E36 318is Oil & Cold Start Advice needed

[avir101]

Hi guys, firstly let me apologize for starting another oil thread...I've looked around but can't seem to find a conclusive answer:

I have a '98 318is, doing around 200 000 km, and it's due for a service.
I am currently using Castrol 20W50 oil but am not happy with cold starts - engine sounds very rowdy and also take between 10 to 15 minutes to reach optimal operating temperature (although this problem may not be related).

So, what brand and viscosity of oil should I use for this engine (M44 DOHC 16V)?

And do you think the engine taking this long to come up to warm is related to the oil or is it some other problem?

Any advice would welcomed...thanks.

 

[netercol]

And do you think the engine taking this long to come up to warm is related to the oil or is it some other problem?

the long warmup time is possibly thermostat related.. perhaps its stuck in the open position, or it might be not fitted even..

as for the oil, not sure what grade oil your engine should use, but i doubt the long warmup is oil related.

 

[avir101]

Yup I was also thinking thermostat, actually now that I think about it the long warm up times only started happening after I had my plastic radiator bottle changed a while ago!!
They must have messed something up!!

 

[avir101]

Any advice about the oil guys?
Sending the car in on thurs, so i need to buy it tomorrow.