oil change frequency?

[Understated]

How do you guys pronounce "dino oil".....DYNO or DEENO

[Hasselhoff]

Originally Posted by BennyL

b) can someone explain what the numbers mean in the oil ratings, so i can better understand why people use each type when they do?

Those numbers refer to the oil's viscosity (or thickness) at 2 different temperatures: 0 degrees Celcius and 100 degrees Celcius.

The lower the first number the 'thinner' the oil is at freezing temps and the higher the second number, the more resistant it is to thinning at high engine temps.

Here's some more info on motor oil in general: http://www.repairfaq.org/filipg/AUTO/F_oil_facts.html

[superman123]

bmw recomends using 10w40 all year long
and with m3 non synthentic castrol 10w40 and they only change oil according to the service lights
(thats bmw in london ..but should be the same everywhere )

[BennyL]

Originally Posted by Ital_325i

For any 3 series, except the ///M, I would keep it non-synthetic, unless you track your car often. Synthetic is more expensive, and is thinner, so chances of leaking in higher km motors is greatly increased.

If you can't do you own oil changes, or have a warrenty that doesn't allow your own oil changes, I say take it to Charlie. He's located right off the 401, off Dixie. PM Bimmersport, or find his Advertisement and give him a call. His prices are the best Ive seen yet, hence why I continue to take my car there. Speaking of which, its about that time. Charlie, when can you pencil me in????

I try to get my oil changes done as close to 5000Km as possible. I use non-synthetic. I believe Charlie uses Castrol, but he also has Synthetic, should you choose to switch. Just FYI, once you go Synthetic, you cant change back. Another bonus of getting it done at a BMW specialist/shop is they reset your oil guage, which is always a nice touch.

i think i'm going to stick with Castrol 10W40 all year. sounds about right to me, i guess. no need for synthetic. and i'll do changes around 4000, i guess.