I have an '89 BMW 325i approaching 300k miles. I'd like the engine to last as long as possible before rebuild and it is in good shape now with solid compression. It's a nice engine design, straight-six, not particularly overstressed, no particular oiling problems or other issues with the design. I drive it ~30k/year and often tow motorcycles with it, 500-1000lb ttw.
There are lots of varnish-type deposits in the top end, ranging from light brown to black in color. It was like that when I got it and hasn't gotten better or worse.
I ran two full A-RX clean/rinse cycles a while back and it made no detectable difference in the way the engine ran or looked.
I have run a variety of oils, mostly Delo 15W-40 since I found BITOG, and have been happy with their performance but have not done any UOAs on the car. I do have a kit on the way for the most recent 6k run. My thinking has generally been that there will be no advantage to running a more expensive oil because no advantage ever shows up in UOAs. The recommended viscosity from below 0F to over 100F is 15W-50.
Lately I've been toying with trying Red Line oil. Here's why:
- I am curious whether the strong cleaning affect of the Grp V base will clean the varnish deposits. It's probably just cosmetic but I'd like it clean and, like I said, I'm curious.
- People who use it seem to swear by it and believe that they are getting better protection despite what UOAs say. They also swear it makes their engines run better. Again I'm curious and I want to see whether I become a believer.
- I would be happy to take advantage of longer OCIs if it's reasonably cost-effective.
I'd like to hear the opinions of folks out there in general, and I have a few specific questions:
Do you think there will be a noticeable cleaning effect?
If so, what will happen to the gunk that is cleaned? Will it be a problem?
What do you recommend as a first OCI on the stuff? If I do it I'll probably run at least two OCIs before deciding whether to switch back.
What grade should I run? Oils have come a long way since the manual was printed. I wouldn't mind going lighter for an economy benefit but also wouldn't mind sticking with a heavier weight to get the extra cushioning effects, if only for noise reduction benefits. Owners tend to believe that these cars like a heavier-weight oil, generally. Obviously I don't want to give up one ounce of engine protection.
Are there any grades of Red Line that are considered to have particularly exceptional qualities?
Thanks in advance for any feedback. I'll be sure to post UOAs with my results when the time comes.
There are lots of varnish-type deposits in the top end, ranging from light brown to black in color. It was like that when I got it and hasn't gotten better or worse.
I ran two full A-RX clean/rinse cycles a while back and it made no detectable difference in the way the engine ran or looked.
I have run a variety of oils, mostly Delo 15W-40 since I found BITOG, and have been happy with their performance but have not done any UOAs on the car. I do have a kit on the way for the most recent 6k run. My thinking has generally been that there will be no advantage to running a more expensive oil because no advantage ever shows up in UOAs. The recommended viscosity from below 0F to over 100F is 15W-50.
Lately I've been toying with trying Red Line oil. Here's why:
- I am curious whether the strong cleaning affect of the Grp V base will clean the varnish deposits. It's probably just cosmetic but I'd like it clean and, like I said, I'm curious.
- People who use it seem to swear by it and believe that they are getting better protection despite what UOAs say. They also swear it makes their engines run better. Again I'm curious and I want to see whether I become a believer.
- I would be happy to take advantage of longer OCIs if it's reasonably cost-effective.
I'd like to hear the opinions of folks out there in general, and I have a few specific questions:
Do you think there will be a noticeable cleaning effect?
If so, what will happen to the gunk that is cleaned? Will it be a problem?
What do you recommend as a first OCI on the stuff? If I do it I'll probably run at least two OCIs before deciding whether to switch back.
What grade should I run? Oils have come a long way since the manual was printed. I wouldn't mind going lighter for an economy benefit but also wouldn't mind sticking with a heavier weight to get the extra cushioning effects, if only for noise reduction benefits. Owners tend to believe that these cars like a heavier-weight oil, generally. Obviously I don't want to give up one ounce of engine protection.
Are there any grades of Red Line that are considered to have particularly exceptional qualities?
Thanks in advance for any feedback. I'll be sure to post UOAs with my results when the time comes.
High ester content will give low aniline point.
