Oil Thread for track use / Autox

[m3kerry]

As summer approaches here in the South and my 1st non-BMW paid for oil change (5k instead of 15k), has anyone else started running a different oil weight/grade to deal with the heat and beating the engine is taking?

10w40?

[MDORPHN]

I'm running Motul 5W40. It's an LL-01 oil.

Neil

[m3kerry]

Thanks Neil

[TUNEDM3]

What weight will deal with the heat best with still protecting the motor? Was looking at going with total oil which is also ll-01

[Franklin Joseph]

i tried the mobil 0w40.
Normal street driving, car ran approx 5 degrees cooler.
Track day - rather cool day ~ 55-60 degrees, highest oil temp was 264 degrees (my fastest lap)

[nachob]

I would go with 5w40 myself but 10w40 is fine also. My gti runs 10w40. 5w 40 is best year round for cool nights

Correction Castrol LL is 10w40 and BMW USA 5w30 is Castrol so that makes it appealing

[m3kerry]

I am probably going 10w40 due to most of the next 5k miles being in 85 degree or more temps.

[alik01]

Motul 300V 10W40. But our heat is probably far greater than yours.

The oil seems to warm up quicker and stay at 120C for longer.

I am carrying out an oil analysis after 5K kms and 1 track day. I will post in the Aus section - if you're interested.

[m3kerry]

Good deal

[staianoa]

At normal operating temperatures there is no difference between 0W-40, 5-40, and 10W-40. The cold viscosity (first number with a W for Winter) is only relevant on a cold start. The 40 viscosity will be acheived at any temp above 100C. Additionally, the greater the seperation, the more the viscosity will decrease at higher than tested operating tempertures. I'd do lots of research before you decide to make a change outside of the BMW recommended oil viscosities.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by m3kerry

As summer approaches here in the South and my 1st non-BMW paid for oil change (5k instead of 15k), has anyone else started running a different oil weight/grade to deal with the heat and beating the engine is taking?

10w40?

Mine goes in this week as well. I am at just under 5k

[m3kerry]

[QUOTE=staianoa;11697491]At normal operating temperatures there is no difference between 0W-40, 5-40, and 10W-40. The cold viscosity (first number with a W for Winter) is only relevant on a cold start. The 40 viscosity will be acheived at any temp above 100C. Additionally, the greater the seperation, the more the viscosity will decrease at higher than tested operating tempertures. I'd do lots of research before you decide to make a change outside of the BMW recommended oil viscosities.[/


You need to adjust the weight of the oil if you are going to operate the engine in a hotter and/or harsh way. This has been done for years to save the engine in cars that are tracked or autocrossed.

[m3kerry]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Mine goes in this week as well. I am at just under 5k

Mark are going back with 5w30?