E46 M3 - can I top up with 10/40?
Discussion
Acquired E46 M3 last week, and promptly threw it into a tour of europe... Great car for this kind of trip, and in Phoenix it still gets some looks despite mixing it up with Ferrari's and Lambo's. I've noticed the low oil level warning light comes on occasionally, and it looks like it's at the lower end of the dipstick so want to top it up - it's done 1500miles since purchase and I understand they can consume a little bit. Problem is I'm unable to find the precise 10/60 that is recommended, so wondered if I'm ok to top up with a quality synth Castrol GTX or similar - 10/40 IIRC. Will be getting service in 3k miles anyway. I assume it's better to top up with slightly different grade than not at all...?
If all else fails go to http://www.bmw.fr/fr/index.html and click on "Trouver un concessionaire" (find a dealer) near the bottom and then enter your location.
Should be fine, the manual states:
Alternative oil types:
Should it not be possible to purchase
an oil approved by BMW, you can also
use other oils for adding smaller quantities
between oil changes as an exception.
The following information must be
specified on the package:
1. Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
or as an alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
2. Specification
preferred: API SJ/CF
or as an alternative: API SJ
(also SK, SL, S etc.)
Alternative oil types:
Should it not be possible to purchase
an oil approved by BMW, you can also
use other oils for adding smaller quantities
between oil changes as an exception.
The following information must be
specified on the package:
1. Viscosity
preferred: SAE 10W-60
or as an alternative: SAE 5W-40 or
SAE 10W-40
2. Specification
preferred: API SJ/CF
or as an alternative: API SJ
(also SK, SL, S etc.)
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