Skip to content
  • Categories
  • Recent
  • Tags
  • Popular
  • Users
  • Groups
Skins
  • Light
  • Brite
  • Cerulean
  • Cosmo
  • Flatly
  • Journal
  • Litera
  • Lumen
  • Lux
  • Materia
  • Minty
  • Morph
  • Pulse
  • Sandstone
  • Simplex
  • Sketchy
  • Spacelab
  • United
  • Yeti
  • Zephyr
  • Dark
  • Cyborg
  • Darkly
  • Quartz
  • Slate
  • Solar
  • Superhero
  • Vapor

  • Default (No Skin)
  • No Skin
Collapse
WIBIMMERS logo

WIBIMMERS

  1. Home
  2. General Discussion
  3. General Technical
  4. M52/S52 oil recommendation

M52/S52 oil recommendation

Scheduled Pinned Locked Moved General Technical
20 Posts 11 Posters 0 Views 1 Watching
  • Oldest to Newest
  • Newest to Oldest
  • Most Votes
Reply
  • Reply as topic
Log in to reply
This topic has been deleted. Only users with topic management privileges can see it.
  • patsbimmer1P
    patsbimmer1P
    patsbimmer1
    wrote on last edited by
    #3

    I ran mobil 1 0w40 in both of my e36's and neither blew up.

    2011 e90 M3 - DCT, Borla exhaust, BMW Performance Black Grille, ECS Painted Corners, Ziza Angel Eyes

    07 335i Stella - sport package, BMS DCI, zhp knob, TMS cf parking brake lever, VRSF downpipes, MHD tune, H&R race springs, other stuff *SOLD*

    97 328i Lola - sport package, m50 intake manifold, m50 manifold.com install kit, custom CAI, K&N filter, Borla exhaust, FK silverline coilovers, 25.5mm front sway bar, Powerflex front sway bushings, Turner Radiator, fan delete *sold*
    95 325is *sold*
    93 nissan 240sx KA-T *sold*

    BMWCCA #473306

    Instagram @patsbimmer1

    AKA- HALLWAY PAT

    "burnouts bring babes and babes dont have time for bushings" - Kaiser Rolls

    1 Reply Last reply
    0
    • RekpointR
      RekpointR
      Rekpoint
      wrote on last edited by
      #4

      I run 5w-30

      1 Reply Last reply
      0
      • JeffJ
        JeffJ
        Jeff
        wrote on last edited by
        #5

        KaiserRolls said:

        I run mobil1 15w-50 because whatever

        I run the same oil full synthetic 15w-50

        1976 530i e12
        1990 325ix e30
        1992 325i e36
        1995 740il e38
        2001 330xi e46
        ^More to come :)

        1 Reply Last reply
        0
        • B
          B
          Boris3
          wrote on last edited by
          #6

          Between bobistheoilguy and assorted oil threads on bmw forums this is path down a deep deep rabbit hole. Take the recommendations here and if you have or just to ease concerns do periodic Blackstone Labs oil analyses to make sure all is well.

          1990 325i racecar (ITS, former Spec E30); 2004 330i ZHP

          1 Reply Last reply
          1
          • patsbimmer1P
            patsbimmer1P
            patsbimmer1
            wrote on last edited by
            #7

            To piggyback off of what @Boris3 said, When I've had customers ask me I tell them as long as they're using a name brand oil and changing at regular intervals then they'll be fine.  That's all it comes down to, don't ignore your oil changes and use quality products.

            2011 e90 M3 - DCT, Borla exhaust, BMW Performance Black Grille, ECS Painted Corners, Ziza Angel Eyes

            07 335i Stella - sport package, BMS DCI, zhp knob, TMS cf parking brake lever, VRSF downpipes, MHD tune, H&R race springs, other stuff *SOLD*

            97 328i Lola - sport package, m50 intake manifold, m50 manifold.com install kit, custom CAI, K&N filter, Borla exhaust, FK silverline coilovers, 25.5mm front sway bar, Powerflex front sway bushings, Turner Radiator, fan delete *sold*
            95 325is *sold*
            93 nissan 240sx KA-T *sold*

            BMWCCA #473306

            Instagram @patsbimmer1

            AKA- HALLWAY PAT

            "burnouts bring babes and babes dont have time for bushings" - Kaiser Rolls

            1 Reply Last reply
            0
            • MorzadaM
              MorzadaM
              Morzada
              wrote on last edited by
              #8

              patsbimmer1 said:

              I ran mobil 1 0w40 in both of my e36's and neither blew up.

              I run this in my e36 M3 and my e91 328.  It used to be a BMW approved oil, but BMW has since pulled all the non-BMW oils from their approved list.  

              Switching to this weight/manufacturer in my e91 cut my oil consumption from about a quart per 7000 miles (my change interval) to near zero.

              Why can't the Maples just be happy in their shade?

              1 Reply Last reply
              0
              • patsbimmer1P
                patsbimmer1P
                patsbimmer1
                wrote on last edited by
                #9

                I was running it in my e90 335i as well and had no issues.  I switched to Liquimoly only because I got some for free from work.

                2011 e90 M3 - DCT, Borla exhaust, BMW Performance Black Grille, ECS Painted Corners, Ziza Angel Eyes

                07 335i Stella - sport package, BMS DCI, zhp knob, TMS cf parking brake lever, VRSF downpipes, MHD tune, H&R race springs, other stuff *SOLD*

                97 328i Lola - sport package, m50 intake manifold, m50 manifold.com install kit, custom CAI, K&N filter, Borla exhaust, FK silverline coilovers, 25.5mm front sway bar, Powerflex front sway bushings, Turner Radiator, fan delete *sold*
                95 325is *sold*
                93 nissan 240sx KA-T *sold*

                BMWCCA #473306

                Instagram @patsbimmer1

                AKA- HALLWAY PAT

                "burnouts bring babes and babes dont have time for bushings" - Kaiser Rolls

                1 Reply Last reply
                0
                • m42b32M
                  m42b32M
                  m42b32
                  wrote on last edited by
                  #10

                  I have the owners manual for my e36 in the glove box, I'll get a pic of the recommended oil weight page after work. That being said, I run whatever name brand synthetic is on sale (usually either Mobil 1, Castrol, or LiquiMoly) in 15w50 in the summer and 5w40 in the winter and haven't had any issues.

                  1991 318is, 1991 318i, 2022 Bronco

                  1 Reply Last reply
                  1
                  • B
                    B
                    B C
                    wrote on last edited by
                    #11

                    This is a pretty great comparison I found for my infiniti (VQ35) to show how not all high quality synthetic oils are created equal/how some oils should be used with a particular engine and others probably shouldnt

                    be2b063dba4ad8acc3d75f0acfbef063.jpg

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • patsbimmer1P
                      patsbimmer1P
                      patsbimmer1
                      wrote on last edited by
                      #12

                      Snap said:

                      This is a pretty great comparison I found for my infiniti (VQ35) to show how not all high quality synthetic oils are created equal/how some oils should be used with a particular engine and others probably shouldnt

                      be2b063dba4ad8acc3d75f0acfbef063.jpg

                      Stop it.  Just stop it.  Put oil in and change it regularly.  What this doesn't show is how any of this effects engine life and a rate of failure based on a certain brand.  This doesn't tell you if any of it matters.

                      2011 e90 M3 - DCT, Borla exhaust, BMW Performance Black Grille, ECS Painted Corners, Ziza Angel Eyes

                      07 335i Stella - sport package, BMS DCI, zhp knob, TMS cf parking brake lever, VRSF downpipes, MHD tune, H&R race springs, other stuff *SOLD*

                      97 328i Lola - sport package, m50 intake manifold, m50 manifold.com install kit, custom CAI, K&N filter, Borla exhaust, FK silverline coilovers, 25.5mm front sway bar, Powerflex front sway bushings, Turner Radiator, fan delete *sold*
                      95 325is *sold*
                      93 nissan 240sx KA-T *sold*

                      BMWCCA #473306

                      Instagram @patsbimmer1

                      AKA- HALLWAY PAT

                      "burnouts bring babes and babes dont have time for bushings" - Kaiser Rolls

                      1 Reply Last reply
                      0
                      • patsbimmer1P
                        patsbimmer1P
                        patsbimmer1
                        wrote on last edited by
                        #13

                        And the sample size is well below what is acceptable to develop any kind of parameters.

                        2011 e90 M3 - DCT, Borla exhaust, BMW Performance Black Grille, ECS Painted Corners, Ziza Angel Eyes

                        07 335i Stella - sport package, BMS DCI, zhp knob, TMS cf parking brake lever, VRSF downpipes, MHD tune, H&R race springs, other stuff *SOLD*

                        97 328i Lola - sport package, m50 intake manifold, m50 manifold.com install kit, custom CAI, K&N filter, Borla exhaust, FK silverline coilovers, 25.5mm front sway bar, Powerflex front sway bushings, Turner Radiator, fan delete *sold*
                        95 325is *sold*
                        93 nissan 240sx KA-T *sold*

                        BMWCCA #473306

                        Instagram @patsbimmer1

                        AKA- HALLWAY PAT

                        "burnouts bring babes and babes dont have time for bushings" - Kaiser Rolls

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        0
                        • jc43089J
                          jc43089J
                          jc43089
                          wrote on last edited by
                          #14

                          I use Royal Purple HPS, it's not even API approved, boom!  And I even use 5w30 in my m50.  Another factor into the equation of oil recommendations is that these engines are 20 plus years old, engine oils have changed in that time.  There was no 0w40 and great synthetics then.  I'm not concerned to use a lighter oil (of a high quality) as long as the oil pressure is still in spec.  More pressure means lower flow rate.  The oil pressure is not what prevents metal contact.

                          I'm not a Diehard Royal Purple fanboy, There are other oils that are great as well.  I can get HPS from my local race shop for just over 8$/quart.  I have used it in all of my vehicles for several years and it seems to keep engine internals nice and clean.  If your engine is ancient like my LandCruiser though it can clean too much and expose seals that would leak other than years of grime slowing down the leakage.  That is where the myth that synthetics cause leaks comes from.

                          2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
                          3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
                          '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

                          '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

                          '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
                          '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
                          '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

                          1 Reply Last reply
                          0
                          • B
                            B
                            B C
                            wrote on last edited by
                            #15

                            a4824769fe98085be879b04bbdda7398.jpg.

                            Royal Purple is on sale

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • jc43089J
                              jc43089J
                              jc43089
                              wrote on last edited by
                              #16

                              Cheap!  I will try that next time.

                              2/94 325i Sedan, Arctic Gray: UUC LTW FW, EVO 3 and DSSR, +.020 Maxsil pistons, ASC delete, Eibach shocks/springs, 16" contour reps 238k
                              3/93 325i Coupe, Schwarz 2, Sketchy stance action, ebay turbo, 300k
                              '89 325i Vert, Alpine White: 5spd swapped, sold.

                              '04 Toyota Sienna: 24V to 24V swap in progress

                              '05 Volvo V70R, 6spd.  200k
                              '85 Toyota LandCruiser: Lifted, gas hog. 205k
                              '99 Nissan Maxima: 5spd, Rusty but trusty winter beater. 252k RIP.

                              1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • GunMetalGreyG
                                GunMetalGreyG
                                GunMetalGrey
                                wrote on last edited by
                                #17

                                patsbimmer1 said:

                                Stop it.  Just stop it.  Put oil in and change it regularly.  What this doesn't show is how any of this effects engine life and a rate of failure based on a certain brand.  This doesn't tell you if any of it matters.

                                Brian lives for analysis paralysis though, so it's right on track!

                                ...

                                1 Reply Last reply
                                1
                                • 6
                                  6
                                  6inarowmakesitgo
                                  wrote on last edited by
                                  #18

                                  I beat the daylights out of my M30 and blew it up, spun a rod bearing on cyl.5. always ran Valvoline 20-50 with ZDDP additive.

                                  Rebuild with all new components, still running 20-50, BUT I use Liqui-Moly MoS2 (Molybdenum Disulfide) additive and if it is ever below 40 degrees I have a 100W oil pan heater to help cold starts. This was 140,000 miles ago and she has a strong 150-160 PSI across all six with minimal leak down.

                                  sig2.jpg

                                  1 Reply Last reply
                                  0
                                  • JeffJ
                                    JeffJ
                                    Jeff
                                    wrote on last edited by
                                    #19

                                    patsbimmer1 said:

                                    Stop it.  Just stop it.  Put oil in and change it regularly.  What this doesn't show is how any of this effects engine life and a rate of failure based on a certain brand.  This doesn't tell you if any of it matters.

                                    +1 Great advice

                                    I would like to add a picture of oil changes done regularly at 10k miles like recommended by the dealer. No matter the brand it all breaks down in the end. Oil still collects dirt and no engine filter will ever filter it all out.

                                    074c497f0c9eaf8bd1ef9ba8be187beb.jpg

                                    1976 530i e12
                                    1990 325ix e30
                                    1992 325i e36
                                    1995 740il e38
                                    2001 330xi e46
                                    ^More to come :)

                                    1 Reply Last reply
                                    1
                                    • 6
                                      6
                                      6inarowmakesitgo
                                      wrote on last edited by
                                      #20

                                      Jeff said:

                                      +1 Great advice

                                      I would like to add a picture of oil changes done regularly at 10k miles like recommended by the dealer. No matter the brand it all breaks down in the end. Oil still collects dirt and no engine filter will ever filter it all out.

                                      074c497f0c9eaf8bd1ef9ba8be187beb.jpg

                                      10K oil changes are BS. Been working on machinery and vehicles for along time and my dad/mentor/teacher has been ASE certified master tech for longer than I have been alive; German cars= 5K max OCI.

                                      sig2.jpg

                                      1 Reply Last reply
                                      0

                                      Hello! It looks like you're interested in this conversation, but you don't have an account yet.

                                      Getting fed up of having to scroll through the same posts each visit? When you register for an account, you'll always come back to exactly where you were before, and choose to be notified of new replies (either via email, or push notification). You'll also be able to save bookmarks and upvote posts to show your appreciation to other community members.

                                      With your input, this post could be even better 💗

                                      Register Login
                                      Reply
                                      • Reply as topic
                                      Log in to reply
                                      • Oldest to Newest
                                      • Newest to Oldest
                                      • Most Votes


                                      • Login

                                      • Don't have an account? Register

                                      • Login or register to search.
                                      Powered by NodeBB Contributors
                                      • First post
                                        Last post
                                      0
                                      • Categories
                                      • Recent
                                      • Tags
                                      • Popular
                                      • Users
                                      • Groups