I did some searching but didn't come up with my answer and was hoping you guys would have some recommendations. During break-in, the vehicle may burn some oil, I'm told not much, but some. Since my BMW service center is far, I would like to pick up a quart or two of oil in the event I may have to bring the car back within the specified level.

My first choice was Mobil 1 5w-30 (California climate), but I notice the owner's manual recommends Castrol, so I was thinking Syntec 5w-30.

Suggestions???

I did some searching but didn't come up with my answer and was hoping you guys would have some recommendations. During break-in, the vehicle may burn some oil, I'm told not much, but some. Since my BMW service center is far, I would like to pick up a quart or two of oil in the event I may have to bring the car back within the specified level.

My first choice was Mobil 1 5w-30 (California climate), but I notice the owner's manual recommends Castrol, so I was thinking Syntec 5w-30.

Suggestions???
The car should come with 1 Quart of oil in a nice zipper storage bag in the trunk. BMW synthetic OEM oil is rebranded Castrol 5w-30.

The car should come with 1 Quart of oil in a nice zipper storage bag in the trunk. BMW synthetic OEM oil is rebranded Castrol 5w-30.

Hmmm I'll have to look.

The car should come with 1 Quart of oil in a nice zipper storage bag in the trunk. BMW synthetic OEM oil is rebranded Castrol 5w-30.

Thanks for the idea, but zip, zero, nada in my trunk :-)

Thanks for the idea, but zip, zero, nada in my trunk :-)
Complain to your dealer. Did anyone else get stiffed by their dealer on this? I was specifically told they included this because sometime the engine consumes oil during or after breakin. Not the case for me so far, but I got that pouch in the trunk with nice Velcro attachment.

No extra oil in my trunk either.

I am in 8.500 km and the next week i'm going for the first Oil Change.
I do not had the need for topping. But if you have to do this why you do not go to BMW service. If your bmw burns much oil, then the bmw service must examine the engine, for problems.

I am in 8.500 km and the next week i'm going for the first Oil Change.
I do not had the need for topping. But if you have to do this why you do not go to BMW service. If your bmw burns much oil, then the bmw service must examine the engine, for problems.

I completely agree, it's not burning a drop, but I figured I should keep some on hand, just in case. I think I can pick up some castrol syntec 5w-30 and be ok with that.

I am in 8.500 km and the next week i'm going for the first Oil Change.
I do not had the need for topping. But if you have to do this why you do not go to BMW service. If your bmw burns much oil, then the bmw service must examine the engine, for problems.
Burning a quart/liter between oil changes (esp. at the suggested 15K miles or 24000 km intervals) is normal for any BMW engine, but it is not a given that it will burn any.

Your car is under warranty so use the 5w-30 BMW oil from the dealer or any that meets the LLo4 BMW spec and ACEA-A3 which is for high performance engines. Mobile 1 5w-30 or 10w-30 doesn't meet those specs.

BMW doesn't charge that much for the synthetic oil and that is what I will be changing in my 335 once I get some miles on it...

bobistheoilguy.com will help you too

LOL. I have never, ever seen a free quart of oil in the trunk.

and yes, I do believe BMW oil is rebadged Castrol. it's fully synthetic 5w-30. I wouldn't use anything else.

LOL. I have never, ever seen a free quart of oil in the trunk.

and yes, I do believe BMW oil is rebadged Castrol. it's fully synthetic 5w-30. I wouldn't use anything else.
Could be a Canadian thing, or my dealer is just generous. I'll take a pic later tonight and show it to the skeptics.

I don't think Castrol is really full SYN, I know they sued to be called that, but it's not the Class 4 oil.

You can buy that quart with zipper container from your BMW parts dept. I've seen it in the accessories catalog.

I don't think Castrol is really full SYN, I know they sued to be called that, but it's not the Class 4 oil.
They have both full synthetic and mixed. I saw it somewhere, I'll try to look it up.

Synthetic is a very overused term, there are different classes of oil and synthetic.

Here it is, it came standard with my BMW and the Sales Advisor went out of his way to explain how the engine might burn some oil during breakin and that they include this for that purpose. It also comes with a nice plastic funnel.

Synthetic is a very overused term, there are different classes of oil and synthetic.
Castro Syntec is the pure synthetic oil while BMW rebrands, while Syntec Blend is a mineral/synthetic oil blend.
http://www.castrol.com/castrol/productdetail.do?categoryId=82915470&contentId=6030793

P.S. At the parts dept. at my dealer, the oil in pic above is what they sell for all cars except M-series. The M-series is a Castrol branded (has castrol label) on it, but I don't remember the viscosity rating.

I did some searching but didn't come up with my answer and was hoping you guys would have some recommendations. During break-in, the vehicle may burn some oil, I'm told not much, but some. Since my BMW service center is far, I would like to pick up a quart or two of oil in the event I may have to bring the car back within the specified level.

My first choice was Mobil 1 5w-30 (California climate), but I notice the owner's manual recommends Castrol, so I was thinking Syntec 5w-30.

Suggestions???


Mine didn't burn any oil, but if the low oil light comes on you can go back in and they will top it off (I hear).

Here it is, it came standard with my BMW and the Sales Advisor went out of his way to explain how the engine might burn some oil during breakin and that they include this for that purpose. It also comes with a nice plastic funnel.

+1

That has to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I always carry an extra quart of motor oil in my trunk so it's pretty sweet that BMW put the thought in including one with the car. I thought the "first aid kit" was pretty cool but this is much more handy to have.

I was somewhat hesitant to believe you at first too, but the pictures prove it all.

+1

That has to be one of the coolest things I have ever seen. I always carry an extra quart of motor oil in my trunk so it's pretty sweet that BMW put the thought in including one with the car. I thought the "first aid kit" was pretty cool but this is much more handy to have.

I was somewhat hesitant to believe you at first too, but the pictures prove it all.
yup, and it's not just me. I noticed it in the cars in the showroom. Still not sure if it is just this dealership or a BMW Canada experience things, maybe others can give feedback.

The car should come with 1 Quart of oil in a nice zipper storage bag in the trunk. BMW synthetic OEM oil is rebranded Castrol 5w-30.

My dealer gave me 2 quarts in those little velcro bags, plus an extra velcro bag where I store my radar detector and cigarette adapter.

The Castrol 5W-30 that is rebranded by BMW is a European formulation. It is NOT the same as the Castrol 5W-30 that is on the store shelves in the United States. The same issue applies to Mobil 1 5W-30; a version sold in Europe carries BMW approval, the version sold in the United States does not.

As a general statement American 5W-30 oils run toward the thin end of the viscosity range while European oils will run toward the thicker side. There are other more important differences, but that shows the general issue.

The easiest thing is to use the BMW oil. Otherwise look for oils with BMW’s LL-01 or LL-04 approval on the bottle (small print, usually on the back). Mobil 1 0W-40 is the most common, but there are others. If all else fails, at least look for an oil that meets ACEA A3 (not ACEA A1).

In the June 2007 issue of Bimmer magazine, they road tested the 335 and suggested that even if you don't track the car, BMW's current maintenance practices- no break-in oil change, 15K scheduled intervals and super-lightweight 5W-30 oil-were a "leap of faith."

They went on to say that if it were their car, they would have a break-in oil change done at 1200 miles and BMW's proprietary Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 synthetic every 7.500 miles after that.

Lastly, they were half a quart low on oil at 3,000 miles.

I agree with the above recommendation, however, I'm not sure if the dealer will be willing to change it to the 10W-60 synthetic at the 1,200 mile mark. I will most likely change it myself thereafter.

Thoughts?

In the June 2007 issue of Bimmer magazine, they road tested the 335 and suggested that even if you don't track the car, BMW's current maintenance practices- no break-in oil change, 15K scheduled intervals and super-lightweight 5W-30 oil-were a "leap of faith."

They went on to say that if it were their car, they would have a break-in oil change done at 1200 miles and BMW's proprietary Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 synthetic every 7.500 miles after that.

Lastly, they were half a quart low on oil at 3,000 miles.

I agree with the above recommendation, however, I'm not sure if the dealer will be willing to change it to the 10W-60 synthetic at the 1,200 mile mark. I will most likely change it myself thereafter.

Thoughts?
this horse has been beaten to death several times over :deadhorse:, so I am not sure there is much to add. Do a search on this forum for previous posts on this topic.

My oil light came on at around 3k miles, stopped by the dealer, they topped it off, and I was on my way...

The TWS stuff for the M cars is really expensive though. At that point, get some Motul 300v oil which is 100% ester based. Prob. nothing better then that stuff.

The Castrol 5W-30 that is rebranded by BMW is a European formulation. It is NOT the same as the Castrol 5W-30 that is on the store shelves in the United States. The same issue applies to Mobil 1 5W-30; a version sold in Europe carries BMW approval, the version sold in the United States does not.

As a general statement American 5W-30 oils run toward the thin end of the viscosity range while European oils will run toward the thicker side. There are other more important differences, but that shows the general issue.

The easiest thing is to use the BMW oil. Otherwise look for oils with BMW’s LL-01 or LL-04 approval on the bottle (small print, usually on the back). Mobil 1 0W-40 is the most common, but there are others. If all else fails, at least look for an oil that meets ACEA A3 (not ACEA A1).


That's what I'm talking about. Good stuff. No Mobile 1 5W-30 for BMW engines in the US. And I"m not sure I'd put the 10W-60 M-engine oil in either. Just too much money and may be too thick.

Putting that weight oil in a car designed for 5w-30 is not a good idea. You are actually causing the engine oil pump to work harder. See bobistheoilguy.com for an explaination.
Mobile 1 does make an oil that meets ACEA-A3 but I think it is the 10w-40 oil. I for one will change my 335 vert oil at 5K miles with BMW oil. Oil is cheap and I think that 15K miles while ok is just too long for someone as narrow minded as I am and someone who keeps a car a long time.
By the way the Castrol oil black plastic bottle does meet ACEA-A3 but few other oils I have looked for do. That is what I use in my M3 with no oil required in between.

Why not just get the oil from your BMW parts dept and save yourself the hassle and risk. The difference in price should be minimal.

Putting that weight oil in a car designed for 5w-30 is not a good idea. You are actually causing the engine oil pump to work harder. See bobistheoilguy.com for an explaination.
Mobile 1 does make an oil that meets ACEA-A3 but I think it is the 10w-40 oil. I for one will change my 335 vert oil at 5K miles with BMW oil. Oil is cheap and I think that 15K miles while ok is just too long for someone as narrow minded as I am and someone who keeps a car a long time.
By the way the Castrol oil black plastic bottle does meet ACEA-A3 but few other oils I have looked for do. That is what I use in my M3 with no oil required in between.

I don't think that's true at all, the thicker oils offer better protection and less MPG. I would never base my oil expertise off one website. Most of the higher HP cars use much thicker oils.

this horse has been beaten to death several times over , so I am not sure there is much to add. Do a search on this forum for previous posts on this topic.

Thanks Mom.

what first aid kit? mine came with a tool kit and it looks like a tool is missing - it will be the one I need badly one day but I wont know which one it is until then - I cant wait !

I did not get any free oil, but I did get a free hat. Matches the color of the car.

I just had my oil changed at the 1000 mile mark and will take it in for changes every 5000 miles.

The dealership agreed that it would not be a good idea to use the Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 in the 335 which is designed for 5W-30.

Makes me wonder why Bimmer magazine would make such a suggestion.

I just had my oil changed at the 1000 mile mark and will take it in for changes every 5000 miles.

The dealership agreed that it would not be a good idea to use the Castrol TWS Motorsport 10W-60 in the 335 which is designed for 5W-30.

Makes me wonder why Bimmer magazine would make such a suggestion.
I'd always go with the manufacturer recommendation as long as the car is under warranty, that way they can't use anything against you should something fail.

Mobil 1. Nuff said, other than just get the right viscosity for your motor.

Both my evo,s came with mobil 1 factory fill.Also recommended it as the choice of oil for the car.Whatever the factory recommends is what i will use. Theres no way though that i,m going with the 15k mile oil changes. that would be once a year for the miles i,ll be putting on it. After a proper 12-1500 mile break-in i,ll change the oil with factory recommended oil and stock filter.Then i,ll change the oil every 5k miles and bring it in for the 15k mile service oil change. For the price of the oil and filter i would rather have the piece of mind,unless someone could 100% convince me that going 15k miles in between oil changes is completely safe.

Both my evo,s came with mobil 1 factory fill.Also recommended it as the choice of oil for the car.Whatever the factory recommends is what i will use. Theres no way though that i,m going with the 15k mile oil changes. that would be once a year for the miles i,ll be putting on it. After a proper 12-1500 mile break-in i,ll change the oil with factory recommended oil and stock filter.Then i,ll change the oil every 5k miles and bring it in for the 15k mile service oil change. For the price of the oil and filter i would rather have the piece of mind,unless someone could 100% convince me that going 15k miles in between oil changes is completely safe.
No one can convince you unless you can get on the phone with the 3 series head engineer. 5 years from now we can see if more frequent oil changes really made any diff. I personally doubt it.

I did some searching but didn't come up with my answer and was hoping you guys would have some recommendations. During break-in, the vehicle may burn some oil, I'm told not much, but some. Since my BMW service center is far, I would like to pick up a quart or two of oil in the event I may have to bring the car back within the specified level.

My first choice was Mobil 1 5w-30 (California climate), but I notice the owner's manual recommends Castrol, so I was thinking Syntec 5w-30.

Suggestions???

i see the engine compartment actualy has Castrol written on it. Since its under warranty, i would follow what dealer says.

Mine didn't burn any oil, but if the low oil light comes on you can go back in and they will top it off (I hear).

I can vouch for that. Around 10k miles, my check engine oil light came on, I was about 1.5 qts low, took it to the dealer and they topped me off no problem.

The car should come with 1 Quart of oil in a nice zipper storage bag in the trunk. BMW synthetic OEM oil is rebranded Castrol 5w-30.

No oil for me, I don't even have the first aid kit that supposibly came with the car. At least it came with a twin-turbo engine.

I think i'm missing my spare....LOL :alright

I paid a lot of money for my BMW because I trust what says in the user manuals. I had read all manuals before buying this car. I will pay for service only in BMW dealer's service.