Whats the final word on Mobil 1 OW-40

[rgoose18]

I've read so much contradiction I'm ready to put the flame suit on and ask the question.

This oil is much more readily available, cheaper and supposedly helps with bearing wear. I'm not tracking my car and only push it hard a handful of times per week. Why wouldn't I want to use this if I'm out of warranty?

[smmmurf]

There is no definitive answer and there will likely never be one. This is because there is a group that advocates the use of OEM Castrol lubricants and another group that is willing to try other quality oils such as the Mobil 1 0W-40.

Please refer to the thread with 14+ pages of content at the following link. Then, you'll have to make your own decision: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911030

[rgoose18]

Originally Posted by smmmurf

There is no definitive answer and there will likely never be one. This is because there is a group that advocates the use of OEM Castrol lubricants and another group that is willing to try other quality oils such as the Mobil 1 0W-40.

Please refer to the thread with 14+ pages of content at the following link. Then, you'll have to make your own decision: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911030

I'm aware of the thread and don't blame you for pointing me in said direction.

If anyone who has ran 0W-40 (for an extended period of time) can chime in it'd be appreciated. That thread is a mishmash of info without much long term data points surrounding 0W-40. I'd like this thread to keep on topic in ONLY discussing this weight if possible.

[EPOS]

I would think the biggest concern with switching to a different weight oil would be the affect on oil pressure.

[roastbeef]

Is this something you're doing for any benefit other than cost?

[SenorFunkyPants]

I would wait to see the results of Maleks engine tear down - he recently had a engine failure and had been running Mobil1 for a long time. It will be interesting to see if the elevated iron content often noted when using M1 will show as increased wear in the camshaft lobe/lifters, something else or nothing obvious at all.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by rgoose18

I'm aware of the thread and don't blame you for pointing me in said direction.

If anyone who has ran 0W-40 (for an extended period of time) can chime in it'd be appreciated. That thread is a mishmash of info without much long term data points surrounding 0W-40. I'd like this thread to keep on topic in ONLY discussing this weight if possible.

In this case with 0W40 is long term data "not possible" because the switch is made only one year ago ,and only by some ,so who knows the result on long term ?
Personal i'm running with EDGE from dealer and keep it this way !

[gatorfast]

If you browse the "Maintenance" section of the forum there are numerous UOA's posted for 0w40 as well as discussions from people using it. The UOA's typically have shown a large decrease in bearing wear metals with a slight increase in iron count.

As for its long-term (assuming 60k+ miles) use...dont think anyone has run it long enough to know for sure. But I think most look at it this way: engines are failing using TWS so its not like you are messing with a good thing.

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

If you browse the "Maintenance" section of the forum there are numerous UOA's posted for 0w40 as well as discussions from people using it. The UOA's typically have shown a large decrease in bearing wear metals with a slight increase in iron count.

As for its long-term (assuming 60k+ miles) use...dont think anyone has run it long enough to know for sure. But I think most look at it this way: engines are failing using TWS so its not like you are messing with a good thing.

this.

The UOA thread has the short term data you need.

Also to add to this point, most M1 0w40 users are now changing at 5000 mile intervals, which is still more cost effective than Edge Pro at the OEM recommended interval.

[X5-User]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

Is this something you're doing for any benefit other than cost?

you mean cost of oil or cost of rod bearings? because rod bearing cost is $$$$

[gouda-buddh]

So I agree with the OP. I am literally confused. I have read all the different threads and feel like it is a mash of info with nothing really conclusive. Or did I miss something?

Its so confusing with Liqui Moly, Redline, Mobil, TWS... Which one?



P.S. Sorry to bring up old thread. Didn't want to start a new one.

[Z K]

I've run 0w40 on track, daily driving and autocross. It has held up well for me and the oil analysis shows no bearing wear when used for a 5k mile interval. I'll continue to do oil analysis and keep track of it for now.

I don't think there's any conclusive information other than bearing wear being a very real problem.

I'd avoid anything thicker than TWS... Redline, LiquiMoly both have higher viscosity which definitely won't help in the tight bearing clearances of the M3.

[gouda-buddh]

Originally Posted by Z K

I've run 0w40 on track, daily driving and autocross. It has held up well for me and the oil analysis shows no bearing wear when used for a 5k mile interval. I'll continue to do oil analysis and keep track of it for now.

I don't think there's any conclusive information other than bearing wear being a very real problem.

I'd avoid anything thicker than TWS... Redline, LiquiMoly both have higher viscosity which definitely won't help in the tight bearing clearances of the M3.

Thanks. Now I also have read some people going to different brands and types for the cost. For me, the cost doesn't really matter. I want my car to run as best as it possibly could with no problems down the line. Is Mobil still the way to go?

[Gumulri]

Originally Posted by gouda-buddh

Thanks. Now I also have read some people going to different brands and types for the cost. For me, the cost doesn't really matter. I want my car to run as best as it possibly could with no problems down the line. Is Mobil still the way to go?

I have used m1 0-40 for about 3000mls and never liked it but I love the extra power from that m1. I had some issues with m1 are oil comsumption and engin sounded getting louder hear more ticking noise from engine.
I just hit about 100000 mls with tws and engine sounds like new.

[kaede]

Originally Posted by Gumulri

I have used m1 0-40 for about 3000mls and never liked it but I love the extra power from that m1. I had some issues with m1 are oil comsumption and engin sounded getting louder hear more ticking noise from engine.
I just hit about 100000 mls with tws and engine sounds like new.

That's right. Engine seems a tiny bit more "free'ed up" (in terms of reving) but engine is definitely louder especially the ticking (from the lifters?). All in all, i think it is definitely safe to run the M1 0w40, so long as you stick to a shorter OCI and don't abuse the oil.

Since the M3 is new to me just prior to winter, I personally used the M1 0w40 for the winter months after reading here. However, now i am contemplating whether to go with TWS 10w60 for summer or a mixed of the M1 & TWS (some say we shouldn't mix, others have had good results especially in the GTR owners and forum discussions).

On my previously modded 335i, the 0w40 was ok (in terms of UOA), but when driven for long distances (road trips) the engine seemed weak'ish after a while (never done a long distance road trip in the M3 yet, don't know if it will behave the same). Throttle response seems to decrease signifcantly and engine just doesn't rev and push nearly as hard as it usually does. However, when I ran Motul 300V 5w40, I never had that problem...

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by kaede

That's right. Engine seems a tiny bit more "free'ed up" (in terms of reving) but engine is definitely louder especially the ticking (from the lifters?). All in all, i think it is definitely safe to run the M1 0w40, so long as you stick to a shorter OCI and don't abuse the oil.

Since the M3 is new to me just prior to winter, I personally used the M1 0w40 for the winter months after reading here. However, now i am contemplating whether to go with TWS 10w60 for summer or a mixed of the M1 & TWS (some say we shouldn't mix, others have had good results especially in the GTR owners and forum discussions).

On my previously modded 335i, the 0w40 was ok (in terms of UOA), but when driven for long distances (road trips) the engine seemed weak'ish after a while (never done a long distance road trip in the M3 yet, don't know if it will behave the same). Throttle response seems to decrease signifcantly and engine just doesn't rev and push nearly as hard as it usually does. However, when I ran Motul 300V 5w40, I never had that problem...

What was the rationale by the GTR owners who use TWS? I heard this a lot. What was their factory fill?

What's with the M1/TWS cocktail they use?

[Leonardo629]

GTRs have M1 0W40 as factory fill, and lot of guys that track a lot have switched to 100% TWS or a 50%/50% blend of 0W40/TWS or something like that.

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

What was the rationale by the GTR owners who use TWS? I heard this a lot. What was their factory fill?

What's with the M1/TWS cocktail they use?

[Flying Ace]

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

GTRs have M1 0W40 as factory fill, and lot of guys that track a lot have switched to 100% TWS or a 50%/50% blend of 0W40/TWS or something like that.

thanks for the info. I didn't know M1 0-40 was their factory fill.

[Craigy]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

If you browse the "Maintenance" section of the forum there are numerous UOA's posted for 0w40 as well as discussions from people using it. The UOA's typically have shown a large decrease in bearing wear metals with a slight increase in iron count.

As for its long-term (assuming 60k+ miles) use...dont think anyone has run it long enough to know for sure. But I think most look at it this way: engines are failing using TWS so its not like you are messing with a good thing.

Pretty much sums it up.

Some theorize that the Castrol 10W60 is actually too thick for the tight clearances, and that a thinner alternative could actually improve bearing life. Results so far from many members with 0W40 have appeared promising. That said, nobody knows for sure, as everyone's situation is unique and there just isn't enough data yet. By the time there is a significant number of cars that have run Mobil for over 100k miles and there is more certainty, many of us will have moved onto another car and for us the topic will be moot.

Mobil 0w-40 is factory fill for Porsche, Mercedes AMG, Aston Martin, even McLaren. IMO suggesting that Mobil isn't "good enough," or that BMW M engines are built to some higher standard, is a little silly. Sure Mobil 1 is a cheaper alternative to the pricey Castrol, but what is really telling is that many owners don't mind the cost but want to make the best choice possible, and end up choosing the non-factory recommended formula.

However there is something to be said for a factory recommendation. Who would know better than BMW itself? Castrol must have been selected for a reason. But then again, BMW has thrown out the Castrol recommendations now that they're partnered with Shell. Similarly, you can find a lot of historical debate among Ferrari owners when Ferrari required only Shell Helix (which was not only expensive, but for a time all but impossible to order outside of a dealer). Same thing for Lamborghini with Agip, for a time. I'm sure there are plenty of other examples.

At the end of the day, these cars could all probably run on the cheapest quaker state, castrol gtx, whatever you put in it. But so far many think the best choice for their cars is Mobil 0W40.

[Craigy]

Originally Posted by Flying Ace

What was the rationale by the GTR owners who use TWS? I heard this a lot. What was their factory fill?

What's with the M1/TWS cocktail they use?

Originally Posted by Leonardo629

GTRs have M1 0W40 as factory fill, and lot of guys that track a lot have switched to 100% TWS or a 50%/50% blend of 0W40/TWS or something like that.

Any more insight on this? Were GTR owners experiencing some sort of failures running 0W40? Or is this just the result of their ruminations?

Seems more like a handful of guys overthinking it than some consensus switch.

[e92zero]

Originally Posted by kaede

That's right. Engine seems a tiny bit more "free'ed up" (in terms of reving) but engine is definitely louder especially the ticking (from the lifters?). All in all, i think it is definitely safe to run the M1 0w40, so long as you stick to a shorter OCI and don't abuse the oil.

Since the M3 is new to me just prior to winter, I personally used the M1 0w40 for the winter months after reading here. However, now i am contemplating whether to go with TWS 10w60 for summer or a mixed of the M1 & TWS (some say we shouldn't mix, others have had good results especially in the GTR owners and forum discussions).

On my previously modded 335i, the 0w40 was ok (in terms of UOA), but when driven for long distances (road trips) the engine seemed weak'ish after a while (never done a long distance road trip in the M3 yet, don't know if it will behave the same). Throttle response seems to decrease signifcantly and engine just doesn't rev and push nearly as hard as it usually does. However, when I ran Motul 300V 5w40, I never had that problem...

I thought I was the only one noticed this with 0w-40 when driving long trip. I noticed this exact same thing. I was using 0w-40 at 5k OCI. In the summer month where it's over 100, the oil sheared down to outside the expected range in my oil analysis.

[kaede]

Originally Posted by e92zero

I thought I was the only one noticed this with 0w-40 when driving long trip. I noticed this exact same thing. I was using 0w-40 at 5k OCI. In the summer month where it's over 100, the oil sheared down to outside the expected range in my oil analysis.

I have no clue if its the oil, or just generally BMW behaves that way and are not meant for long distance driving. But as mentioned, when my 335i was on Motul 300V, the decrease in throttle response and power was not at all noticable (or even absent altogether when compared to the M1 0w40). Mind you, when running hot and long distances, the 335i oil temperature hovers around 130-140c range (that's 265-285F).