 | | Question: | | Why Use Mobil 1 0W-40 Instead of Mobil 1 10W-30 in Newer BMWs | | I have used Mobil 1 for more than 20 years in its various forms, and it has always given me confidence with my performance oriented vehicles. I have questions about Mobil 1 10W-30 vs. 0W-40 for my newer BMWs. I live in Indiana but the cars don't see very cold winter conditions. I use 10W-30 Mobil 1 instead of 0W-40 (which is 'approved' by BMW) for the inline 6s, but I change the oil at 3-5,000 intervals to keep the Double-Vanos valvetrain clean and smooth operating. I know the 0W-40 is certified for the longer service ACEA A3/B3 specification but there is something about the thin 0W oil that makes me leery. Is 10W-30 somehow less optimum for wear protection compared to 0W-40, even at the shorter change intervals? I also read the 10W, versus 0W, at startup, leaves a bit more oil film on the metal, even though the 0W is designed to flow a bit faster at startup. I also read somewhere the 10W-30 has less VI additives and more PAO basestock, since it is a narrower range. True? | | -- Mark Stephens, Zionsville, IN | | | Answer: | We recommend you use the Mobil 1 0W-40 that is specifically designed for your vehicle. The 0W-40 viscosity grade actually provides a thicker oil film at operating temperature compared to the 10W-30. In addition, under winter ambient conditions, it will provide better and faster protection at start-up. This makes you a winner under both high and low temperature operation.
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