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1988 BMW 535i Repair Question


Topics covered: Miscellaneous.
Mileage: No information provided.

Asked on April 15, 2010

BMW 535i Problem

1988 BMW 535i 50000 miles

My owner's manual recommends 20W50 oil. Anyone have a better suggestion? Also, I have always used petroleum oil, is it safe to use synthetic?
Avatar Asked by rayriggs

Answer

Replied on April 15, 2010

There is a misconception about synthetic oil being "better" than non-synthetic. Synthetic oil has superior lifespan and maybe slipperier, but if you're changing it too often and spending more per unit, what's the point? Stick with the 20w50, change it at reasonable intervals and you will be fine. As far as safe, if it leaks oil now, it might leak more with synthetic, its a sneaky little molecule.

Tiny Answered by Dr. Hagerty (expert)
9,720 answers provided
Replied on April 16, 2010

No leaks. I have been doing the changes myself for the most part. Just wondering if there's a better product. Thanks

Tiny Response from rayriggs
4 questions asked