1st Gen R53 Cooper S Does anybody run 5W-40 engine oil

The Pennzoil specified for MINI is 5W40. I'll switch back to that as soon as I can fix my oil leak and dump the Mobil1 I currently have in my MINI.

 

I swap between 5W-40 and 5W-30. I like 5W-40 but is harder to find. If I order oil I get 5W-40. I have had no issues with 5W-40. Seems like 5W-40 would be the better choice for warmer months. I usually use Redline oil.

 

mobil1 "european blend" 0W40 is a mini approved oil and it is readily available

i use it in my cms all4 when i change the oil and have been using it for years in my 1997 gmc sonoma v6 that currently has 289,000+ miles

scott

 

I thought it was 0W-30.... Did they change it and I'm just finding out about it now???

 

I run 0W40 in our MINI's. Mobile 1 flavored.....

 

:cornut: I've always used Castrol or Mobile1 5W30 (extreme wear 100% synthetic) and MINI of DALLAS put their brand(Castrol I think) of 5W30 in Margi(08 R56 BRG MCS/JCWm) today during service warranty tune up. MM I'll trust your judgement. Research and let us know please.

Jason

 

The 5W-30 MINI oil is a thick 30 weight, which is why Mobil1 0W-40 meets the spec. So 5W-40 is probably perfect.

I ran 15W-50 over the summer for a few hot track days, but I wouldn't recommend that, the car didn't like it at all on the street.

 

I only use Amsoil and if you are looking for Euro spec 5w - 40w this is it.

http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/european/european-car-formula-5w-40-synthetic-motor-oil/

 

5w-40.

I have always used Amsoil 5w-30, until today. Tried Amsoil 5w-40 http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/motor-oil/gasoline/european-car-formula-5w-40-synthetic-motor-oil-efm/?code=EFMQT-EA?zo=2056145 and what a difference. Won't go back anytime soon!

 

So there are kind of two camps here in the oil world as pertaining to BMW vehicle oil requirements.....

Those that say they meet BMW oil specifications..... and those that are approved by BMW....

Here is the current list as published by BMW....

Synthetic Engine Oils - BMW North America

 

While on the subject of oils. My Mini R50 is in Costa Rica so no cold temps(75F-90F) here and seeing as I'm rallying it the engine is going to get very hot. When I ran the Suzuki Swift GTI I used 10-40 but found the oil pressure dropped on a rally so I used 20-50 which cured the problem. Would it be a good idea to use 20-50 in the R50 engine for the rallies?

 

Hey Chuck, where is it? Under "news feed"? The link just takes me to the mobile site.

 

http://cache.bmwusa.com/Pdf_2861cf6b-ce4e-4492-8bd7-6bb12c1eea2c.arox?v=3e36ff08-bc59-45f4-a885-bf45db277fe8

Try this.


John

 

I know it doesn't get cold there but IMO a 20w will not give you proper lubrication @ startup, I wouldn't go any heavier than a 10w, maybe you can find a specialty 5w or 0w-50, it may cost you a little more, but it's racing, "it's gonna cost you".

Besides failures & such, one of the biggest factors concerning "normal" oil related wear is startup.

Because of the miles I drive, I avg. 4-5 oil changes a year, for me it's 0w-40 in the winter & 5w-40 in the summer. (when I can find it)

 

Try this one...
Synthetic Engine Oils - BMW North America

 

Thanks! I use race oil so I'll see what they have.

 

Thanks John!

Chuck, your second link brought me right back to their mobile site.

 

Weird.....
I click on it and it's fine....

Sooo am I the only one that get's to the site?

 

Well I'm using my iPhone, that's why I figured.