Is is OK to use a different oil?

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Feb 10, 2008 | 10:02 AM

#31

MiamiPhill

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jes0331' post='529590' date='Feb 10 2008, 01:53 PM

I have such a long successful history with Mobil 1 synthetics its hard for me to change. I just trust the M1 product. I have no experience with the BMW oil. I may be coming around though.

I do too, so I know how you feel.........I have 92 Corrado that >190,000mls on it thanks in large part to Mobil 1 IMO, so every 5000mls or so I can still get my Mobil 1 fix.

Feb 10, 2008 | 10:05 AM

#32

nickolas_g

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiPhill' post='529586' date='Feb 10 2008, 01:47 PM

I agree with the advantges you point out above, but that is not, (I don't think) the question at hand. I think Pennetta, myself & others are saying that since the car is under the warranty period, and we are going outside of BMW's 15000 mile oil change interval, it is probably wise to use the oil & viscocity recomened by your owners manual. When the warranty period is over then it's ok to do what you want, but why do that now and risk having to fight with them (BMW) if somthing were to go wrong wtih the car & they try to blame it on your oil choice.

So are you saying that since I used M1 that I just screwed myself on my warranty?

Feb 10, 2008 | 10:08 AM

#33

MiamiPhill

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nickolas_g' post='529595' date='Feb 10 2008, 02:05 PM

So are you saying that since I used M1 that I just screwed myself on my warranty?

No not at all.....just lay off the Mobil 1 until the warranty is up......just in case.

Feb 10, 2008 | 11:28 AM

#34

jes0331

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Quote:

Originally Posted by MiamiPhill' post='529597' date='Feb 10 2008, 02:08 PM

No not at all.....just lay off the Mobil 1 until the warranty is up......just in case.

With 4-year maintenance and warranty coverage.... Thats an awful long time to go without a M1 fix!

Is there somewhere I can go for withdrawal treatments?

Nicolas... The M1 0W40 carries all the recommended specifications for BMW, so I can't imagine BMW would balk. Because this has gottem me worried a bit, I emailed BMW NA through the Owner's Circle contact web page and asked them for an "official" ruling so to speak. I'll share their response.

BMW's owner manual clearly states that if BMW High Performance Synthetic is not available to you can use an alternate synthetic that is BMW approved (I interpret that to mean it meets BMW's minimum requirements).

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Is is OK to use a different oil?-oil_1.jpg

Is is OK to use a different oil?-oil_2.jpg

Feb 10, 2008 | 11:31 AM

#35

Rudy

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nickolas_g' post='529595' date='Feb 10 2008, 02:05 PM

So are you saying that since I used M1 that I just screwed myself on my warranty?

Void your warranty? Nah! How would they ever find out you did such a horrible thing?

Feb 10, 2008 | 07:50 PM

#36

nickolas_g

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudy' post='529620' date='Feb 10 2008, 03:31 PM

Void your warranty? Nah! How would they ever find out you did such a horrible thing?

Smart A$$

Feb 10, 2008 | 07:53 PM

#37

nickolas_g

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A good site and a good FAQ on German Castrol

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbth...8643#Post718643

Feb 11, 2008 | 05:17 PM

#38

jes0331

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jes0331' post='529619' date='Feb 10 2008, 03:28 PM

... I emailed BMW NA through the Owner's Circle contact web page and asked them for an "official" ruling so to speak. I'll share their response.

I got an official response from BMW NA today. Here it is.

Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding oil for your 2008 BMW 535i. We appreciate your enthusiasm for our vehicles and are happy to answer your question.

BMW recommends BMW High Performance Synthetic engine oil as the best choice. Additionally, BMW recommends Castrol Synthetic, Mobil 1 Synthetic, and Valvoline High Performance Synthetic. The engine oil you choose should have a weight of SAE 5W-30. If you have any further questions I would recommend speaking with your authorized BMW Center. Should you need it, you will find a complete listing of authorized centers, categorized by name, state, or zip code, on our website at www.bmwusa.com.

Feb 11, 2008 | 05:58 PM

#39

nickolas_g

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Quote:

Originally Posted by jes0331' post='530229' date='Feb 11 2008, 09:17 PM

I got an official response from BMW NA today. Here it is.

Interesting, good homework there. Interesting that the Mobil 1 has BMW Longlife approval on the 0w-40 but not on the 5w-30.

Feb 12, 2008 | 02:08 PM

#40

jes0331

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Quote:

Originally Posted by nickolas_g' post='530244' date='Feb 11 2008, 09:58 PM

Interesting, good homework there. Interesting that the Mobil 1 has BMW Longlife approval on the 0w-40 but not on the 5w-30.

I found that odd too. Personally I'd use the 0w40 M1. Apparently the analysis shows that the BMW High Performance Long Life oil actually has an upper end viscosity thats closer to 40w at operating temps. So in reality theres great similarity between it and the M1 0w40 at normal operating temperature ranges.

I've been researching the German Castrol Synthetic 5w30 (which some say is the same oil as the BMW branded oil) and I could be comfortable with any of those 3.