|
 M3 Forum
 E46 M3 (2000-200?)
 Synthetic Oil-not?
|
 UBBFriend: Email This Page to Someone! |
next newest topic | next oldest topic |
| Author | Topic: Synthetic Oil-not? |
|
w hills Junior Member Posts: 2 |
posted 09-08-2001 10:59 AM
  
10 days ago I stumbled upon a July 1 DOMfr. M3 Cab while testing an S4 Avant and Saab Aero. I bought the M3 on the spot. The finesse of the power delivery (even below the 5500 break in rpm), the suspension and steering were superior to anything else I have owned in my 40 years of driving, including 2 Ferraris and 7 911s. The boost on the power brakes and steering is a bit high, but no big deal. I noticed in the owner's manual that the recommended oil entry had a black deletion mark over the originally-typed "synthetic." A friend who has owned BMWs for 15 years says synthetic oil in all places (sump, diff and trans) is best after 15 to 20000 miles, not at the outset. Any observations from other owners? IP: Logged |
|
Frank Administrator Posts: 173 |
posted 09-09-2001 01:33 PM
Congrats on your new M3C! What color did you get? Regarding the oil, are you talking about the change in oil from 5w30 to 10w60? I thought they already came with Castrol Synthetics? I will have to check the manual, which I have yet to crack...so much of the stuff in today's car manuals are to cover manufacturer's liabilities. I was told when I did the 1200 service that the differential fluid that comes with the car is a special "break-in" differential fluid...thus the need for the 1200 mile service. They didn't change the oil at that service. For both, I would just let the service dept handle putting in the correct fluid. I would probably just change it maybe every 7500 miles rather than follow the "recommended" intervals. You've owned some nice cars! Is the M3 faster than those other cars? Only a very few of the ferraris and porsches are faster I think. Handling Im not so sure. Still trying to decide which of one handles better between the M3 and the Boxster S. On the straight, there is no comparison, I can achieve faster speeds and feel much more comfortablein the M3. On the twisty parts, I think the Boxster feels more precise and confidence inspiring, which allows me to push to car closer to its limits. The thing about Porsches and Im sure even more so for Ferraris is that they are really "boutique" cars...you really have to use a different standard in measuring the car, the quality, and the customer service. There are things about the Porsche that I just overlook that I would never do with a BMW. [This message has been edited by Frank (edited 09-09-2001).] IP: Logged |
|
w hills Junior Member Posts: 2 |
posted 09-09-2001 03:55 PM
My M3 cab is white/black. Although I would have preferred a silver coupe, the chance to pick this up immediately was too good to miss. With the way our local dealer options out the M3s, the cab. was only about 4G more than the coupe and the top down is nice for cool evening or early morning Ohio motoring. My last Ferrari was a 92 320 hp 348 Speciale coupe (Berlinetta-great name) and my last 911 Porsche was a 96 Turbo. I still have a 1961 356 Roadster for oversteer festivals and reminders as to how far great cars have come in 40 years. I only have 800 miles on the M3, so the only limits I've been able to approach have been a few local twisties and off ramps. The car is beautiful at all speeds, and I have not yet noticed the rather high weight of the cab. I would have expected more body roll with the forgiving ride and the high weight. In the rain today, I induced a little oversteer, much more forgiving than either the mid engined Ferrari at its limit or the 911s. The Ferrari was a beast which, of course, was part of the attraction of that limited use vehicle. I just can't get over the depth of the engineering that allows the M3 to perform as it does, but still be driven discreetly to the grocery or out to dinner. Amazing... I'm really looking forward to what's out there the other side of 5500 rpms. As to the oil situation, is synthetic what comes in the car? I havent been back to the dealer for anything and will follow the book on all matters as to lubrication; I have heard from many high mileage enthusiasts that the synthetics really shine in reducing routine wear over tens of thousands of miles, compared to petroleum oils. ------------------ IP: Logged |
|
Frank Administrator Posts: 173 |
posted 09-09-2001 05:55 PM
Wow you're talking about some of my dream cars! ...well most people's dream cars. Regarding the oil, I'm pretty sure it comes with synthetics...I couldn't imagine otherwise why they charge so much for an oil change. Some people even take their own oil in and just have them change it...doubt you're that cost conscious based on your cars...well maybe you are and that's why you can drive such cars. One thing I would check on is to look under the hood; there should be a sticker with the recommended oil viscocity. Mine says 5w30 but I think BMW was switching to 10w60. Not sure why but I have read it was for the longevity of the engine...so something to keep an eye on. When I did my 1200 mile service the svc dept had not received official word. IP: Logged |
All times are ET (US) | next newest topic | next oldest topic |
  |
|
Contact Us | Home
Copyright 1999 M3Forum.com All Rights Reserved
Powered by Infopop www.infopop.com © 2000
Ultimate Bulletin Board 5.45c