The BMW UUC Digest Volume 2 : Issue 753 : "text" Format Messages in this Issue: <E36> oil filters Re: <E36> oil filters Re: <E36> oil filters oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval Re: oil change interval <E34> Questions Re: <E34> Questions Re: <E34> Questions
---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 17:10:30 -0700 (PDT) From: Brian Ruiz <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: UUC Digest <[email protected]> Subject: <E36> oil filters Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hey all, Just wondering about general practice with oil filters on other E36s: does everyone else who does 5k-6k mi synth oil changes run their filters for the whole 5k miles or do you change halfway through? Thanks, Brian 1995 M3 __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 20:35:33 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Brian Ruiz" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "UUC Digest" <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E36> oil filters Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> The whole way through a 10,000 mile interval. Gary Derian > Hey all, > > Just wondering about general practice with oil filters > on other E36s: does everyone else who does 5k-6k mi > synth oil changes run their filters for the whole 5k > miles or do you change halfway through? > > Thanks, > Brian > 1995 M3 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:00:22 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jim Bassett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: <E36> oil filters Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Wed, July 27, 2005 5:10 pm, Brian Ruiz said: > Just wondering about general practice with oil filters > on other E36s: does everyone else who does 5k-6k mi > synth oil changes run their filters for the whole 5k > miles or do you change halfway through? Through the whole interval on both cars: 1998 M3/4 - ~9,000-10,000 miles 1993 325is race car - ~5000 miles Cheers, Jim Bassett ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 01:36:07 +0000 From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [email protected] Subject: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Not wise. Synthetic oil does not equate to "naturally cleaner" oil. The same byproducts of combustion, condensation, acids, all still exist in the motor reguardless of the type of oil in it. Change the filter every 3k, the oil whenever you lose faith in it. >The whole way through a 10,000 mile interval. Gary Derian > Hey all, > > Just wondering about general practice with oil filters > on other E36s: does everyone else who does 5k-6k mi > synth oil changes run their filters for the whole 5k > miles or do you change halfway through? > > Thanks, > Brian > 1995 M3 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 27 Jul 2005 21:49:20 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, <[email protected]> Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> What is your basis for changing the filter so often. Does it clog and bypass? Any data? I'm not claiming that synthetic is naturally cleaner, just that filters have lots more capacity than we use. Besides, all the items you mentioned are not filtered out. Gary Derian > Not wise. Synthetic oil does not equate to "naturally cleaner" oil. The > same byproducts of combustion, condensation, acids, all still exist in the > motor reguardless of the type of oil in it. > > Change the filter every 3k, the oil whenever you lose faith in it. > > >>The whole way through a 10,000 mile interval. > Gary Derian > > >> Hey all, >> >> Just wondering about general practice with oil filters >> on other E36s: does everyone else who does 5k-6k mi >> synth oil changes run their filters for the whole 5k >> miles or do you change halfway through? >> >> Thanks, >> Brian >> 1995 M3 > Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > > __________________________________________________________________________ > In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > > UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate > Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! > 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 08:42:21 +0100 From: nick brearley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: [email protected] Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 21:49 27/07/05 -0400, Gary Derian wrote: >What is your basis for changing the filter so often. Does it clog and >bypass? Any data? > >I'm not claiming that synthetic is naturally cleaner, just that filters >have lots more capacity than we use. Besides, all the items you mentioned >are not filtered out. > >Gary Derian I hesitate to go into bat for Gary on this one, he's more than capable of looking after himself, but he seems to be a lone voice so far. It would be very useful if the advocates of 3 or 6k oil changes could offer some verifiable evidence for the benefits of the practice. Beyond a set of photographs posted on the net on the basis of "the customer said". Please note I am not questionning the honesty and good intent of the person who posted the initial photographs. Diesel engines yes, because they are inherently dirtier, but not spark ignition. Perhaps if people feel an overwhelming need to spend money on their cars they could try a couple of options. Fit one of these: http://www.accusump.com/acc_products/acc_units.html I've as much experience of these as 6k oil changes but the concept makes more sense. Pre-oiling in particular. Sample and have the oil analysed at 3k intervals. As much as looking at the quality of the oil check the readings for metal traces to get a feeling for engine wear. One justification for a 6k oil change could be if that was the annual mileage, beyond that??? Nick Brearley 600k behind M20 and M50 engines, semi-synthetic always changed by the lights. No oil based problems. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 01:29:05 -0700 From: JKerouac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: nick brearley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Cc: Gary Derian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [email protected] Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Why does this thread repeat every 7.57 or whatever months? I change o&f every 5k miles. That was a concession to //Mobil 1 versus 3k changes with Castrol GTX on the older models. If its nothing but cheap insurance, then $65. and a weekend afternoon a few times a year for oil changes makes a pretty cheap insurance policy on a $10k motor. One of the meanings of //M is that the car costs _//more_//money. The cost for more frequent oil changes compared to the car's purchase price sure beats what it would cost to push the oil intervals and have the motor last only 200k mile instead of 350k. If older oil was better than why doesn't Pep Boys sell pre-run oil at a premium price, same as Levi's does for pre-faded jeans? Inevitably, next, someone will extend the argument to that I shouldn't flush my brake fluid and change my anti-freeze once a year because factory recommendations are now twice or triple that. Barry >compulsive oil changer, brake fluid flusher, oh yeah, 12k mile spark plug changer, and 200 mile bicycle chain oiler too. nick brearley wrote: > At 21:49 27/07/05 -0400, Gary Derian wrote: > >> What is your basis for changing the filter so often. Does it clog >> and bypass? Any data? >> I'm not claiming that synthetic is naturally cleaner, just that >> filters have lots more capacity than we use. Besides, all the items >> you mentioned are not filtered out. >> Gary Derian > > > I hesitate to go into bat for Gary on this one, he's more than capable > of looking after himself, but he seems to be a lone voice so far. > It would be very useful if the advocates of 3 or 6k oil changes could > offer some verifiable evidence for the benefits of the practice. > Beyond a set of photographs posted on the net on the basis of "the > customer said". Please note I am not questionning the honesty and good > intent of the person who posted the initial photographs. Diesel > engines yes, because they are inherently dirtier, but not spark ignition. > Perhaps if people feel an overwhelming need to spend money on their > cars they could try a couple of options. > Fit one of these: http://www.accusump.com/acc_products/acc_units.html > I've as much experience of these as 6k oil changes but the concept > makes more sense. Pre-oiling in particular. > Sample and have the oil analysed at 3k intervals. As much as looking > at the quality of the oil check the readings for metal traces to get a > feeling for engine wear. > One justification for a 6k oil change could be if that was the annual > mileage, beyond that??? > Nick Brearley > 600k behind M20 and M50 engines, semi-synthetic always changed by the > lights. No oil based problems. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 01:46:51 -0700 From: Raza Uddin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Like Nick pointed out, everyone should get their oil analyzed before making any assumptions about the advantage of one change interval over another. According to your particular driving style, climate, and habits, you can clearly see if you can safely extend the use of your oil or shorten your drain intervals. If my car ever sees strictly street duty, I don't see why the newer M1 EP formulations or other high-end synthetics could not easily last over 5K miles. I'd probably be with Gary and change my oil according to the SI lights or every 6-8K. But, again, 6K-10K street (highway, low stress miles) is far less stressful on an engine that sees open-track duty and regular runs to redline like autocrossing. With that, I run about 5-6K on my S52 that sees at least 2-3 autocrosses a month plus an occasional track day every other month or so. I've been getting my oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs. They'll send you free collection kits and analysis costs anywhere from $25-$40. I personally recommend a Dyson Analysis through Blackstone as Terry is very knowledgeable about lubricants and has personal experience with many different engines (particularly BMWs). Just my $.02. Drive Safely, Raza ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:14:08 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jim Bassett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Thu, July 28, 2005 1:46 am, Raza Uddin said: > I've been getting my oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs. They'll send > you free collection kits and analysis costs anywhere from $25-$40. I'll second Blackstone Labs, although I've been using their "basic" analysis for $20 on both cars. With the age/mileage/use that both cars get, it's an inexpensive way for me to keep an eye on what's going on internally with the motors. My 2 cents, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 - 158,000 miles, former track/street car, now street car only 1993 325is #44 JP - ~23,000 miles on rebuilt motor (pilot error :-( ) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 05:43:50 -0700 (PDT) From: Carlos Lopez <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: JKerouac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, [email protected] Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> --- JKerouac <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > Why does this thread repeat every 7.57 or whatever months? > I change o&f every 5k miles. Because it's in the 'people know nothing about it but yet have to deal with it a few times a year' type of category. Why do people have different opinions about the best street/track/autox brake pad? The best street tire? The best DE tire? etc. Carlos 98 M3 oil changed every 15K miles whether it needs it or not 88 325is burns it and leaks it so I just add fresh when necessary, no oil changes required ;-P __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:17:33 -0400 From: "Rob Levinson * UUC Motorwerks" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ----- Original Message ----- From: "nick brearley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > It would be very useful if the advocates of 3 or 6k oil changes could offer > some verifiable evidence for the benefits of the practice. With my personal cars, none of them rack up significant annual mileage as my annual 14K-ish miles of driving (calculated as 30 miles per weekday, 100 miles average per weekend averaging low-mileage weekends and high-mileage trip weekends) is split between seven vehicles (including the bikes). I am one of the 3K-mile proponents even with synthetic, but for just two factors; one obvious, one "forced convenience": 1) With less than daily use, the 3K mile change guards against the accumulation of moisture and related contaminants... and otherwise, the oild could stay in some of the vehicles for 2-3 years if the 15K guideline was followed. 2) This is the one I like better - it's a "forced convenience" to inspect the undercarriage, look at all the parts that do not get inspected in a cursory under-hood examination. It's an opportunity to see if other maintenance is required, or just to monitor the state of other things. - Rob ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 20:46:32 +0100 From: nick brearley <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: oil change interval Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> At 09:17 28/07/05 -0400, Rob Levinson wrote: >2) This is the one I like better - it's a "forced convenience" to inspect >the undercarriage, look at all the parts that do not get inspected in a >cursory under-hood examination. It's an opportunity to see if other >maintenance is required, or just to monitor the state of other things. Time spent communing with a car on a lift is never wasted... Nick ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:22:38 -0500 From: "Paul Craven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[email protected]> Subject: <E34> Questions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Hi all, I sure am glad I can ask all these questions, otherwise traffic would be awfully low on the list. Yeah, that's it, I only do this for the public good... In any case, SWMBO's 1995 525iT with 89kmiles has developed a couple issues. First off, the idler pulley on the main serpentine belt has started sqeaking. A quick sot of silicone lube quited it down, but I assume I need to replace it. My question is whether to replace the two tensioners as well. They are quiet now, but is one loud pulley indicative of impending failures of all the pulleys? Secondly, the SRS light now stays on for a minute or so after starting the car. I would have thought that it would stay illuminated if there was an issue, but this is a new behavior. I know the most common cause is the seat belt receptacle which is probably worth replacing anyway. Any other items to check? Finally, the car has a significant oil leak at the back of the motor. The front of the engine is clean, and the upper back of the motor has a small amount of build up, but the rear bottom of the motor is nasty. In an American car, I would assume the rear main seal was out, but none of the BMW's I have owned has ever had that issue. Is this a common failure? Any other obvious suspects? Please? Dropping the transmission just doesn't sound like fun.. All kidding aside, the input from this list is invaluable. Many thanks. Regards, Paul Craven 1995 525it Valdez model 1993 325ic soon to be re-suspended ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 12:38:24 -0400 From: "Gary Derian" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "Paul Craven" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, <[email protected]> Subject: Re: <E34> Questions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Feeling lucky? I'd replace both. Check the code with a Modic or later at a dealer. Its probably the buckle switch. Transmission front seal leaks are common and an indication of the need for a rebuild soon. There is a front bushing that wears out when the fluid is not changed often enough which then causes the seal to leak. Need a spare trans? Gary Derian > Hi all, > I sure am glad I can ask all these questions, otherwise traffic would be > awfully low on the list. Yeah, that's it, I only do this for the public > good... > > In any case, SWMBO's 1995 525iT with 89kmiles has developed a couple > issues. First off, the idler pulley on the main serpentine belt has > started sqeaking. A quick sot of silicone lube quited it down, but I > assume I need to replace it. My question is whether to replace the two > tensioners as well. They are quiet now, but is one loud pulley > indicative of impending failures of all the pulleys? > > Secondly, the SRS light now stays on for a minute or so after starting > the car. I would have thought that it would stay illuminated if there > was an issue, but this is a new behavior. I know the most common cause > is the seat belt receptacle which is probably worth replacing anyway. > Any other items to check? > > Finally, the car has a significant oil leak at the back of the motor. > The front of the engine is clean, and the upper back of the motor has a > small amount of build up, but the rear bottom of the motor is nasty. In > an American car, I would assume the rear main seal was out, but none of > the BMW's I have owned has ever had that issue. Is this a common > failure? Any other obvious suspects? Please? Dropping the transmission > just doesn't sound like fun.. > > All kidding aside, the input from this list is invaluable. Many thanks. > > Regards, > Paul Craven > 1995 525it Valdez model > 1993 325ic soon to be re-suspended > > Search the ARCHIVES:http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected] > > > __________________________________________________________________________ > In memory of Michel Potheau - friend, enthusiast, founder of the BMW CCA. > > UUC Motorwerks - BMW Performance Fine-tuning and home of the Ultimate > Short Shifter - accept no substitutes! > 908-874-9092 . http://www.uucmotorwerks.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 28 Jul 2005 09:40:53 -0700 (PDT) From: "Jim Bassett" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [email protected] Subject: Re: <E34> Questions Message-ID: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> On Thu, July 28, 2005 9:22 am, Paul Craven said: > In any case, SWMBO's 1995 525iT with 89kmiles has developed a couple > issues. First off, the idler pulley on the main serpentine belt has > started sqeaking. A quick sot of silicone lube quited it down, but I > assume I need to replace it. My question is whether to replace the two > tensioners as well. They are quiet now, but is one loud pulley > indicative of impending failures of all the pulleys? FWIW, I replaced both tensioner and idler pulley on the M3. Only one was noisy at the time, but at 139,000 miles it silly NOT to do both <g>. > Secondly, the SRS light now stays on for a minute or so after starting > the car. No idea on this, sorry. > Finally, the car has a significant oil leak at the back of the motor. > The front of the engine is clean, and the upper back of the motor has a > small amount of build up, but the rear bottom of the motor is nasty. In > an American car, I would assume the rear main seal was out, but none of > the BMW's I have owned has ever had that issue. Both of mine have, but then both saw/see significant track time, so YMMV :-) > Any other obvious suspects? Only other thing I can think of is a leaking valve cover gasket. It's relatively easy to change, so might try that first? <shrug> > Dropping the transmission > just doesn't sound like fun.. It's not, I usually pay professionals to do that :-) Hope that helps, Jim Bassett 1998 M3/4 1993 325is #44 JP - w/new rear main seal yesterday :-) ------------------------------ End of [bmwuucdigest] digest(15 messages) **********
