Interesting read about Oil I found long time ago, but today decided to share with you. I know it's again about oil, but try to read and see what do you think to use on our BMW xW-20 grade. It's very long but try to finished to the end before share your opinion.
I'm seriously thinking to give a try for at least 5,000 miles, but only one thing is worry me it's vanos. I can't find anywhere information how Vanos is working on V8 engines. I'm afraid with less viscosity, Vanos will not operate at full power, but may I'm wrong.

http://ferrarichat.com/forum/faq.php?faq=haas_articles

Thank you

 

Thanks for the message. I haven't read but one thing to keep in mind. U.S. and EU formulas are different. have different ratings and different specs. Me? i could care less about all the fuss. I use BMW LL 5w-30 because it's recommended and cheaper than other brand names. As far as VANOS, if you've ever taken one apart you would know how it works physically. If it works for the engine it will also work for the vanos.

 

Thanks for sharing .

 

So this weekend I went go ahead and replaced BMW oil with 0W-30 Castrol SPT. Today was cool morning 65F at 5:00 am and I didn?t drive on Sunday, so right after start up, engine was quite, like it's at operating temp. Used be on same cool mornings (65F), first 5 sec or less engine would produce distinct valve noise ta-ta-ta?, and would be longer in winter time, yes it's not air pump noise. So I guess this Ferrari's guy is right about 0W-X oil. I didn't go with 0W-20 just because I don't want go away from A3/B3 specification, its might some meaning for BMW, as they specify for engines. I need to do more research before I go on that route.
Also I had only just less then 5,000 miles on BMW brand oil

 

BMW LL oil 5w-30 should be equivalent to Castol 0W-30 European formula

 

Yes and No. The same part is -30, but 0W and 5W is difference, I guess BMW went with 5W-30 for N.America as hot climate, so no need 0W spec, but it's better for start ups.
Read:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums...91#Post1103391