:17 am

  8. 8 On July 12th, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    SmmyJ,

    AFAIK, the BMW 5w30 oil is great too and it should hold up.

    posted on July 12th, 2007 at 7:49 am

  9. 9 On July 28th, 2007, Kevin F said:

    I recently picked up a 1997 328i with 109k miles. Previous (original) owner stated that the dealer said only use regular oil, no synthetics, and he has done that. I read a thread for BMW E36’s where they recommended not to switch over to synthetic if you have used regular oils. Apparently the synthetics can have adverse affects on the seals; taking a previously dry engine and making it a leaker. Do you agree with that assessment? By the way, great info on the synthetics.

    posted on July 28th, 2007 at 6:30 am

  10. 10 On July 28th, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    Kevin, I don’t really think that switching to syntetic oil can cause leaks to your engine by itself. I can point you to the following websites which talk specifically about this issue.

    http://www.allpar.com/eek/synthetic.html
    http://www-d0.fnal.gov/~jkrane/cars/synth_survey.html

    posted on July 28th, 2007 at 10:43 am

  11. 11 On October 9th, 2007, Kenzo said:

    I just bought a 1999 m3 coupe. the maintenance history on the vehicle shows usage of mobile 1 15w-50 through it entire life, 55,000 miles. Is this the best oil grade for my car, or would it be a better idea to switch to the 0w-40 grade you are recommending. i live in so cal & the car has been in so cal its entire life, just to give you a climate.

    thanks.

    Ken

    posted on October 9th, 2007 at 9:51 am

  12. 12 On October 27th, 2007, Bradley said:

    Hi Everyone, I have a 1995 BMW 318is MSpec, done 120kms, what type of oil shouldi use, also, should i let the current oil run right down, it is half-full at the moment. Thanks for the help!! And does anyone know why the ‘inspection light comes on’, ive just had a service at a perfermance garage and i dont really want to have to get another one by BMW to make the light go off. Thanks alot.

    posted on October 27th, 2007 at 7:00 pm

  13. 13 On October 28th, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    Hi Bradley,

    Mobil 1 maybe the best choice to go with. About the inspection light, it’s not related in any way to the status of oil in your car. It simply depends on the distance. So, you can reset it using the procedure I’ve provided here:
    http://www.bmwe36blog.com/2007/02/24/reset-bmw-e36-oil-service-light/

    hope this helps.

    posted on October 28th, 2007 at 11:20 pm

  14. 14 On November 29th, 2007, odessa91 said:

    Kevin, No problem switching from regular oil to synthetic oil. I switched on my ‘96 328i when car had about 110kmi, currently I have 160kmi, and I do not see any problem. I am using BMW synthetic oil 5w30 from dealer

    posted on November 29th, 2007 at 3:19 pm

  15. 15 On December 15th, 2007, sach767 said:

    I,ve been using ELF 15W/50 Semi-Synthetic’s on my 1997 328i…never had any problems, smooth and reliable. But I change them every 5000km’s…cheers

    posted on December 15th, 2007 at 12:08 am

  16. 16 On December 20th, 2007, GibsoN said:

    Slighty off topic but i had an oil and filter change done by a garage about 1 month ago, however they have over filled the engine with oil(oil level above max on dipstick by a fair bit). I plan on fixing it myself, but wonder weather i NEED to change the filter too. Or can i just drain the oil and refil?

    posted on December 20th, 2007 at 11:06 pm

  17. 17 On December 21st, 2007, Tony Sticks said:

    Gibson,

    Are you saying that you will need to drain all the oil from your car? If the oil was changed recently, then just drain a little until the dipstick shows the oil at the max point. No need to refil unless it’s time for this oil to be changed. About the oil filter. I don’t think you’ll need to replace that.

    posted on December 21st, 2007 at 10:22 am

  18. 18 On February 2nd, 2008, Marlon white said:

    I have a 1996 523 manual. I have owned it from new. I used mineral 10/40 which is changed every 5000 miles. Yes this is quite cheap oil but the car does not require top ups between services and has done 270,000 miles. The most important thing is not which oil but the regularity of change. The gear box and diff oil has been changed twice and are original. So is the timing chain!

    posted on February 2nd, 2008 at 12:11 am

  19. 19 On February 6th, 2008, Gene said:

    I have a 1994 325i at about 145,000 miles. I was just wondering what type of oil change I need to get… and how often. Every oil change service area I goto charges about $80-$85 + tax instead of regular $24.95, because they say it’s “bmw”. But seeing it as such an old car, I’m not sure if it’s really necessary. So please let me know, what type oil change I need and how often.

    posted on February 6th, 2008 at 8:20 am

  20. 20 On February 9th, 2008, Frank said:

    Hi guys, totally noob here bout cars here and i jus got this bmw 316i 1995 model, unfortunately i wudnt be able to start my car from having my engine turn on for couple of hours so i can listen to music while i was cleaning how ever wen i try to change th cd, it turns itself off prolly coz of ttoo hot but now i cant even turn the ignition on as it says “oil service” in the buttom of the “km/ph.. monitor” so i chek the oil its nearly down to the las line bout 5mm but it is normal to not to start?????

    and whats a good descent oil does it require?

    Thanks guys

    Frank

    posted on February 9th, 2008 at 10:42 am

  21. 21 On February 9th, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    It’s not normal for the car not to start before the oil reaches the lower mark. Did you check your battery? Maybe that’s what is causing the problem.

    posted on February 9th, 2008 at 1:03 pm

  22. 22 On February 9th, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    Hi Gene,

    Sorry for the late reply. I think the Mobil 1 0w-40 is the best choice for your car.

    posted on February 9th, 2008 at 1:05 pm

  23. 23 On February 10th, 2008, Gene said:

    Thanks Tony, I’ll try it out next time I get a change. Should I go for the change about every 3 months / 3000 miles?

    posted on February 10th, 2008 at 9:46 am

  24. 24 On February 11th, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    Hi Gene,

    I would change the oil every 3000 miles yes regardless of time.

    posted on February 11th, 2008 at 9:34 am

  25. 25 On February 11th, 2008, Frank said:

    hi guys,

    yeh i fixed it now, i called the road serivce assistance and said it was the battery i flattened it out coz i was using it for 2 hours, lol…
    Thanks for your help guys appreciate it! :)

    Frank

    posted on February 11th, 2008 at 11:06 am

  26. 26 On February 11th, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    @Frank: Glad to help Frank. Please have a nice day.

    posted on February 11th, 2008 at 3:24 pm

  27. 27 On March 22nd, 2008, Frank said:

    Hi guys,

    Just wondering wut would be the best oil to use in 316i 1995 model? its auto by the way.

    Thank you

    Frank

    posted on March 22nd, 2008 at 12:11 pm

  28. 28 On March 23rd, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    @Frank: I think Mobil 1

    posted on March 23rd, 2008 at 12:02 pm

  29. 29 On March 23rd, 2008, Frank said:

    Any kind of Mobil 1 oil would be ok? i’ve read those stuff up there, seems like i should go with these guys here >> Mobil 1 0w-40 and 15w-50.

    Thanks heaps

    Frank :)

    posted on March 23rd, 2008 at 12:14 pm

  30. 30 On March 23rd, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    @Frank: I prefer the Mobil 1 0w-40

    posted on March 23rd, 2008 at 1:07 pm

  31. 31 On March 25th, 2008, Frank said:

    Hey,

    Thanks for your help, i will try to remember that in future,
    coz i bought an oil yesterday and i thnk it was 20w-50 of Castrol. >:

    have a great day man

    Frank

    posted on March 25th, 2008 at 6:16 am

  32. 32 On March 25th, 2008, Tony Sticks said:

    You too Frank.

    posted on March 25th, 2008 at 9:38 am

  33. 33 On July 6th, 2008, rock said:

    I just read your statement, I just got a bmw 98 m3 with 175,000m, i just change the oil by myself i use mobil 1 5w30 synthetic. is that wrong or i have to get the 5w30 from the dealer, live in south florida

    posted on July 6th, 2008 at 7:29 am

  34. 34 On July 22nd, 2008, Shane said:

    Regular E36 owners: DO NOT switch to synthetic oil! Always use conventional 5W30 oil from BMW, as the VANOS (variable valve timing intake) units on the M50/M52 engines were designed to use the conventional oil slight pastiness/buildup as lubricant - thus a full synthetic is not advised for this application.

    E36 M3 owners, use synthetic. Which one? view this very detailed thread:
    http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1003372&highlight=oil

    posted on July 22nd, 2008 at 6:21 pm

  35. 35 On July 28th, 2008, Michellin_E36 said:

    Hey Guys,I have been living in california for 10 years and been back to this stupid island Singapore for 5 years now…However i have been using “Schaeffer oils 9000 fully synthetic with a quart and a half of “EP-Moly” which has MOS2 to protect and coat hte engine block during high revs….and i tell you it is Fuxxking good stuff …
    Been using it for my current rides and you guys should check it out!!

    posted on July 28th, 2008 at 2:20 pm

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