recommended oil

[Hano]

recommended oil for 1968 bmw 1600 car

[bmw_e30]

castrol 20-50 always

[Mark92131]

Fred:

 

It depends on your location, climate and intended use (street, track, towing, etc.).  The 1600 like to Rev a little higher, so that might make a difference.  My original owners manual for my 1600 calls for 30W for temps above 32F and 10-30W for temperatures below 32F.

 

Search is your friend! 

 

Mark92131

 

 

[jscaptura1]

For years and years,  I used Kendall GT-1 30w.  Always very pleased with it, but no longer available.  Have been using Valvoline VR-1 20w-50 and straight 30w when I can find it. 

[Son of Marty]

Be sure what ever oil you use has a high zinc content to protect your cam shaft, not many of the oils that are formulated for new cars will have enough zinc for a m10 to use.

[jgerock]

35 minutes ago, Son of Marty said:

Be sure what ever oil you use has a high zinc content to protect your cam shaft, not many of the oils that are formulated for new cars will have enough zinc for a m10 to use.

Castrol now offers the GTX 20w-50 in a “classic” formulation with ZDDP.

[Mike Self]

Since I don't drive my cars when it's really cold (below 20 degrees F) I've been using 20w-50 for many years--conventional oil before the 73's overhaul, and 20W-50 Redline since.  Seems to work just fine--but I did notice that the synthetic oil shows a few lbs less oil pressure than conventional oil.  Just enough to notice, not to worry about.

 

mike

 

PS  still use conventional 20w-50 in the '69 as it's never been rebuilt and I don't want to change either brands or types at this stage in its life.

[jimk]

Either works, they are built for flat tappet cam/follower designs.  Super high oil pressure is not an indication that oil is flowing through bearings, it's all backed up in the galleys.

[Buckeye]

Start using this about 2 years ago and I like it better than Valvoline VR-1 20w-50. Engine seems running more quieter.

 

[John76]

What's the recommendation for a cylinder hone and new rings?

Rod and crank bearings are in good condition.

Head was rebuilt 5k miles ago and working well with Valvoline VR-1 20w-50.

Thanks,

John

[Son of Marty]

John, if your using a machinist use the oil they recommend, otherwise use a break in specific  oil. But before you settle on a ring job be sure to have your pistons checked out especially the ring lands this is a known m10 weak point. 

Edited January 5 by Son of Marty

[joebarthlow]

I've been happy with Delo and VR-1. Interested in checking out the Motul Classic

[John76]

15 hours ago, Son of Marty said:

before you settle on a ring job be sure to have your pistons checked out

Original pistons are within factory spec.  They look new!  I was actually hoping they would need replacing ... with higher CR.

The original rings were very worn and clogged with carbon, but the cylinder walls were perfect and only needed a light hone to deglaze.

[VWScott]

Oil is like religion everybody has their own opinions

[tech71]

Survivors high milage engine needs a quart+ top up every few weeks so this stuff is great for that.

At $3.29 a quart, its the cheapest I have located near me.

Made by Valvoline.

Once the overhauled engine goes in I may go with the high zinc Castrol 20-50 but honestly... Been driving 02s for many years using regular oil and camshafts have not been an issue, ever.

I think frequent, regular oil changes with proper SAE rated oil are way more important than what brand you use.

Edited January 6 by tech71