i know this thread is gona get moved quick but i wanted some input from u sedan guys first. i got some oil today from bmw dealership, 5-30W 100% full synthetic according to the bottle. is this a group IV like german castrol or a group III like mobil one full syn? on the back it sais made in usa from foreign n domestic parts. i wanted german castrol but i didnt press the issue since i got 7 quarts for FREE!
No idea if it is G3 or G4. Might want to check out some BMW threads to see what they sell there.
may i repeat...i got this for FREE.....so next 5000 miles ill get some better oil
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It's basically Castrol Syntec, a G3. Still very good oil, just not full synthetic. Don't go past 5000 and you'll be ok.
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unrelated question: why is it that bmw recommends oil changes at intervals of up to 25k kms (15k miles) or 14 months, whichever comes first?
i know they use synthetic, but this seems like a lot of mileage/time between changes.
however, does this mean that we (g owners) COULD lengthen oil change intervals if we wanted to? or is there a fundamental difference to how a bmw engine is constructed that allows for cleaner operation, less internal engine wear, etc...?
i have a few friends with beemers and they all have these same intervals. (of course they are having to add oil on a somewhat regular basis due to oil consumption)
i would never do this as i feel changing the oil frequently (~3X / year) is the single most important maintenance item on a car. if i had to choose between annual oil changes on synthetic, or tri-annual oil changes on mineral-based oil, i would choose the latter every time.
i know they use synthetic, but this seems like a lot of mileage/time between changes.
however, does this mean that we (g owners) COULD lengthen oil change intervals if we wanted to? or is there a fundamental difference to how a bmw engine is constructed that allows for cleaner operation, less internal engine wear, etc...?
i have a few friends with beemers and they all have these same intervals. (of course they are having to add oil on a somewhat regular basis due to oil consumption)
i would never do this as i feel changing the oil frequently (~3X / year) is the single most important maintenance item on a car. if i had to choose between annual oil changes on synthetic, or tri-annual oil changes on mineral-based oil, i would choose the latter every time.
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Quote:
he'll be ok PAST 5000 miles.. good god.. BMW says it's ok for 15k.. they aren't stupidOriginally Posted by LazerRed1
It's basically Castrol Syntec, a G3. Still very good oil, just not full synthetic. Don't go past 5000 and you'll be ok.
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Quote:
Since it's not full synthentic you could use it in your lawnmower....how muchOriginally Posted by ttrank
For free, I would take it!
damage could it do? You could always sell it on Ebay and buy something
that's good for your G!
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Yea I think it's rebadged Castrol Syntec... I would use it if I got it for free, it's pretty good stuff.
thanx everyone for ur imput. next time ill try to find castrol german. but i have NO idea what the bottle looks like. if someone could take a photo of the back and front id greatly appreciate it
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Quote:
I have been an AMSOIL dealer for almost 20 years and AMSOIL is the pioneering leader in the synthetic lubricants industry for cars and trucks, but Mobil 1 is not a Group III oil! Originally Posted by g35sedan5at
i know this thread is gona get moved quick but i wanted some input from u sedan guys first. i got some oil today from bmw dealership, 5-30W 100% full synthetic according to the bottle. is this a group IV like german castrol or a group III like mobil one full syn? on the back it sais made in usa from foreign n domestic parts. i wanted german castrol but i didnt press the issue since i got 7 quarts for FREE!
I am seeing this Internet rumor being spread far and wide and I have a strong suspicion it is one of the Big Oil industries competitors for Mobil 1. 
Mobile 1 is a fine product and is a Group IV, real PAO based synthetic oil and this is why it can blow the doors off of most other oils! For verification please call Exxon/Mobil at the following toll free phone number ---1-800-662-4525
As for your free oil, I don't know what you have there, but keep in mind, you get what you pay for.
Steve
CEO of HiTech Oil Co. - HiTechOilCo@aol.com
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Quote:
i know they use synthetic, but this seems like a lot of mileage/time between changes.>>
A good synthetic oil, properly formulated for extended drain intervals can easily achieve this, and more. AMSOIL has recommended drain intervals up to 35,000 miles, so 15,000 is a walk in the park. I have been a full time AMSOIL dealer for almost 20 years and I have a lot of experience in this area.
<< however, does this mean that we (g owners) COULD lengthen oil change intervals if we wanted to? or is there a fundamental difference to how a bmw engine is constructed that allows for cleaner operation, less internal engine wear, etc...?>>
Yes, you can extend oil drain intervals, as millions of other people do, as long as you are using an honest to gosh extended drain interval oil that is specifically formulated for the rigors of extended drain service. BMW engines don't have any magic in them, they are just using a decent oil and any engine can benefit from that.
<< i would never do this as i feel changing the oil frequently (~3X / year) is the single most important maintenance item on a car. if i had to choose between annual oil changes on synthetic, or tri-annual oil changes on mineral-based oil, i would choose the latter every time.
>>Originally Posted by canucklehead
unrelated question: why is it that bmw recommends oil changes at intervals of up to 25k kms (15k miles) or 14 months, whichever comes first?i know they use synthetic, but this seems like a lot of mileage/time between changes.>>
A good synthetic oil, properly formulated for extended drain intervals can easily achieve this, and more. AMSOIL has recommended drain intervals up to 35,000 miles, so 15,000 is a walk in the park.
I have been a full time AMSOIL dealer for almost 20 years and I have a lot of experience in this area.<< however, does this mean that we (g owners) COULD lengthen oil change intervals if we wanted to? or is there a fundamental difference to how a bmw engine is constructed that allows for cleaner operation, less internal engine wear, etc...?>>
Yes, you can extend oil drain intervals, as millions of other people do, as long as you are using an honest to gosh extended drain interval oil that is specifically formulated for the rigors of extended drain service. BMW engines don't have any magic in them, they are just using a decent oil and any engine can benefit from that.
<< i would never do this as i feel changing the oil frequently (~3X / year) is the single most important maintenance item on a car. if i had to choose between annual oil changes on synthetic, or tri-annual oil changes on mineral-based oil, i would choose the latter every time.
If you would not extend drain intervals, but instead throw out perfectly good oil, then why are you asking if you can safely extend drain intervals? It's 2007, not 1968. It's time to get with the times.
One of my vehicles has gone over 100,000 miles with no oil change at all, just oil filter changes. Laboratory oil analysis proves the oil to be in fine shape and suitable for continued use.
Steve
CEO of Hi-Tech Oil Co. - HiTechOilCo@aol.com