Oil temps: 335 comparitive observation.

Mt Tam I am · 06-09-2014, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbonesteak

Hey guys,

ive been getting some seat time in my buddy's 2 month old 09 335i. Amazing car might i add. Anyways, i noticed a few interesting things about his oil temp gauge. His oil temp gauge has a center reading of 250. Even if you drive like a granny in 60 degree weather, the needle will sit on 250 degrees. The gauge tops out at 340. I didnt push it extremely hard....but did maybe 2-3 wot runs in 2-3 gear...and that shot the temps upto mmmm i'd say about 270. Whether it will climb higher upon more induced stress on the engine I have no idea. Is there a difference in the dynamics of 370 and 335 that makes it okay for the 335 to sit in 250 degree oil temp? Im assuming his 335 has an oil cooler installed for that's what i've been hearing from people on this board....but i was quite shocked to see that on his car. I cant see how it's good for the car to have its oil changed every 15k miles with those temps....Please advise. Thanks.

15,000 miles between oil changes can not be right.

juld0zer · 06-09-2014, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mt Tam I am

15,000 miles between oil changes can not be right.

that sounds about right for a late model BMW. They don't go by mileage or time intervals but a Condition Based Service scheme. Basically the onboard computer tells the driver what it needs so depending on your driving style, 15k miles might be possible but it is at the high end of the mileage range for CBS. When the driver presents the key at the BMW dealer, the dealer scans the key and retrieves the service data and that determines what maintenance is required at that point. At least our cars have a dipstick!

Also, of all the 135's, 335's and 535's i've driven, i'm yet to drive one that behaves differently when the oil/water/air is 'hot'. This is with a/c on too

Without sparking another oil debate, i'd say if the oil you use meets the extended service interval requirements of a major OEM then it should be good enough to serve in our car. eg. BMW LL01 (LL04 is for the diesels)