Synthetic Oil

[SilverFive]

1987 E30 convertible


Hi All,
Has anyone made the switch to synthetic oil in their E30? I've run regular 10w/30 for the past 3 years, but I'm wondering if I'll save the life of my engine by switching. Any suggestions?

 

[jrt67ss350]

I've only ever used Mobil 1 15w50 in my e30 since I bought it.

 

[Big Daddy]

Sure it will, any time you improve your lubrication you are going to extend engine life. The question is how much will it improve? Not as much as had you been using synthetics three years ago, but it is never too late to repent! Hehe...

 

[echothreezero]

I beg to differ. The mineral content in the non-synthetic will quite likely preserve your engine (seals etc) better than the extra lubricatin of synthetic.

10w/30??? I wouldn't run this foul grade in my swamp buggy! Try a mineral or semi-synthetic if you must. I run 15w/50 but any thing from 15w/40 to 5w/50 (do they make a 5w/50 mineral??) will be the bizzness.

 

[Big Daddy]

The mineral content in the non-synthetic will quite likely preserve your engine (seals etc) better than the extra lubricatin of synthetic.

The most damage done to an engine is during start up, mineral based oils cannot compete with synthetics here. Almost all synthetic oils makers are now including seal conditioners formulated specifically for high mileage vehicles. My pickup, bought with 121,000 on it was switched to Mobil One and is still running great, no leaks, no burn.

On a side note I use 5w40 as recommended by BMW, Mobil, and Redline in my roadster.

 

[bahnstormer]

going to syn on a motor that's been fossil-oiled all its life could cause
some leaks...mind you those leaks were always there, just the syn
is finer and can fit through them...

syn doesn't break down as fast as regular oil does also...

 

[SilverFive]

Thanks everyone.....I'll start this week....I only drive the car in the spring/summer, so I'll take much better care of her this time. 15w/50 it is from here on out.

 

[epj3]

It's amazing how many people are "experts" in fluid dynamics.



use synthetic, who cares if it "leaks" or burns. It's better oil and bmw motors all burn tons of oil anyways.