Intro & maintenance questions

[Peugeot]

Hi all,

I bought my first BMW in November. A 1996 5 speed.

It's got 274K on the clock but could easily pass for 74.

I turn my own wrench usually and I need to get an oil change in.

Previous owner racked a ton of miles on the car and used dino oil. I drive mainly city so the miles are going to be much harder no matter how easy I am on it. It burns not leaks not a drop of oil. Pulls hard and strong. Runs like a Swiss watch!

I've spent a couple of months reading lots on this and other sites and now have a couple of questions.

1. I called Seattle BMW and was looking for filter kit (Mahle: 11421432097). They wanted $15. Any other reasonable prices locally. If not, it'll be Pelican or autohausaz.
   
2. I casually asked the guy on the phone what he recommended for a motor oil. He said dino oil (15w40) and recommended against synthetic. I have run Mobil1 10w30 in everything I own. He cited the same objections I heard 10 years ago (oil will make it's way past aged seals, not factory fill, etc.). Is that for real or is he blowing smoke?

Thanks a lot! You all have a cool car and site here. I've already learned a ton about the car. I've warmed up to it pretty quickly!

[vjmvjmvjm]

1) Bing or google the filter number. For example, it's $4.95 at Turner Motorsport. You can usually get good prices on the internet if you buy a pack of 4 or 6.

2) I've been running synthetic oil with no problem. The only real synthetic problem that I'm aware of that is specific to BMWs applies to really old cars, where the synthetic oil is too slippery and doesn't keep upper engine parts well lubricated due to large internal clearances. Officially, the BMW (Castrol sourced) 10W-30 is an approved oil for the M42 and M44. (I've seen documentation to that effect somewhere.) I've used the BMW synthetic (with BMW_CCA discount at a local dealer) as well as Mobil 1 in the engine.

Ask the guy at the dealer if he'll sell you some factory fill oil. You know, the German stuff that they don't make anymore.

Vic

[spidertri]

When I bought my ti back in June 2008 I called the dealer and asked if they knew if the ti should have dino or synthetic. The dealer told me that around the time my car was made they were switching to synthetic but that mine could have either. He then told me that running synthetic wouldn't hurt the engine but that I should keep an eye on the seals for leaks.

After a few months on synthetic oil (5w-40) my oil filter housing was leaking like crazy. After changing that, no more leaks. I have started running 10w-40 and the engine seems to like it better. Several people have recommended 15w-50, I am going to try that with the next oil change.

[Dumpy]

I use 20W-50 for the warm months & 10W-30 for the colder months with BMW filter elements only. I always need a extra quart for the winter as the oil leaks pretty good from a few spots, but is fine with 20W-50 (got to get around to that).

[pdxmotorhead]

These cars were designed before the new low viscosity oils became standard, the clearances are set for slightly heavier oil. the stock synthetic alternative is 15W40 or 20W50. 95 came with Dyno oil, mines been running 15w40 Mobile one or Royal Purple if I'm going to run it hard.

Dave

[tiFreak]

Originally Posted by spidertri

After a few months on synthetic oil (5w-40) my oil filter housing was leaking like crazy. After changing that, no more leaks. I have started running 10w-40 and the engine seems to like it better. Several people have recommended 15w-50, I am going to try that with the next oil change.

that's good to know, my dad insisted on getting synthetic 5w30 right before I put it away for the winter, looks like I'll be doing an oil change first thing this summer, at least he paid for it