[robc1976]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

First I want to say that i'm fully aware of BMW's longlife oil standard and how the company may resist honoring a warranty claim on the engine if you are running "non-approved" oil. I know that.

My current predicament is that my car seems to swallow a quart of factory oil every 1k miles, maybe less. That seems like a lot. Engine runs good otherwise and the mileage right now is 5500.

I plan on upgrading the oil cooling to a Setrab 34 row deal, and will be running a 180-degree thermostat instead of the factory 240 job. And yet again, yes I know this is not how BMW "designed" the car. let's not get into that please.

What I want to know is, for this configuration and 5000 mile OCIs, what oil would you recommend to reduce consumption, sludge, shearing, and fuel dilution that is most likely happening? I'm considering Redline 5w30 or RLI 5w40. Or should I continue to run factory oil? I intend to keep this car for a long time so I am more interested in engine longevity than just keeping the damn lawyers happy. If my engine blows and BMW wants to fight me over oil then I'll just lawyer up.

What is best for my *engine*?

Thanks

I have that exact set up and use mobile one European formula 0W-40 and it is Hans down the best in my car. I had use the BMW oil and gas higher oil temps and more consumption.

Just don't use mobile 1 gas lol!

[ashmostro]

Lol. I've decided to go with Castrol Euro formulation. Easy to get off of Amazon, and has a higher flash point than the stock oil, from what I can tell.

Once I have my oil cooler setup, the total system capacity should be close to 8 quarts too.

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Lol. I've decided to go with Castrol Euro formulation. Easy to get off of Amazon, and has a higher flash point than the stock oil, from what I can tell.

Once I have my oil cooler setup, the total system capacity should be close to 8 quarts too.

Some fill the oil cooler...I just add 7 quarts....run the car... wait until it says add 1 quart. That way u know it is perfect.

[ashmostro]

Yeah I didn't mean it that way. I'm just saying I will have more capacity than stock (even with the stock OC) so that's a nice buffer.

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Yeah I didn't mean it that way. I'm just saoil coolerying I will have more capacity than stock (even with the stock OC) so that's a nice buffer.

No you are correct, you have 8 quarts....I take it you are the stett stage 2 oil cooler?

[ashmostro]

Nope. Making my own, but using the same Setrab 34 row core, which IME takes about a quart.

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Nope. Making my own, but using the same Setrab 34 row core, which IME takes about a quart.

I would consider this upgrade:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813751

[ashmostro]

Appreciate the link, but I'm making my own from scratch, and will be providing the information and any parts that might need to be fabricated for a reasonable price, but using quality components.

I'm tired of seeing overpriced oil cooler kits (not calling any one brand out, just saying).

I have a thread on here where I'm keeping the forum updated on that process. I need to get the prototype brackets fabricated and then I can start testing. Hoping to get the CAD drawings done this week. Been swamped at work lately