Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

[applefan]

96/318ic /192K miles. I switched to Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil an year ago. everything was good until 3 weeks ago, when noticed a slight oil leak. Few drops everyday, but very annoying.

Wondering what is the best approach? May be switching to a high mileage oil like "Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil" might solve the problem?

What oil you guys use for your 318 with high miles?

[Bluebimma]

Find the source of the leak and fix it, no more leak.

[zoner]

It's likely just coincidental that the leak developed. Like Bluebimma said- find the leak, fix it, no more leak.

Also, in a climate like LA's and with that kind of mileage on the engine, you may be better off running 10W-40- it's what I use year-round.

[applefan]

Originally Posted by zoner

It's likely just coincidental that the leak developed. Like Bluebimma said- find the leak, fix it, no more leak.

Also, in a climate like LA's and with that kind of mileage on the engine, you may be better off running 10W-40- it's what I use year-round.

Thanks Zoner. You answered my question
I still believe the M1 5w30 full synth. may have contributed to the leak.
it was way too thin than the oil already in the motor when I bought the motor an year ago
Going to give 10w40 a try, before spending a weekend replacing the oil pan gasket

[jca]

Mobil 1 10-40...I use it year around with good results...Walmart also stocks it. John

[pdxmotorhead]

Not likely the oil pan gasket VERY VERY likely its the oil filter tower o-rings and relief valve bushing. And the oil wont fix it,, however the M42/M44's were originally filled with 10w40 or 20w50 on delivery depending on the destination market... 5w30 is too thin for the bearing clearances in the 4 cyl.
Its a 2 hour job and all the E36 cars need it sooner or later..

Just my observation, but I get about double the usable life out of the BMW or a Castrol synthetic as the Mobile 1.. In all of my vehicles.. and the oil particle tests follow the observation. Mobile 1 comes in several blends, the 20w50 is rated much higher than the others i their line.. Never forget Walmart gets many products made by major vendors to their cost spec. No free lunch..


Dave

[applefan]

Dave, good point. your theory is possible, although I saw oil dripping directly from the oil pan holding bolts. Will do do more cleanup this weekend and observe again

[pdxmotorhead]

I just did mine about 3 mohnths back, yes it drips from the oil pan bolts..

When you get it out youll see why, its like those Bast*** BMW engineers designed it to fake you out.

With the age of your car,, your due. The O-rings get hard with age, and the bushing is a plastic and metal bit that gets old and hard too..

But its worth cleaning up.. LOL
Dave

[JFMBMW318i]

Thanks, I have a 93 318i, I will be going with the 10w40 as well when I do
the oil change. I figured that would be the best weight and you guys just
confirmed it!

[pdxmotorhead]

I tried the 10W-50 on my last change.. Rotella Full Synthetic it was on sale and with 220K miles mine uses a quart every 4500 miles, so the 5L jugs were perfect.. Plus it was a Sunday... Well see how it lasts for this cycle..

Dave