Synthetic VS regular oil?

Shuller1458 · 03-28-2005, 10:03 PM

ok, let's imagine: prices for both oil change scenerious are the same. But which one will be beter.?

1) To change oil at 2.5k and then another 2.5k with REGULAR oil. Basically twice more often. (twice at 5k perioud)
OR
2) Change as usial: at 5k interval but with SYNTHETIC oil.

Which one will be better for the engine?

***Gamite*** · 03-28-2005, 10:08 PM

are you trying to justify the costs of synthetic?

Shuller1458 · 03-28-2005, 10:12 PM

no no no, whatever is best for the engine, cost ain't metter.

Bythe way, there are so many things in our life which are overpriced, but people still buy it because it just cost more.

**thinair** · 03-28-2005, 10:45 PM

Why would you change regular oil at 2500km intervals??? Unless you're tracking your car I think it's a waste of oil.

If the car isn't superly old, start it with synthetic, leave it in for about 2000km, then after that change it every 5000km or so.

Shuller1458 · 03-28-2005, 11:00 PM

So you think the synthetic for longer time is better, compared to the more frequent changes with regular?
But doesn't it get's dirty at 5k no matter if it 5W30 or Synthetic. but when you change it twice often (2,5 k) you take all that dirt out much more frequent?

Shuller1458 · 03-28-2005, 11:08 PM

Quote from this website wearcheck.ca :

"Dirt, grit, airborne dust - whatever name you give it, it is ubiquitous. It is also very damaging to machinery because, if it gets into the oil, it will form a highly effective grinding paste which will cause wear rates to accelerate rapidly. "

So frequent change seems to be better?

**thinair** · 03-28-2005, 11:09 PM

Well, it's not really dirt your removing, unless you have the crank breather off, or drive around without the oil car. And that is what the filter is for anyway, to filter out metal particles.

Changing any oil at 2500km intervals is overkill in my opinion.

The reason why oil should be changed is because the heat breaks down the oil and it loses it's lubing properties. At 2500km it's not going to do that.

In my truck I bought the crappiest oil I could find (all motor oil has to pass some sort of standard), and I changed the oil between 8-10km. I drove the crap out of my truck, the engine was never opened, and it lasted over 360k, and the engine still ran fine when he tossed it.

Shuller1458 · 03-28-2005, 11:15 PM

Yeahhh.. good point. Loos of lubrication and protection properties of the oil, is very strong argument towards engine damage.

paul christians · 03-28-2005, 11:18 PM

How old and how many ks on the it

WhadUpp · 03-28-2005, 11:22 PM

I would have to say 5k with synthetic better than 2.5k with conventional oil especially in winter when cold starts make it harder for the oil to circulate from start.

Shuller1458 · 03-28-2005, 11:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul christians

How old and how many ks on the it

it just a general question about any new car.

paul christians · 03-29-2005, 02:14 AM

so it is a new car than. Go Synthetic now.....

aziz · 03-29-2005, 06:07 PM

whatever factory recommends...go with it, if it says synthetic...regular oil will **** all your seals.....guranteed, if it says reg....synthetic will help lil but not worth the extra you payn....changing it often and using good filters is the key.

Birdman · 03-29-2005, 06:19 PM

What about 20w 50? My dad said that was better for my 318i.

RevShoT · 03-29-2005, 07:41 PM

a bmw has like 7litres of oil in its oil pan, that means it cycles the oils less and u dont have to change is less, i go by the gauges on my dash that tell me when to change my oil it usually goes almost 7000K and when i change the oil is still looks good