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Message Title: It all started at Mercedesshop.com... |
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Posted by:
kowached on 2003-02-06 at |
Message:
It all started a year or two
ago at Mercedesshop.com, there are some tech guys there that are second to
none.
It was there that I found out the difference between "true
synthetics" and "full synthetics". True synthetics like Redline
and Amsoil are Polyol Ester
based, while full synthetics like Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, Valvoline Synpower, BMW Synthetic (by Castrol),
and yes Royal Purple are actually made from mineral oil that is refined by a
synthetic process called "hydrocraking".
While hydrocracking yields VERY GOOD OIL, I don not
consider it to be truely synthetic.
The story goes like this. Long long ago Mobil 1 was truely synthetic (polyol ester
based) and selling for $4/quart, then Castrol Syntec (Hydrocracked mineral oil)
came on the scene claiming to be synthetic also selling for $4/quart. Mobil (
With that said Polyol Ester based oils have significantly
better properties when compared to hydrocracked oil.
Redline does a great job of explaining the advantages at their site
(www.redlineoil.com).
Just as a PS, I beleive that Royal
Purple is one of the best (if not the best) hydrocracked
"synthetics" on the market. Their additive package is
outstanding IMHO.
If that is not enough, check out the links at the end of my "standard oil
post" below:
BMWs list of approved synthetics (call them 1-800-831-1117) are Valvoline Synpower, Castrol Syntec, and Mobil One,
and of course the BMW Synthetic Motor Oil from the dealer, all in 5W-30
weights. All 4 of these "Synthetics" are made from Hydrocracked group 3 basestock,
which is actually mineral oil refined using a synthetic process called hydrocracking. Very good oil, but not
truly synthetic. Let me repeat, very good oil.
If you want to have real synthetic, look to Redline or Amsoil.
I think $8/bottle is too expensive for engine oil beacuse
I change mine often (5000 miles), but it is all that I'll use for long service
items like transmissions, rear axles, or bearing grease applications.
If you are considering Castol Syntec,
go purchase the BMW Synthetic from the dealer, its cheaper than Syntec and made for BMW by Castrol,
it is very similar to Syntec, but it has a unique
additive package (the one specified by BMW for BMW's, compare Syntec additives to BMW additives at the Maxima website
below), but its only $3.42/bottle (with BMWCCA discount, http://www.bmwcca.org) from my
dealer. Great price, and the only value you'll every find at the dealer, and
you need to get a filter from there anyhow, unless you've mail ordered a
stockpile.
DIY Oil Change:
http://www.540isport.com/DIYoilchangemodem.htm
Independent oil analysis spreadsheet comparing additives packages of different
oils:
http://forums.maxima.org/showthread.php?s&threadid=100060
More oil information than you want to read about:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=35289
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=30429
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?s=&threadid=33853
Thanks,
Dave
Unofficial Roadfly welcome package and great Newbie Info: http://members.roadfly.com/kowached/welcome1.htm
E39 - 1998 540iA Sport (11/97 Production)
E30 - 1989 M3 (42k miles)
1979 Truimph TR7, still have my first car ;-)
Past cars:
E21 - 1980 320i (sold at 130k)
E23 - 1986 735i
I am a BMW Car Club of America member, are you? http://www.bmwcca.org/