Oil choice for a 316i (e36) with 120 000km

[Just-ify]

Hi guys,

I realise this question has probably been asked a million times, so any one liners would be appreciated

Im approaching 120 000km on my e36 - I don't know if this is considered high milage and as a result what type of oil I should be using.

Some people say go fully synth, others not.

Ive read on this forum that the Liqui Moly is highly recommended. Any opinions?

I think the more NB question for me (being not that technically clued up on oils) is what rating I should be using?

Its the baby 3 series, so I don't really drive the hell out of it... just spirited-regular driving

Tx again,
J

 

[Stephanv]

Hi guys,

I realise this question has probably been asked a million times, so any one liners would be appreciated

Im approaching 120 000km on my e36 - I don't know if this is considered high milage and as a result what type of oil I should be using.

Some people say go fully synth, others not.

Ive read on this forum that the Liqui Moly is highly recommended. Any opinions?

I think the more NB question for me (being not that technically clued up on oils) is what rating I should be using?

Its the baby 3 series, so I don't really drive the hell out of it... just spirited-regular driving

Tx again,
J

Hi.

i have a 03 318 E46 with castrol edge full synt and my car has over 250k kms on the clock and no issues.

i'd say 10w-40. any just my 2c.
:=):

 

[Just-ify]

I just saw that AutoZone has a special on Shell oils, can get the Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 at almost R100 cheaper on a 5L.

Any opinions? I see the oil is BMW certified, although the 5W-40 doesn't match the 20W-50 requirement in the owner's manual.

Would this be an issue?

 

[SPetzer]

Maybe give this a read:

http://www.upmpg.com/tech_articles/motoroil_viscosity/

 

[Raybimmer]

I use helix ultra 5w40 synthetic in my e36 328i . :thumbs::thumbs:
The e36 engines were built with certain clearances which are bigger than the modern engines , at the time a SAE spec SG or SH multigrade oil was good . Now we have SL oils which are very good on paper , but with low viscosity ( Thin ) oils you may have a slight oil consumption increase . The thin oil is easily pumped by the oil pump and if all the parts are oil coated as quick as possible then wear is reduced .
The most wear takes place when running the engine after a cold start , that is why vehicles used in town for short trips exhibit engine wear at lower kilo's than long road cruisers .
Good luck.