SVVG

iTrader: (1)

Hi - I've just picked up the above car - but need to top up the oil as it's below minimum...! Not sure what to use though. Does anyone know what the main dealers use? I think it's Castrol Edge 10w60?

Will obviously give them a call on Monday - but need to drive tomorrow and wanted to top up with somethign from Halfauds - but don't want to mix grades etc...

Grateful for some advice on this!

Thanks!!!

Godspeed Brakes

iTrader: (259)

Yes Castrol edge 10-60 , it used to be called Castrol RS , I use this in my M3 , and also my Type R rally car
Cheers Ian

Jimpreza

I can't believe someone has sold a M3 with the oil below minimum. Surely if you were selling a car you'd have the oil topeed up incase someone wanted to check it.

Rich D

iTrader: (12)

Use this >>> http://www.castrol.com/castrol/ifram...tentId=7044829

I'd be more concerned about why the oil level is below minimum, why that garage hasn't checked the level and how long it has been like that!

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

It should have a low oil warning light (yellow: not to be confused with the Red low oil pressure aka "your engine is dead" light ). So it should tell you when its too low.

M3s do use oil though so, as do M54 and M52 non-M engines (i.e any 6pot petrol 3/5series), so its always worthwhile keeping it in check rather than letting it run until the yellow warning light comes on.

SVVG

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for info - bought the car from someone I work with - he used to have a P1 as it happens but span it so drives like a girl now... - he bought it from someone else I work with and he drove it like an old woman. It's got FBMWSH - it's just not been given any fanatical love.... and as such it's only been serviced when the countdown service indicator has said it's necessary - and not looked at in between. The yellow warning light came on when I switched the car off - hence prompting me to check the oil level.

Next service is Inspection II and is due in 1500 miles - which will take about 4 months for me! So have decided to do an oil service myself - rather than just top up, seeing as it hasn't been done for a while (albeit still within maintenance count-down).... In case anyone is interested, and as you may have found from any research you've done yourselves, Castrol TWS - the former recommended oil, has been replaced with Castrol Edge 10w60 - but having just spoken with Opie Oils the chap on the phone said TWS stands for....da-da-daa... ten w sixty...

As an aside is it an issue to change the standard air filter to a high flow/K&N job (not talking induction kit - want to maintain airbox for noise reduction) - or do you have to be careful re MAF/airflow sensors as per Scoobs?

Thanks!

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

MAF sensors are prone to going on BMWs. So the issue is always there, but the consequences of a duff MAF are nowhere near as bad as that of Scoobs. Generally speaking you get a gradual drop in economy and performance (especially low revs), until one day you wonder why your being outdragged by a Golf TDi, or the check engine light comes on when it eventually reaches its adaption limits.

Often is the case where no fault codes exists, but when reading data from the ECU, its adaption values are way off - which indicates an issue, and that (besides vacuum leaks/breather system issues) is often a MAF sensor on its way out.

Anyhoo, always good to change the oil annually at the very least if its doing low miles.

SVVG

iTrader: (1)

Thanks ALi-B - based on my experience with other cars it's worth changing to a K&N/Piper cross panel filter as a direct replacement for the oe airbox paper filter - for improved throttle response and a slight power gain - any thoughts from you or any others as to this route on the M3??

Jimpreza

Pics if possible would be good, I love these.

SVVG

iTrader: (1)

Car is currently at my folks place in Cambs (not driving it until I change the oil!!! - and need to flog my BELOVED and heavily modified 306 S16 (a step up for my daily driver ).

Will get some pics up in a little while! It's carbon black with black leather interior, SMG, unfortunately only 18s (for the moment...), and AC Schnitzer Exhausts (plus handbrake lever and pedals for some reason) - 38K on the clock - and almost immaculate. £11,500 (but negotiated on as needs Inspection II shortly.... but sounds and feels very good).

As another aside....Best price I've been offered for Inspection II is £1050 all in by BMW in Cambridge - is there a good specialist/alternative in London/Cambridge that anyone knows of? I've seen Bexley Heath motorsport?

tandino

iTrader: (1)

Got to CPC - aka Phil Crouch.
What he doesnt know about M series cars is not worth knowing.
He used to work at Birds the UK Hartge agent.
I have never ever heard a bad word said about him, sent my mate there for his pre Nurburgring service on his E36 Evo and he was blown away by the attention to detail they paid on his car, even down to machine polishing and doing the valve clearances on it for him free of charge.

CPC Performance Engineering BMW M Power and Alpina Specialists - Home

SVVG

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the recommendation - and the link - will have a look!