S14 Oil regime
Discussion
I believe the engine in my M3 has been well maintained but I don't have written evidence of the past servicing schedule. As a result, I am working my was through and changing all all the fluids. In fact, I change the engine oil every 3 or 4 thousand miles. Quite simply, if I have a few quid spare at the months end, I'll treat the car to an oil and filter change.
My question though is this. Am I wasting my money by changing the oil so often? I the oil likely to deteriorate were I to wait till 10k miles instead, or does it do its job just as well? The same goes for the filter. Is it worth changing it so often, or should I maybe just change the oil instead?
I also wondered what gearbox oils people use? My gearchange can be a little reluctant when cold and I wondered if a different oil might help?
My question though is this. Am I wasting my money by changing the oil so often? I the oil likely to deteriorate were I to wait till 10k miles instead, or does it do its job just as well? The same goes for the filter. Is it worth changing it so often, or should I maybe just change the oil instead?
I also wondered what gearbox oils people use? My gearchange can be a little reluctant when cold and I wondered if a different oil might help?
Hi Mark
Best source for info on E30 M3 will S14.net.
Expect you'll get lots of replies with views on oil changes.
Frequency should depend on type of driving more than anything else.
Stop/ start driving and frequent cold starts will dictate more frequent oil changes, as will trackdays at the other extreme.
If you're doing long runs then 6-8k will be fine. I would change the filter at that mileage, but not if changing oil after a trackday. Once heard the golden rule was a maximum of 13 engine hours between oil changes for track use..
Best way of protecting your engine is not to rev above 3k or use heavy throttle until the oil is properly warmed up..
Also, don't leave it idling to warm up.
I used Redline oil in my gearbox, and noticed a difference. Forget which one now (MTF ?), but again do a search on S14.net.
The box will always be a bit more reluctant when cold.
Hope this helps
Best source for info on E30 M3 will S14.net.
Expect you'll get lots of replies with views on oil changes.
Frequency should depend on type of driving more than anything else.
Stop/ start driving and frequent cold starts will dictate more frequent oil changes, as will trackdays at the other extreme.
If you're doing long runs then 6-8k will be fine. I would change the filter at that mileage, but not if changing oil after a trackday. Once heard the golden rule was a maximum of 13 engine hours between oil changes for track use..
Best way of protecting your engine is not to rev above 3k or use heavy throttle until the oil is properly warmed up..
Also, don't leave it idling to warm up.
I used Redline oil in my gearbox, and noticed a difference. Forget which one now (MTF ?), but again do a search on S14.net.
The box will always be a bit more reluctant when cold.
Hope this helps
I change mine roughly every 5k, that said if Im away with work and the car sits for a long period then I will do one once a year. I have followed this routine for the last ten years or so with whatever S14 engined car Ive had and never had any issues engine/oil related. The only caveat I apply is if we do a Ring/Spa trip then I will do one before we go if it hasnt been done recently.
Sticking to that routine I can honestly say that the oil is always golden in colour when it comes out so maybe Im doing it far too often, but it seems to work. I guess if the car was doing longer journeys then there wouldnt be any real issue with leaving it in longer (say 7-8K). There is some research that suggests that doing more frequent oil changes can actually do more harm than good (detergents in the new oil removing the lubricant build up applied by the 'old' oil) and wear rates being higher on fresh oil as opposed to oil that has rebuilt the layers after several thousand miles old. Lots of short journeys would muddy the waters further since the oil can become contaiminated with fuel over time thus degrading it.
As for the gearbox, I cant say the M3's gearbox is worse when cold and that is on whatever BMW recommend, but the 320is can be a little tight in second when cold (no idea whats in that but I think its something fancy!) so will be keen to hear what others say.......
Sticking to that routine I can honestly say that the oil is always golden in colour when it comes out so maybe Im doing it far too often, but it seems to work. I guess if the car was doing longer journeys then there wouldnt be any real issue with leaving it in longer (say 7-8K). There is some research that suggests that doing more frequent oil changes can actually do more harm than good (detergents in the new oil removing the lubricant build up applied by the 'old' oil) and wear rates being higher on fresh oil as opposed to oil that has rebuilt the layers after several thousand miles old. Lots of short journeys would muddy the waters further since the oil can become contaiminated with fuel over time thus degrading it.
As for the gearbox, I cant say the M3's gearbox is worse when cold and that is on whatever BMW recommend, but the 320is can be a little tight in second when cold (no idea whats in that but I think its something fancy!) so will be keen to hear what others say.......
Synthetic ATF is what BMW recommend for the gearbox. s
t quality is better with thinner oils (ATF/Redline MTL) but input shaft bearing noise is greater. I have tried 75/90 oil in the past, this quietened the input bearing noise, but cold shift quality was poor. Changed ever 3rd oil change.
WRT Engine oil, I use Fuch/Silkolene Pro S 10/50 changed every 5k or so.
Diff I use Castrol SAF XJ (BMW Recommended) Changed ever 3rd oil change.
t quality is better with thinner oils (ATF/Redline MTL) but input shaft bearing noise is greater. I have tried 75/90 oil in the past, this quietened the input bearing noise, but cold shift quality was poor. Changed ever 3rd oil change.WRT Engine oil, I use Fuch/Silkolene Pro S 10/50 changed every 5k or so.
Diff I use Castrol SAF XJ (BMW Recommended) Changed ever 3rd oil change.
Thanks guys.
I'm always careful to warm my car thoroughly before going over 3k revs. I also double de clutch (spelling?) and am very slow and deliberate with those first gear changes. Obviously I don't drive it excessively hard on the road but I do make full use of the revs available at some point, on most journeys, as it simply doesn't like to dawdle and can cough and stutter a little if am too reserved. Considering some peoples Alpha N issues though, it runs like a dream by comparison. I did replace the iridium plugs with stock ones too, which I combined with Nology plug leads. I've heard some questionable things re Nology but they've been great - so far.
I'll let you know what the guys at Rally Prep have to say later. I know the engine oil is still like golden syrup but I've also asked them to do a couple of other jobs, like changing the PAS & brake fluids.
I certainly think a change of gearbox oil is prudent too.
One last thing, do you guys run Evans waterless coolant? I'm tempted to start with the M3.
I'm always careful to warm my car thoroughly before going over 3k revs. I also double de clutch (spelling?) and am very slow and deliberate with those first gear changes. Obviously I don't drive it excessively hard on the road but I do make full use of the revs available at some point, on most journeys, as it simply doesn't like to dawdle and can cough and stutter a little if am too reserved. Considering some peoples Alpha N issues though, it runs like a dream by comparison. I did replace the iridium plugs with stock ones too, which I combined with Nology plug leads. I've heard some questionable things re Nology but they've been great - so far.
I'll let you know what the guys at Rally Prep have to say later. I know the engine oil is still like golden syrup but I've also asked them to do a couple of other jobs, like changing the PAS & brake fluids.
I certainly think a change of gearbox oil is prudent too.
One last thing, do you guys run Evans waterless coolant? I'm tempted to start with the M3.
e21Mark said:
Thanks guys.
One last thing, do you guys run Evans waterless coolant? I'm tempted to start with the M3.
Plenty of threads on here about that. Snake oil!One last thing, do you guys run Evans waterless coolant? I'm tempted to start with the M3.
The E30M3 racers used standard radiator up until 1991 and the cooling system has more than enough cooling capacity for a stock engine. Stock rad on mine with 280hp and no issues.
Have to agree, all standard stuff on mine, never had an issue with getting hot even on track. Cant comment on the merits or otherwise of the waterless stuff as Ive never looked into it because of that. The only snag Ive had is with the ballast resistor on the fan (common and easy fix) but I forgave it for that since it looked original 
Are you flirting with the idea because you have an issue or is there another benefit..wont corrode, more efficient etc??
Are you flirting with the idea because you have an issue or is there another benefit..wont corrode, more efficient etc??
mark.c said:
Have to agree, all standard stuff on mine, never had an issue with getting hot even on track. Cant comment on the merits or otherwise of the waterless stuff as Ive never looked into it because of that. The only snag Ive had is with the ballast resistor on the fan (common and easy fix) but I forgave it for that since it looked original
Are you flirting with the idea because you have an issue or is there another benefit..wont corrode, more efficient etc??
Just cooling related paranoia really I think? I do run it in my E21 but that's mainly because it's a much bigger engine, confined to a much smaller space, where I was then able to delete the expansion tank. Are you flirting with the idea because you have an issue or is there another benefit..wont corrode, more efficient etc??
Fortunately no issues on the M3's and the only differences from stock are silicon hoses and tarts edition alloy rad. I plan to renew the ballast resistor and switch soon though, but only because they're a few years old.
e21Mark said:
mark.c said:
Have to agree, all standard stuff on mine, never had an issue with getting hot even on track. Cant comment on the merits or otherwise of the waterless stuff as Ive never looked into it because of that. The only snag Ive had is with the ballast resistor on the fan (common and easy fix) but I forgave it for that since it looked original
Are you flirting with the idea because you have an issue or is there another benefit..wont corrode, more efficient etc??
Just cooling related paranoia really I think? I do run it in my E21 but that's mainly because it's a much bigger engine, confined to a much smaller space, where I was then able to delete the expansion tank. Are you flirting with the idea because you have an issue or is there another benefit..wont corrode, more efficient etc??
Fortunately no issues on the M3's and the only differences from stock are silicon hoses and tarts edition alloy rad. I plan to renew the ballast resistor and switch soon though, but only because they're a few years old.
Well we did the engine oil and filter change and I'm counting down to another in 5k miles. Also changed the grotty brake fluid for fresh and a noticeable improvement in pedal and feel.
The gearbox oil didn't look great and there was some obvious metallic content around the magnetic plug. I have no way of being sure when it was last changed but fresh went in yesterday. I have been looking on s14.net and made a few calls, where the general consensus seems to be I need Redline Shockproof Yellow. It is supposedly suited to higher mile boxes and cooler climates. A couple of people said it cured their cold 'reluctant' first gear selection so we shall see I guess? It should be here after the weekend unless I head up the Llandow this Saturday, in which case I'll find a supplier nearby, I hope.
I'll report back anyway.
The gearbox oil didn't look great and there was some obvious metallic content around the magnetic plug. I have no way of being sure when it was last changed but fresh went in yesterday. I have been looking on s14.net and made a few calls, where the general consensus seems to be I need Redline Shockproof Yellow. It is supposedly suited to higher mile boxes and cooler climates. A couple of people said it cured their cold 'reluctant' first gear selection so we shall see I guess? It should be here after the weekend unless I head up the Llandow this Saturday, in which case I'll find a supplier nearby, I hope.
I'll report back anyway.
Well we did the engine oil and filter change and I'm counting down to another in 5k miles. Also changed the grotty brake fluid for fresh and a noticeable improvement in pedal and feel.
The gearbox oil didn't look great and there was some obvious metallic content around the magnetic plug. I have no way of being sure when it was last changed but fresh went in yesterday. I have been looking on s14.net and made a few calls, where the general consensus seems to be I need Redline Shockproof Yellow. It is supposedly suited to higher mile boxes and cooler climates. A couple of people said it cured their cold 'reluctant' first gear selection so we shall see I guess? It should be here after the weekend unless I head up the Llandow this Saturday, in which case I'll find a supplier nearby, I hope.
I'll report back anyway.
The gearbox oil didn't look great and there was some obvious metallic content around the magnetic plug. I have no way of being sure when it was last changed but fresh went in yesterday. I have been looking on s14.net and made a few calls, where the general consensus seems to be I need Redline Shockproof Yellow. It is supposedly suited to higher mile boxes and cooler climates. A couple of people said it cured their cold 'reluctant' first gear selection so we shall see I guess? It should be here after the weekend unless I head up the Llandow this Saturday, in which case I'll find a supplier nearby, I hope.
I'll report back anyway.
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