Thinking of switching from M1 0W40

[esevx5]

will stick to the same

[335dsleeper]

It’s only thinner when cold at startup, which is usually a good thing. Better cold lubricating properties. When warm, the 0w40 is thicker than 5w30.

Originally Posted by esevx5

Can anyone recommend an alternative? To me, the oil seems very thin compared to conventional 5W30 - but maybe I'm just over thinking it

I noticed a couple of oil drops on the driveway a few days ago, could that be attributable to the oil?

[RichardR0404]

I’m using liquo moly. Don’t use those but I do know castrol is garbage.

[Entr0py]

Originally Posted by RichardR0404

I’m using liquo moly. Don’t use those but I do know castrol is garbage.

So are you validating your choice to use moly by saying "castrol is garbage" ???

I mean, do you have anything to back that statement up ??
Are the engineers so stupid at BMW that they would not only use Castrol, but they print the brand name on their oil caps?

I don't get it, I just read "moly is garbage".

So which is it ?? .................. you have the floor Sir

[socale39]

The real question is what is the OP trying to accomplish? We can’t even start to help or provide sound advice without knowing the situation.

[omgboost]

I'm assuming you're talking about the N55 engine? If so, the N55s are prone to leak oil due to the stupid oil filter gaskets and oil filter pan gaskets that they use. It may just be a coincedence that the oil is leaking when you changed oil types. I'm sure if you stayed with BMW branded oil, it would still leak due to the gasket failures.

[socale39]

What kind of oil you use has nothing to do with your leaks.

As for the oil concerns, the new Mobil 1 formulation apparently is even thinner but still approved through many manufacturers. If you want to stick with BMW approved oils make the switch to Pennzoil otherwise my opinion is that Mobil 1 will still continue to be a great oil. I’ve seen engines that have used Mobil 1 all their life vs other brands and I was amazed to see how clean the engine looked, like brand new. Knowing their formulations were just fine in the past, the slight difference for me doesn’t warrant a change IMO.

[philly42]

Do you normally get oil analysis done? I think this would help in deciding what oil to use. For example if the report shows your engine wear to be very low, it might be a good idea to stick with the current oil brand/weight. Two X5 owners with the same engine and oil can have different oil reports based on how the car is used. So until you get a report, you won’t know what oil works best based on the conditions the car is being used.

Think if it like this…it’s a good idea to take multi-vitamins. Though it’s better to get blood work done to get some data on an deficiencies, then make adjustments accordingly.

[smcnair]

152000 miles on 4.8. Always Castrol synthetic 5W-20. For what it's worth.

[heatmizr]

Its thin so that it flows better in cold startup situations, where 98% of wear occurs.
Why would you not want this?
Also to be more energy efficient.

I think we have a lot of things to worry about rather than which of these fine oils is better than the other. Many other factors have a larger impact. Heat, mileage, oil change interval, usage pattern, etc.
My 2 cents.

[Jarhed1964]

Hmmm.... I switched to Castrol 0-40 back in my E39 days and stuck with it. Has always quieted the engine down a bit. Plus the LL-01 spec. If I could find Moly over the counter, I'd give it a try. Just not convinced it's worth the extra money.