I recently bought an 01' BMW 525i and checked the oil level on the dip stick. The oil is a brownish-red color.. I've always used regular oil on my previous cars and don't know if that color is normal for synthetic? or is it ready to be changed?

Thanks,
David Wilkerson

you should go by mileage on oil changes and it all depends on what oil you are using to. like Royal Purple for instance is actually purple. So just by looking at the color isnt going to tell you it needs to be changed unless it is way over due and black.

If the oil is clear thats a good thing.

On the other hand. I have been using Royal Purple for 2 oil changes now. It has to be the darkest oil I have ever seen. Its almost opaque and has a deep purple color.

Royal Purple? Never heard of it. I've just been buying the synthetic oil at the BMW dealership when I need to top off. Is RP better? If so, why?

i like RP, its like $7.50 USD a quart but its gotten some very good recomendations from many people and its suposed to have something in it that other oils dont have.