[ToniCipriani]

So I was trying to get my rear diff, manual transmission and engine oils changed today at a specialty shop, they insisted that it's really unnecessary at 45k kms. I took their advice to do it later instead when I take my car out for winter again. They're kinda backed up anyways so I don't want them to rush it.

I was actually just trying to catch up to Bavauto's schedule (they don't have one for F30 for some reason, F10 linked), which recommends the gear oils every 2 years and engine oils every 6 months. 100% sure the previous owner didn't do neither gear oils.

Just want to see what's everyone's opinion, is it really too excessive?

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by ToniCipriani

So I was trying to get my rear diff, manual transmission and engine oils changed today at a specialty shop, they insisted that it's really unnecessary at 45k kms. I took their advice to do it later instead when I take my car out for winter again. They're kinda backed up anyways so I don't want them to rush it.

I was actually just trying to catch up to Bavauto's schedule (they don't have one for F30 for some reason, F10 linked), which recommends the gear oils every 2 years and engine oils every 6 months. 100% sure the previous owner didn't do neither gear oils.

Just want to see what's everyone's opinion, is it really too excessive?

manual transmission and diff fluid I would not worry about anytime soon, they are right about that.

but when was the last time you did engine oil? that I suggest you change every 5000miles. also use 5w40

[mr_kay]

I just did my MT and rear diff fluids a week or so ago. My car has 85k and never had it changed. The tranny oil looked to be pretty nasty, but appearance is nothing when it comes to oil really. The rear diff fluid looked pretty much brand new. Regardless, I'd rather spend the $40 on fluids and have the piece of mind.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by mr_kay

I just did my MT and rear diff fluids a week or so ago. My car has 85k and never had it changed. The tranny oil looked to be pretty nasty, but appearance is nothing when it comes to oil really. The rear diff fluid looked pretty much brand new. Regardless, I'd rather spend the $40 on fluids and have the piece of mind.

did shifter feel improve?

[mr_kay]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

did shifter feel improve?

A tad. It's almost too smooth now. I have to get use to it again. I found myself going from 2-5 a few times instead of 2-3.

[ToniCipriani]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

manual transmission and diff fluid I would not worry about anytime soon, they are right about that.

but when was the last time you did engine oil? that I suggest you change every 5000miles. also use 5w40

6 months ago, before start of the past winter. I'm going 0W40 next since my car is strictly for fall/winter, I stocked up some cheap Castrol Syntec 0W40 LL-01, enough for 2 changes. Can't remember the mileage but it was just around 2-3000kms ago.

That was my first oil change with this car, previous record unknown, but I presume it's just the free maintenance.

They recommend me just do it after coming out of storage, and drive with fresh oil instead. Though I've heard both sides of this debate.

[ToniCipriani]

Originally Posted by mr_kay

I just did my MT and rear diff fluids a week or so ago. My car has 85k and never had it changed. The tranny oil looked to be pretty nasty, but appearance is nothing when it comes to oil really. The rear diff fluid looked pretty much brand new. Regardless, I'd rather spend the $40 on fluids and have the piece of mind.

That's what I thought. They use OEM fluid, which goes for $5x-$7x CAD for the diff and tranny fluids. Maybe I'll just look around for other fluids in the meantime.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by ToniCipriani

6 months ago, before start of the past winter. I'm going 0W40 next since my car is strictly for fall/winter, I stocked up some cheap Castrol Syntec 0W40 LL-01, enough for 2 changes. Can't remember the mileage but it was just around 2-3000kms ago.

That was my first oil change with this car, previous record unknown, but I presume it's just the free maintenance.

They recommend me just do it after coming out of storage, and drive with fresh oil instead. Though I've heard both sides of this debate.

you dont need any fluid changes right now the mechanic is right. dont worry about it.

personally, I suggest you avoid mobil 1 and castrol although castrol is not as bad. and do not use 0w40. strongly suggest you stick to motul, or liqui moly 5w40 year round.

change oil every 8000KM and you'll be golden.

[ToniCipriani]

Originally Posted by STR8-6IX

you dont need any fluid changes right now the mechanic is right. dont worry about it.

personally, I suggest you avoid mobil 1 and castrol although castrol is not as bad. and do not use 0w40. strongly suggest you stick to motul, or liqui moly 5w40 year round.

change oil every 8000KM and you'll be golden.

Oh yeah, Mobil 1 is off the list. I just stick with whatever's LL-01. Motul's too rich for my blood, but I do use their tranny oil on my other car.

What's the reasoning for no 0W40 though? My understanding is easier startups in winter with the 0 weight and 40 weight operating temp.

[STR8-6IX]

Originally Posted by ToniCipriani

Oh yeah, Mobil 1 is off the list. I just stick with whatever's LL-01. Motul's too rich for my blood, but I do use their tranny oil on my other car.

What's the reasoning for no 0W40 though? My understanding is easier startups in winter with the 0 weight and 40 weight operating temp.

Castrol is not much better. shell rotella is not LL certified but I still tried it and found it to be better then oils costing twice as much.

I strongly suggest you look into liqui moly 5w40. probably the best stuff you can treat your car to.

I know everyone always says the 0w is only important during cold starts, but I think thats bullshit. there is no way a physically thinner oil will provide the same levels of protection at full operating temperature then a physically thicker oil would. therefore, 0w40 DOES NOT = 5w40 at full operating temp. a 0w will shear and break down quicker then a 5w. I have tried both and the engine ran quieter and smoother with 5w40 EVEN ON COLD STARTS.

the newer manuals mention 0w, but my older 2011 manual made no mention of a 0w. only 5w30/5w40 and stating that both are suitable for all weather conditions.

just give it a shot next time. your engine will run quieter, smoother, hold temps better. the engine will love it.

[mr_kay]

My n55 loves the castrol fully synthetic 0w-40. Just have to make sure it's the made in Germany/Belgium one. All other castrols are made in the US.

In regards to the 0w40 weight, i don't know what motor you're running but fully synthetic oils have very little permanent viscosity changes. The weight you put it should stay pretty much the same as long as you maintain decent oil change intervals. The 0w40 and 5w40 will be the exact same at operating temp...that's the nature of the oil weight classifications. That "thicker" 5w40 oil will hence "thin" down at operating temp where as the "thinner" 0w40 will stay "thin" at operating temp.

[ToniCipriani]

Originally Posted by mr_kay

My n55 loves the castrol fully synthetic 0w-40. Just have to make sure it's the made in Germany/Belgium one. All other castrols are made in the US.

In regards to the 0w40 weight, i don't know what motor you're running but fully synthetic oils have very little permanent viscosity changes. The weight you put it should stay pretty much the same as long as you maintain decent oil change intervals. The 0w40 and 5w40 will be the exact same at operating temp...that's the nature of the oil weight classifications. That "thicker" 5w40 oil will hence "thin" down at operating temp where as the "thinner" 0w40 will stay "thin" at operating temp.

N20 328i (STR8-6IX will probably start attacking me instead lol).
<-------------------------

But yeah I saw both the 5W40 and 0W40 A3/B4, the 5W is made in the US, whereas the 0W is Germany, right on my bottle.

Also IIRC the quart bottles 0W30 are also Belgium/Germany. My friend used to swear by those with his Lexus and VWs.

[mr_kay]

Originally Posted by ToniCipriani

N20 328i (STR8-6IX will probably start attacking me instead lol).
<-------------------------

But yeah I saw both the 5W40 and 0W40 A3/B4, the 5W is made in the US, whereas the 0W is Germany, right on my bottle.

Also IIRC the quart bottles 0W30 are also Belgium/Germany. My friend used to swear by those with his Lexus and VWs.

Haha. I'm on the app so can't see the info in your profile. I'd say stick to the German/Belgium castrol stuff and you'll be good to go. It's pretty common and it is the OEM approved fluid anyway.

[Gamb1t]

Motor oil type/brand is like religion!

To the OP, changing your drive train oil is quite easy. Lots of DIY tutorials.

[ToniCipriani]

Originally Posted by Gamb1t

Motor oil type/brand is like religion!

To the OP, changing your drive train oil is quite easy. Lots of DIY tutorials.

Yeah, I've seen those but I don't think building management is going to appreciate it.

Anyhow, I decided to pass on the diff/trans/oil for now, maybe just an oil change later when the year expires. CBS doesn't even recommend an oil change till next year.

[Gamb1t]

Originally Posted by ToniCipriani

Yeah, I've seen those but I don't think building management is going to appreciate it.

Anyhow, I decided to pass on the diff/trans/oil for now, maybe just an oil change later when the year expires. CBS doesn't even recommend an oil change till next year.

Oh yeah probably not. I did sneak an oil change once in the middle of the night many many many years ago.

[F32Fleet]

BAVAUTO's wheel house is older BMW's. I wouldn't worry about it.