Motor oil question

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wantahotbimmer

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I'm almost due for another oil change so i was out looking for some. I found what i normally put in, 20w-50, as the manual suggests. I also found some Chevron Delo 15w-40 heavy duty oil for a better price. So, my question is, will i be fine if i run the 15w-40? The box said it was good for all gasoline, diesil, and turbo engines. Sorry if this is a dumb question but im looking to save some bucks.

btw. I live in Sacramento and its getting hot and my car is a 92 325i with 148k.
 
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lpquick

lpquick

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wantahotbimmer said:
I'm almost due for another oil change so i was out looking for some. I found what i normally put in, 20w-50, as the manual suggests. I also found some Chevron Delo 15w-40 heavy duty oil for a better price. So, my question is, will i be fine if i run the 15w-40? The box said it was good for all gasoline, diesil, and turbo engines. Sorry if this is a dumb question but im looking to save some bucks.

btw. I live in Sacramento and its getting hot and my car is a 92 325i with 148k.
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Yes the motor oil says it's safe to use in those applications, but the vehicle manufacturer tells you in the manual what the required specifications your motor oil must meet to properly protect and lubricate your engine. Check you manual for your API specifications and approved SAE classes. My 2003 325i uses SAE 5W-40 and 5W-30, API SH or higher. You must meet or exceed these requirements to be safe.
 
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wantahotbimmer

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K...i checked the manual and it said that i could use 15w40. However, there was a thermometer next to it all and the 15w40 topped out at around 90F. Here in sac we get 100+ all the time. Does this mean i shouldn't use it, does the 15w40 only protect up to 90 (is that what the thermometer refer to)?
 
lpquick

lpquick

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wantahotbimmer said:
K...i checked the manual and it said that i could use 15w40. However, there was a thermometer next to it all and the 15w40 topped out at around 90F. Here in sac we get 100+ all the time. Does this mean i shouldn't use it, does the 15w40 only protect up to 90 (is that what the thermometer refer to)?
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The SAE ratings of 15W-40 tells you the viscosity ratings of the oil at the temp extremes. The 15 will flow better then say a 20 weight oil at or below freezing temp. The 40 tells you how the oil thins out at high temp. a 40 weight oil will be thicker than a 30 weight oil at the same temp of lets say 120 F for example. You must ref to your owners manual for vehicle recommendations for SAE ratings and API applications. My owners manual requiers API SH to be included in the oil API section. If the motor oil I want to use doesn't list SH, then this oil doesn't meet or exceed my minimum requirements. Go to www.amsoil.com and review there informative articles. You can make your own conclusions but do some reading to get a better grasp of the different figures and numbers your talking about.
 
Murray BMF

Murray BMF

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you drive a Bimmer and your looking to save a "few" bucks on the life blood of your engine! Sounds kinda silly, but thats just me....
 
wood_e

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Murray BMF said:
you drive a Bimmer and your looking to save a "few" bucks on the life blood of your engine! Sounds kinda silly, but thats just me....
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As long as you change your oil frequently oil brand is irrelevant The BMW "recomended oil brand" is jsut castrol, and frankly Castrol pays them to state that.

I would still run 20W50 in your area.
 
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