Recommended oil for E36 track car?

[Nolimit77]

Hi guys, I am new to the BMW world and was wondering what some of you have been using for oil in your track cars. Currently my car has 260K and it will be competing in its first event this weekend(Sigma TA). I want to change the oil before the event but I am not sure what brand and type I should go with. According to the PO, it has never seen synthetic so I am a little weary of changing from non-synthetic because of the mileage - don't want leaks at the track

Please recommend oils based on the following info:

1996 328i
260K kms
Only engine mods are M50 manifold/tune catback and CAI
No oil cooler or baffles(Yet!)
Currently using non-synthetic
Lapping/time-attack(might see the street once a week)

I understand how these oil threads can get, so please explain why you recommend a particular oil and what application it is for. I don't want to hear brand X is better than brand Y and start a pissing match I think I will be able to decipher the information and choose what will suit MY application best - I just need a safe starting point.

Thanks in advance guys!

[Blades]

I think with what mods you have in place any oil will do for the track. I would recommend an oil change before thou.

[Axxe]

I plan on continuing to use Rotella T6 5w-40, full base 4 synthetic and affordable.

[richie_s999]

Switching to and from synthetic oil will not harm an engine, it's even sold mixed in a bottle (semi syn)

I ran 15w50 syn. Check the owners manual and just keep within spec

[Nolimit77]

Originally Posted by richie_s999

Switching to and from synthetic oil will not harm an engine, it's even sold mixed in a bottle (semi syn)

I ran 15w50 syn. Check the owners manual and just keep within spec

I appreciate your input but I wasn't concerned about engine damage, it is the seals that are in question. I am well aware about the manual and its recommendations but I was looking for some from those who track their cars regularly.

Any other recommendations out there?

Thank you to those who have responded so far!

[richie_s999]

nothing outside what is recommended in the owners manual is needed for track use on a stock motor with a couple bolt on parts, and synthetic oil doesn't cause seal leaks.

and my E36 had similar bolt ons and saw 2 seasons of autox and track use.

[Nolimit77]

Originally Posted by richie_s999

Switching to and from synthetic oil will not harm an engine, it's even sold mixed in a bottle (semi syn)

I ran 15w50 syn. Check the owners manual and just keep within spec

Originally Posted by richie_s999

nothing outside what is recommended in the owners manual is needed for track use on a stock motor with a couple bolt on parts, and synthetic oil doesn't cause seal leaks.

and my E36 had similar bolt ons and saw 2 seasons of autox and track use.

Perfect, thank you.

Edit: Just noticed you already answered my next question.

[richie_s999]

Originally Posted by Nolimit77

Perfect, thank you. What brand and weight are you using exactly?

Motul 15w50

I have a couple jugs left in the garage, if you want them I can give you the 10 liters I have for $80

[T.Dot_E30]

I use Motul 5W40 in my s52, can't remember exactly what line as they have a few, but it was the one that was LL-01 approved.

During the winter, and non track months, I use 5W40 Castrol Syntec which is only LL-98 approved, but perfectly fine considering I change it every 5000kms and the motor was made prior to 1998 when the spec came out.
This year I plan to try out German Castrol 0W30 LL-01 at the track.

[sb_600]

I run AMSOIL 20w50 in my race engine... no oil cooler either and have never had any overheating issues, or even valve tick

[SiR]

5k is pretty short interval. You can go longer.

thicker ! = more protection


Just run what you like.
Im partial to castrol 0w30 and Rotella t6.

[1BADBMR]

+1 Motul Products

[richie_s999]

Originally Posted by SiR

5k is pretty short interval. You can go longer.

thicker ! = more protection


Just run what you like.
Im partial to castrol 0w30 and Rotella t6.

Don't say misleading stuff, like thicker!= more protection

That's pure bs,

[boro92]

Originally Posted by Axxe

I plan on continuing to use Rotella T6 5w-40, full base 4 synthetic and affordable.

I second this. Rotella T6 is wonderful.
It also has additives similar to a high mileage oil that causes rubber seals to swell, reducing leaks and things like that.

Lots of turbo guys love this oil also. Interestingly, it reduces oil consumption on turbo cars. STI/EVO guys love it.

I track my car as well and this is all I use (along with a good oil filter)

[SiR]

Originally Posted by richie_s999

Don't say misleading stuff, like thicker!= more protection

That's pure bs,

whats pure bs?

thicker DOES NOT equal more protection.