Semi synthetics for E46 N42B20

[yohannes]

Hi guys, I believe there are many forummers here who have experience with the N42, and I would like to get your advice with regards to engine oil change. First of all, with regards to viscosity, I have been told by one of the mechs that I "used to go to" that the best engine oil for my car is Ravenol 5W-30 fully synthetics. According to him, 5W-40 and 5W-50 are too heavy for this engine, and could damage it + cause sludge in the long run. At the same time, I have been looking around and it seems that most of the major fully synthetic oils on the market are in 5W-40 form. Although I believe this has been discussed before, I would like to seek advice and confirmation, one whether it is ok or even better to use 5W-40 fully synthetic oils. Finally, if 5W-30 would be a better choice for my car, I am also toying with the idea of using semi synthetics albeit on a shorter interval, as I have a bad experience having to change my oils long before service interval is due because of problems with the car. I came across this particular engine oil, Shell Helix HX7E which meets BMW LL04! Link below : http://www.shell.com/home/content/products_services/on_the_road/oils_lubricants/cars/find_right_car_oils/helix_hx7/hx7e/All advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Iceduke]

Hi bro,

Well even though I am kinda still new to the N42 engine, I believe it depends on the state of your engine. As the engine is known to consume engine oil as the seals deteriorate, most would recommened w-40...but then again you are right on the point of sludge built up so w-30 would be more beneficial. My opinion is to stick to w-40 and change often, like around 7-8k km and not wait till 10k km.

At the end of it, depends really on the state of your engine, as what you've written that just overhauled, go for w-30 and monitor the oil level every 1-2k km and see if it consumes, if not then w-30 is good to go for you but keep the intervals short as stated earlier.

Just my 2-sen ...hope it helps cheers...

 

[jeffreyewe]

Best to stick to 5w40 fully syn and do regular service intervals at 7000km. If you want to use semi syn then use 10w40 and keep the service intervals at 5000km. I personally do an engine oil change on my N42 every 5000km using 5w40.

 

[Ac Synitzer]

I use the Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic 5-50w
Can feel the acceleration a bit heavy
Compare to 5-40w.

 

[aidilj]

I've just put in Ravenol VMO for the last service, no hard driving yet so not sure of any difference

 

[yohannes]

Thanks for all the replies guys.. Will try out BMW Super Power Oil 5W-40 for this round of service.. Seem's like quite a reasonably priced oil . Only turn off is that it's LL-98 only