How to choose the right oil viscosity for your bmw

Whenever it comes to an oil change, we tend to take an extra minute or two starring at the different oils that we can potentially use.

First, there is a reason why there is such a large motor oil selection at the store or online. Different brands use different additives in their oil. Additives range from detergents to seal conditioners and so on. Deterents clean the engine from all of the nasty deposits that build up over time. Seal conditioners help seals expand so they can seal the engine again and so it will not leak as much. 

So now we know the importance of additives in oil. I want to touch up on how to choose the right viscosity. There is number on the oil container that we are all used to looking at. One might ask what does it mean? Most of use just follow the manufactures recommended oil viscosity, but over time we might move to a new climate or a better oil comes out and so there comes a need to change the oil's viscosity so our engines operate more efficiently.

First we look at the number which is followed by the "W" and then the number after the "-". For example lets use the oil most common oil that is put in BMW the Mobile1 full synthetic motor oil with the viscosity  if 0w-40. The 0w means the viscosity of oil when it is cold. The lower the number the thinner the oil is in colder temersture, and the higher the number the more thick the oil is at high temperature. So, using an oil that is thin when just starting the engine helps the oil lubricate all of the engines vital parts and protect them from wear. It is just as important to use an oil that is thicker at higher temperatures so it can lubricate the engine well, that is because thicker oil tends to lubricate engine parts better and it seals the engine better.

So now we, know why its important to choose the right oil viscosity. We need to look at the the climate we live in. If we live in a colder climate we need an oil that is thiner on start, an oil that has a lower number next to the "w". This thinner oil will  get to thevital engine parts faster and lubricate them.

In colusion, I explained why there are many different types of oils and why it is importsant to choose the right motor oil for the environment one drives the car in. Lets use this information to extend the lives of our cars and keep them on the road for the longest time possible.

Oil Pan DIY BMW e36

Supplies Needed:

10mm-18mm, e10 sockets

Ratchets

Oil pan gasket

Synthetic motor oil

ATF

Jacks stands

Hydraulic jack

Oil drain pan

Harbor Freight engine support bar

Motor Mounts

Remove the lug bolts

 

Jack up the car.

Remove both front wheels.(17mm)

Drain oil. (17mm)

Remove air box two (10mm) and disconnect MAF.

 Take of the main serpentine belt.

Remove the two bolts(13mm) that hold the power steering pump.

 

 

Remove the two bolts(15mm) and nuts that hold the power steering rack to the sub frame.

Mark the guibo position relative to the steering rack. Then remove the nut and bolt(13mm) holding it.

Remove the sway bar from the car 4 total bolts (13mm).

Remove the power steering rack and pump and support it with zip ties so it doesn't hang down

Install the engine support bar.

Remove the (16mm) bolt holding the both motor mounts to the sub frame.

Remove the 4 bolts (13mm) on both engine mount brackets 8 total.

Remove engine mounts with bracket. 

Remove both front control arm bushings(17mm) bolts. 

 Put a jack under the sub frame and remove the sub frame bolts(18mm) then lower the sub frame.

Disconnect the crank case vent hose leading from the oil pan to the valve, disconnect the (10mm) bolt holding the dipstick tube on the manifold.

Remove the three e10 bolts in the back of the oil pan connecting it with the transmission.



Remove the two (10mm) long bolts in the back of the oil pan

 Remove the two (10mm) bolts that are hidden in the holes in the picture.

Remove the rest of the oil pan bolts (10mm) and remove the oil pan.

 Clean the surface of the oil pan and the block and install new gasket along with gasket sealant. 

Oil pan removed use Loctite on all oil pan bolts when installing them. Do not over torque the bolts they will snap.