Which oil based on my driving pattern
01-21-2011, 12:32 PM
#11
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I figured since I drive a short distance, I would want the oil to "thin up" faster...Is that a right assupmtion?
Who makes the BMW branded 5w-30 oil?
BTW, I have the blackstone labs jar in the trunk waiting to be filled.
01-21-2011, 03:30 PM
#12
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That's not the way things would work. The oil is inherently thinner at higher temperatures, and if there were any extra protection from the scenario you describe, it would be the reverse/30 wt oil that would make sense. I don't really think there would be, but just for the record.
In any event, the Castrol Euro formula is a great oil, and for what he's doing his bigger issue, as someone else said, is drain interval. Short trips are murder on all components, not just the engine, as basically everything operates "cold". Think about more frequent tranny/diff, even coolant changes as well.
In any event, the Castrol Euro formula is a great oil, and for what he's doing his bigger issue, as someone else said, is drain interval. Short trips are murder on all components, not just the engine, as basically everything operates "cold". Think about more frequent tranny/diff, even coolant changes as well.
a good read:
http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/
01-21-2011, 03:42 PM
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right, the lower the number = thinner oil. so a 0w is thinner oil than a 5w when it's cold. i think i said it opposite above but you're absolutely right.
i think some of you are confused about the oil weights. the first number is the winter weight. a lower number = thinner oil
a good read:
http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/
a good read:
http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/
01-21-2011, 03:55 PM
#16
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I got this from that article posted regarding lower W rating:
"This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means much less engine wear"
"This allows the engine to get quick oil flow when it is started cold verses dry running until lubricant either warms up sufficiently or is finally forced through the engine oil system. The advantages of a low W viscosity number is obvious. The quicker the oil flows cold, the less dry running. Less dry running means much less engine wear"
01-21-2011, 03:57 PM
#17
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Sure but less is objective. BMW says less = 5W. I'm not an oil expert just giving my thoughts on the problem. By no means am I saying I'm right or wrong just using logic to tackle the problem.
01-21-2011, 04:06 PM
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I totally agree and yes I checked my manual and it says to use 5W-30. But I'm also just wondering if that recommendataion is based on BMW's assumption of a typical driving pattern and if so what pattern is that? If my commute was 15-20+min. 1 way , then yes I would stick with 5w-30. I just want to know mainly if 0W-30 would be beneficial for me since the Castrol 0W-30 European is also on the recommended list.
01-21-2011, 04:11 PM
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