Engine - Operating Fluids: Other MINI Cooper I

Good Wear Protection and Friction Reduction

Frictional losses will lead to a reduction of engine power and efficiency. An approved engine oil will minimize frictional losses. Excessive wear will lead to a reduction in service life (e.g. wear of bearings, piston rings, cam lobes) or to mechanical failure.

Limited Tendency to Produce Combustion Residue

During engine operation, a limited amount of oil enters the combustion chamber, where it is burned. Combustion residues or deposits, which build up in the combustion chamber, lead to unwanted increases in compression and promote surface ignition ("pinging"). Any approved engine oil will help prevent such a condition.

Favorable Viscosity Temperature Behavior

Viscosity is the tendency of oil to resist flowing. Engine oil, when cold, should be thin enough so that the engine can be cranked over. Hot oil should be thick enough to maintain proper lubrication.

Anti-Foaming

The oil is forcefully mixed with air during engine operation. Heavy foaming will lead to impaired lubrication and reduction in oil flow rate. To prevent foaming, antifoaming additives are mixed with the oil.

Good Corrosion Inhibition

The engine oil must prevent corrosion on engine components under all circumstances. Corrosion and rust inhibitors are added to displace water and acids from metal surfaces so that oil coats them.

Mixing Ability/Compatibility

It must be possible to mix all engine oils with each other, even synthetic with mineral oils, without causing any incompatibility problems. A further requirement is the compatibility with all materials contacted by oil, in particular oil seals, hoses and paint.

Good Thermal Conductivity/Good Cooling Property

Engine oil makes an important contribution to the cooling of an engine. It must transfer heat from friction surfaces, and combustion heat away from affected areas. The oil absorbed heat is carried back to the oil pan where it is transferred to the surrounding air.

Good Dispersant/Detergent Qualities

To limit or slow down the formation of combustion deposits and acidic components, together with abrasive particles and dirt from the intake air, good engine oils contain a detergent additive. Deposits of carbon and dirt are loosened and suspended in the oil, being drained away at the next oil change.

Oxidation Inhibitors and Aging Stability

Oxidation can be described as the oxygen absorption of hydrocarbons formed in the oil. The results of oxidation have a negative impact on viscosity causing corrosion on certain metals and the formation of sludge. Inhibitors are added to prevent oxidation from occurring. A good engine oil must maintain its stability during the required oil change intervals.

Good Lubricating Oil Must

1. Lubricate moving parts to minimize wear.
2. Lubricate moving parts to minimize loss from friction.
3. Remove heat from engine parts by acting as a cooling agent.
4. Absorb shocks between bearings and other engine parts, reducing engine noise and extending engine life.
5. Form a good seal between piston rings and cylinder walls.
6. Act as a cleaning agent.

Viscosity Number

A method of classifying an oil by number, based on its resistance to flow at a high temperature.

These numbers are usually prefixed by SAE which is the abbreviation for the Society of Automotive Engineers. A lower SAE Number (i.e. SAE 5W) indicates a thinner oil with a higher flow rate, for use at lower temperatures. A higher SAE Number (i.e. SAE 30) indicates a thicker oil with a slower flow rate, for use at higher temperatures.

Multigrade Oils

A multigrade, or multiviscosity oil has the qualities of a lower number oil at low temperatures and those of a higher number oil at high temperatures. Multigrade oils have numbers such as SAE 5W-30 and SAE 10W-40. For reliable engine performance in all temperature ranges mineral based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the temperature range at which the vehicle will be operated.

Single Grade Oils

A single grade viscosity oil has a limited temperature/viscosity range compared with multigrade oils. Due to the limited temperature/viscosity range of these oils they are no longer used in BMW engines and thus no longer listed in the BMW Engine Oil Temperature/Viscosity Table.

Oil Classifications

A method of classifying oil was jointly developed by the SAE, API (American Petroleum Institute), and ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). Engine oils are rated according to two engine use categories

C = Compression Ignition (i.e. CC)

Compression Ignition (C) oils are those that are used for diesel engines. The current service ratings for diesel-engine lubricating oils are: CA, CB, CC, CD, CE, CF and CG. The oils differ in their properties and in the additives they contain.

S = Spark Ignition (i.e. SE)

Spark Ignition (S) oils are those that are used for gasoline engines. The current service ratings for gasoline-engine lubricating oils are: SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH and SJ. These oils differ in their properties and in the additives they contain.

Another method of classifying minimum performance standards for gasoline-fueled engine oils has been developed through ILSAC (International Lubrication Standardization Approval Committee). Oils that meet ILSAC GF-1 performance standards must have a "starburst" certification mark displayed on the print of the oil product packaging.

Approved Engine Oils

1. For BMW gasoline engines with two valves per cylinder, all reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed the API classification of SH. (Combination with diesel oil specifications CD or CE quality classifications are also permitted, e.g. SH/CE etc.) For BMW gasoline engines with four valves per cylinder, only reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed the API classification of SH. (Combination with diesel oil specifications CD or CE quality classifications are also permitted, e.g. SH/CE etc.)
2. For BMW turbocharged diesel engines, all reputable multiple grade engine oils* which meet or exceed the API classification CD/CE.

*Engine oil may be mineral or synthetic based.

Special Oils category has been replaced by BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil (5W-30). It eliminates the need for seasonal oil changes since it covers all ambient temperature ranges.

BMW of North America has introduced a line of exclusively formulated High Performance Engine Oils which exceed existing international quality specifications (SAE/CCMC) for motor oils. BMW part numbers are

ENGINE OIL REQUIREMENTS AND SPECIFICATIONS

Motorsport Engines

E46 M3 / S54E36 M roadster, M coupe / S54 from start of production

E39 M5 / S62 Up to 3/2000

E52 Z8 / S62 Up to 3/2000

E60 M5 / S85 From start of production

E63 M6 From start of production

E64 M6 From start of production

E85 Z4 M Coupe / Z4 M Roadster From start of production

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil Part No. 07 51 0 009 420 (1quart)

E39 M5 / S62 From 3/2000

E52 Z8 / S62 From 3/2000

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil SAE 5W-30 Part No. 07 51 0 017 866 Or BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil Part No. 07 51 0 009 420 (1quart)

BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil 5W-30 and 10W-60 offer several benefits over conventional mineral based oils.

Superior thermal stability

The synthetic based oil resists thickening at very low ambient temperatures providing improved flow, lubrication and less internal engine resistance during cold starts.

Under high heat conditions, the oil resists thermal breakdown/shearing which causes a loss of lubrication quality compared with conventional oils.

4.0 Engine Oil Change Intervals

With the introduction of the 1999 Model Year vehicles BMW has introduced an extended oil change interval of approximately 15,000 miles (depending on engine operating conditions) on most models.

To coincide with the increased oil change interval, BMW has also introduced "BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil" which must be used on all 1999 Model Year vehicles (except E36 318ti, 323is/iC, 328is/iC, M3, M Roadster and M Coupe models) whenever a service is necessary to avoid engine damage.

Note. Only if it is necessary to top up the engine oil between oil changes is it permissible to use synthetic low viscosity engine oils which conform to the API classification SJ or higher.

A label in the engine compartment states the oil specifications and refers to the BMW website (www.bmwusa.com) and toll free number (1-800-831-1117) for additional information.

Scheme 1020

BMW High Performance Synthetic Engine Oil may also be used on Model Year 1999 E36 (3-Series and M models) as well has Model Year 1998 and earlier BMW models.

The oil change intervals should not be extended due to the greater durability of a fully synthetic engine oil. The engine oil and filter should always be changed as per the vehicle's Service Interval Indicator when the "Oil Service" or the "Inspection" display appears regardless of the type of oil being used.

BMW mineral-based High Performance engine oil is also offered for model year 1998 and earlier BMW models. However, for reliable engine performance in all temperature ranges mineral-based engine oil viscosity must be matched to the temperature range at which the vehicle will be operated. See Engine Oil Temperature/Viscosity Table below.

Scheme 1021

Other Oil Changes For Cars Without Service Indicator

MODEL YEAR/MILLAGE REFERENCE

Including oil filter. However, at least twice annually, preferably before and after the winter season.

Under severe driving conditions it is recommended to increase the number of oil services.

5.0 Condition Based Service

Models: E90, 91, 92, E60, E61, E63, E64 E65, E66

Condition Based Service measures, monitors, and determines the required maintenance of several service items independent from each other. This technology prompts the customer to bring the vehicle for service whenever one of the CBS items requires maintenance or replacement. CBS strikes a compromise between too frequent maintenance and too rigid service intervals that call for the replacement of service items which may still have substantial remaining useful life. CBS also details the recommended, due, and overdue required maintenance during and after the BMW Vehicle Maintenance Program Agreement. Thus, CBS allows BMW customers to experience a technology that makes service more convenient, transparent and structured.

6.0 Engine Oil Additives

The use of engine oil additives is not recommended and not necessary on BMW engines. Instead, it is mandatory to use BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil in 1999 model year and later BMW models and recommended to use either BMW High Performance Synthetic Oil, BMW High Performance Mineral Oil or one of today's highly advanced brand name lubricating oils conforming to API classification SH or higher in 1998 and earlier BMW models.

7.0 Break-In Instructions

During the break-in period of a new engine or parts of a reconditioned engine (new bearings, crankshaft, pistons, etc.) BMW engines do not require special break-in oils.

All of the multiple grade engine oils can be used, as long as they conform with BMW specifications.

8.0 N52, N52KP and N54 Front and Rear Radial Seal Sealant

When replacing the front or rear radial crankshaft seals on new generation 6 cylinder engines, a special Loctite® sealant must be applied to fill the seal grooves at the bedplate seam. Follow the appropriate repair instruction in TIS

RA 11 14 005 - Front radial crankshaft seal replacement

RA 11 14 151 - Replacing crankshaft radial seal (rear)

All special tools required to perform these repairs have been sent out through the automatic tool shipment program and are listed in S.I. Bulletin 04 01 06.

Required Materials

P/N 83 19 7 536 051 - Loctite® 128357 sealant compound\

P/N 83 19 7 515 683 - Loctite® 171000 primer

P/N 83 19 7 515 684 - Stamp

10.0 Lubricant For Oxygen Sensor

Apply Bostik NEVER-SEEZ® (Part No. NSBT-16) to threads of oxygen sensor.

11.0 Oil Consumption

All engines normally consume a certain amount of oil. This is necessary in order to properly lubricate the cylinder walls, pistons, piston rings etc. In addition, engines with less than 6,000 miles will generally consume additional oil because the components are not fully seated. Therefore, oil consumption complaints received prior to 6,000 miles cannot be considered.

Once a new or rebuilt engine has accumulated 6,000 miles this procedure should be used if there is a drastic change in the oil consumption rate (i.e. the oil consumption rate triples) under similar driving conditions or if the oil consumption rate exceeds 1 qt. per 750 miles at any time..

All Motorsport Engines

Due to their increased output and maximum engine speeds, these engines are allowed a maximum consumption of 2.5 quarts per 1,000 miles.