[poldim]

How do you collect the oil sample to send to them? I think I will change my oil at 7500.

[northcountry]

poldim - I would write to them or call them. They will mail you out a sample collection kit.

[smithex]

Free test kit @ (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html)

[F32Fleet]

Email your findings to Mike Miller @ BMWCCA.

[poldim]

Originally Posted by smithex

Free test kit @ (http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free_test_kit.html)

Requested one!

[windnsea00]

Originally Posted by northcountry

E90 - I buy the full syn BMW oil from the dealer

Just to let you know, BMW 5w30 is a Castrol Synthetic Blend Group III oil, it's near a 40 weight but it's not a full synthetic so I think it's a ripoff for $5 a pop.

[northcountry]

wind, where do you get your information that this is not full synthetic?

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by windnsea00

Just to let you know, BMW 5w30 is a Castrol Synthetic Blend Group III oil, it's near a 40 weight but it's not a full synthetic so I think it's a ripoff for $5 a pop.

==== CONFIRMATION REQUIRED=====FOR U.S. OWNERS ONLY!!!!

In the past the BMW branded Castrol synthetic sold at the dealerships was NOT the same Castrol synthetic sold retail stores.

Can ne1 cofirm whether this is still holds true?

[windnsea00]

Originally Posted by northcountry

wind, where do you get your information that this is not full synthetic?

From Bobistheoilguy.com, a family friend BMW mechanic and a zillion sources over the internet. Castrol Syntec is not even a group IV full synthetic, if you search around the internet you can find the case that Mobil 1 sued them for calling their oil a full synthetic when it was really a group III oil blended synthetic. Needless to say Mobil 1 lost. Now you can buy Castrol 0w30 syntec which is from Belgium and is a group IV synthetic. The BMW 5w30 isn't a bad oil, it's a Castrol Blend from Europe but for $5 a pop I would rather spend an extra dollor or so for a full synthetic like Castrol Syntec 0w30, Mobil 1 0w40/5w40, Lubro Moly 0w40/5w40 etc.

Also Lubro Moly came out with an LL-01 approved oil not long ago, it's a 5w30 and they state this about the oil:
"Top-quality, state-of-the-art, low-friction motor oil for use all year round. The combination of unconventional basic oils using synthetic technology, together with the latest additive technology, guarantees a motor oil that provides exceptional protection against wear and reduces oil and fuel consumption, while ensuring that the engine is immediately supplied with oil."
As you can see it's also a blended synthetic.