Which oil?

[PeteZ3]

I'm giving my 2.8 z3 an oil and filter change, I have just bought 8 liters of castrol magnetic 5W-30 A1 thinking it would be okay, but I've had a look on the web and found that it's only acceptable for specific cars. It was only 21 quid for a 4 liter bottle from tesco so if I can use it then I will, is this a big no no? Or do they just slap a different sticker on exactly the same oil and hike up the prices for "different" oils?

Cheers, pete

 

[Grumps]

I'm giving my 2.8 z3 an oil and filter change, I have just bought 8 liters of castrol magnetic 5W-30 A1 thinking it would be okay, but I've had a look on the web and found that it's only acceptable for specific cars. It was only 21 quid for a 4 liter bottle from tesco so if I can use it then I will, is this a big no no? Or do they just slap a different sticker on exactly the same oil and hike up the prices for "different" oils?

Cheers, pete

Can't remember now what I put in mine recently but just checked yours and it is compatible with all 2.8 Z3's so should be fine mate.

 

[PeteZ3]

Can't remember now what I put in mine recently but just checked yours and it is compatible with all 2.8 Z3's so should be fine mate.

Oh right, thanks very much, how did you check? Whats your source?

 

[Grumps]

Oh right, thanks very much, how did you check? Whats your source?

Went on ebay, searched "BMW Z3 oil" yours stated came up and I clicked on it and checked compatibility and it comes up as OK. Have a butchers......

 

[zedonist]

As long as it meets BMW LL-98 for cars before 2001 or BMW LL-01 it should be ok, I use Fuchs Titan Supersyn 5w40. Looking at the castrol site it does not look like that oil is recommended for you engine. It recommends Castrol Edge.

 

[zedonist]

Just to give you a reason, the magnatec has an ACEA rating of A1B1 which is for normal cars and normal use, where as the correct oil needs to have an ACEA rating of A3B3 which is for for performance engines on extended life cycles, this oil has a high shear rating under loading, I.e. It prevents wear under stress.

 

[miller1098]

Hi just a thought but if your car has been standing for a while why don't you put a bottle of engine flush in before you change the oil .and seeing as you already bought this oil use it and run the car for a 1000 miles and change it again .A bottle of injector cleaner in your next fill up might be an idea as well.

 

[pgunter]

i use Castrol Edge 0W30.. I know people say it should be 5W40 but I am happy with a regular oil change and the thinner oil seems to be fine. On the fuel front.. I only use Shell V Nitro .. and have done since owning the car last October. BMW quoted 170 BHP Actual last rolling road test 173.8BHP. so I think that says it all. Treat them well and they will reward you too.

 

[PeteZ3]

Cheers for all the info! I think I'm going to take this back, get some flush fluid and get some castrol edge, I don't really want to be pitting stuff in that isn't reccomended. It's been standing for a year ain I don't have a clue when the oil was last changed! @pgunter that's crazy! I need to have a rolling road test, see how many horses she's lost over the years, it certainly doesn't feel like it has lost any though!!

 

[pgunter]

Sorry it was 173.5 BHP. But still very happy with the results..

 

[PeteZ3]

Good stuff, well I'm going to copy you! Hopefully it works as well for me as it does for you!

 

[pgunter]

@PeteZ3 I would also recommend you put some petrol treatment in and take your Zed for a good run to make sure you get some of the build up off. I use Reddex and put half a bottle in a 3/4 full tank. Gives the v nitro a boost to start with. I would also do an engine oil additive flush and make sure your oil is warm when changing it so the sludge will flow rather than stick..

Good luck and happy zedding.

 

[PeteZ3]

@PeteZ3 I would also recommend you put some petrol treatment in and take your Zed for a good run to make sure you get some of the build up off. I use Reddex and put half a bottle in a 3/4 full tank. Gives the v nitro a boost to start with. I would also do an engine oil additive flush and make sure your oil is warm when changing it so the sludge will flow rather than stick..

Good luck and happy zedding.

Cheers, okay, I'll look into it!