Oil and the M3

[Richard7K]

Hi guys,

I'm looking for some feedback from E46 M3 owners in NZ and Australia on the oil they are using.

From what I can tell the Castrol TWS 0-60 oil specified by BMW is designed to work in cold weather environments as it's primary purpose (the W allegedly stands for winter?).

What about out here in the South Pacific?

I have been recommended to use Mobil 1 as an alternative to the Castrol, and it seems to be a better warmer climate oil given its operating range.

Any thoughts please?

Thanks
Rich

[Mr Bimmer]

You should only use Castrol 10w60 Edge or TWS. Nothing else will do wherever you are in the World

[bass2rez]

As far as I know, the TWS in the Castrol TWS oil stands for Ten W Sixty Logical really.

You should only be using Castrol TWS, even Castrol Edge is not the correct oil.

[steve singh]

bass2rez said:

As far as I know, the TWS in the Castrol TWS oil stands for Ten W Sixty Logical really.

You should only be using Castrol TWS, even Castrol Edge is not the correct oil.

I've long since sold both my M3s but from memory it was definately castrol with the word "edge" that was correct oil - I just cannot recall whether it was "edge" or "edge sport"...

[bass2rez]

Hi Steve,

I believe you are generally right. It seems that TWS and Edge are the same thing:

From: http://www.castrol.com/castrol/extendedsectiongene...

TWS Motorsport 10W-60
- Co-engineered with BMW to meet the unique requirements of M Series engines
- Castrol training and marketing support programmes available
- The only oil approved for BMW M Series engines (post 2000MY)
- Exclusive formulation only available through BMW franchised dealerships

However, Castrol have also been know to state (reference: Castanea @ m3cutters):

There are only two branded oils approved by BMW for use in the M series,
TWS Motorsport and EDGE 10W-60.

The EDGE 10W-60 is the retail alternative to the Workshop only TWS
Motorsport - so if you have a preference to use the EDGE product, then
that is 100% suitable for the application.


It is important to note that Castrol Edge is NOT the same as Castrol Edge Sport. Castrol Edge Sport is not suitable for M3's.

Cheers,
Steve

[steve singh]

Thanks Steve, that explains it clearly.