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      07-05-2010, 05:30 AM   #1
1stM3
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What's the difference between Castrol TWS 10W-60, Edge 10W-60 and other Catrol 10W-60

Please advise - I know the Edge 10W-60 states that it is specifically engineered for the BMW M models. But can I use the normal Castrol 10W-60 for my E93 M3?

Help!

many thanks.
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      07-05-2010, 06:50 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stM3 View Post
Please advise - I know the Edge 10W-60 states that it is specifically engineered for the BMW M models. But can I use the normal Castrol 10W-60 for my E93 M3?

Help!

many thanks.

I was under the impression that there is only one 10w60 castrol formula and that Edge was the marketing name for Europe and TWS is the marketing name for North America.
I could be wrong though.
TWS also states on the bottle that it is specifically engineered for BMW M models.
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      07-05-2010, 07:34 AM   #3
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In Europe, The correct oil for an M3 is Castrol 10w60 Edge.

There is another called Castrol 10w60 Edge sport which isn't approved for M models

The old M3 approved oil was called Castrol TWS 10w60

The none approved was called Castrol 10w60 RS
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      07-05-2010, 11:31 AM   #4
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It's probably marketing crap. BMW reportedly asked Castrol they wanted a different name for oil sold to them, hence the 'TWS'. So no, you won't find TWS anywhere other than BMW dealers. However, it's supposedly the same oil as the new Castrol Edge 10w/60. A site like bobistheoilguy.com could confirm or deny that, if you're interested. The most important thing is to make sure it's a group IV base stock, like TWS. Finally, I can't find it locally, so will keep ordering it from Tischer once a year for my annual oil change (yes, I like to do it myself).
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      07-05-2010, 12:19 PM   #5
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If the specifications on the oil are accurate, what difference if company A made 10w60 versus company B?
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      07-05-2010, 12:59 PM   #6
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Exclamation There is a marked difference

TWS has almost 3x better film strength than Edge Sport...
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      07-05-2010, 01:14 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BlackLight View Post
TWS has almost 3x better film strength than Edge Sport...
Which would be critical for a high-revving engine
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      07-05-2010, 05:21 PM   #8
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The BMW TSB SI B11 08 98 regarding engine oil for M engines calls for "Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil".

The Castrol RS is the pre-2000 formulation. After 2000, the Castrol RS product was reformulated and lost its BMW approval.

According to Castrol, EDGE 10w-60 is the same as TWS.

As Blacklight says, Castrol RS SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil, also called Castrol TWS Motorsport SAE 10W-60 Synthetic Oil, also called Edge 10w-60 has a higher film strength than other Castrol 10w-60 products. I have read that the BMW Approved product is ester-based (it's a direct competitor to ELF and Motul ester racing oils) while the non-approved formulations are PAO based.
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      07-05-2010, 05:29 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JAJ View Post
I have read that the BMW Approved product is ester-based (it's a direct competitor to ELF and Motul ester racing oils) while the non-approved formulations are PAO based.
That'd make it a group V then, which is the best. Interesting. Can somebody confirm this? Just curious.

The other reality is for folks like me, who drive 5K miles a year, rather than 15K, it makes little difference. When you start stretching oil changes is when a better oil starts to make a difference. I'd never go over 7.5K miles regardless of oil, like most folks adhere to here.
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      07-05-2010, 09:19 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by alpina527 View Post
In Europe, The correct oil for an M3 is Castrol 10w60 Edge.

There is another called Castrol 10w60 Edge sport which isn't approved for M models

The old M3 approved oil was called Castrol TWS 10w60

The none approved was called Castrol 10w60 RS

Is there a difference in the price for non-BMW approved Castrol 10W-60 and EDGE 10W-60? If so, any idea how much the differential is? Tx!!
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      07-06-2010, 11:37 AM   #11
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i wish amsoil made a 10w-60
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      07-06-2010, 02:11 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrackRat View Post
Until then use the BMW approved Castrol 10W-60 product to protect your engine and your warranty.
The reason I'll keep using TWS is to conserve my warranty. BMW doesn't have any incentive to 'approve' other oils since they're making money off TWS. And don't think they're too worried about your engine when they're 'recommending' oil changes every 15K miles, just because they're paying for that.
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      07-06-2010, 04:53 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TrackRat View Post
If BMW didn't care about your engine they wouldn't bother telling you the correct oil to use that is derived from actual engineered tests.
Don't be a fanboy man. Can you see the dollar sign all over that? You can use $1 dollar oil and your engine would be fine at 50K miles if oil is changed frequently. Tell me what the hell is different from our engine to, let's say, Honda's S2000 that revs about the same? How about Porsche's 3.8L GT3's engine? It's even more impressive than ours (more HP and torque out of less cylinders and less displacement), revs even higher, and uses 'mundane' Mobil1 5/40. It's just a marketing scheme, and they can get away with that because they're paying for service.

And no, I don't own a Porsche or an S2000 but an E92 M3; I just don't happen to be blind with brand 'loyalty' with anything. But since most of us (including me) will keep using TWS at least for fear of losing our warranty, this discussion is pretty much over . Good day.
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      07-23-2010, 05:24 PM   #14
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I was speaking to an Alpina technician at the Goodwood FOS a few weeks back and he told me a lot of very interesting info about the M division, oils and tuning, a lot of it I wouldn't like to publish. He worked for BMW for 12 years before joining Alpina too.

Alpina test programme is very special indeed, modelling, wind tunnel, road and track. Sorry getting off track

Anyway, they have run E92 M3 on either 5/30 or 5/40 and the 0-60 drops by 2 tenths.
The engine did consume more oil too compared to when filled with 10/60.
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      07-24-2010, 03:01 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ant Man View Post
Alpina test programme is very special indeed, modelling, wind tunnel, road and track.
Heck Tata Motors does this kind of stuff, it is not the realm of premier brands or race divisions these days.

Quote:
Originally Posted by TrackRat View Post
I'll bet $100 that 0-60 will NOT drop 2 tenths of a second by changing from a 5w-40 to a 5w-30. Wanna bet?????
Add $100 from me.
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      07-24-2010, 05:04 PM   #16
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I agree with you, but my question is: do we really know (hard evidence) that the TWS is just a top of the line castrol with a different label?

A brand can indeed ask for a specific characteristic in an oil, or a specific additive. Maybe the M engines are just not able to handle any oil. The Porsche engine maybe be able to go along a generic one.

It's difficult to know with no evidence of it.


Quote:
Originally Posted by elp_jc View Post
Don't be a fanboy man. Can you see the dollar sign all over that? You can use $1 dollar oil and your engine would be fine at 50K miles if oil is changed frequently. Tell me what the hell is different from our engine to, let's say, Honda's S2000 that revs about the same? How about Porsche's 3.8L GT3's engine? It's even more impressive than ours (more HP and torque out of less cylinders and less displacement), revs even higher, and uses 'mundane' Mobil1 5/40. It's just a marketing scheme, and they can get away with that because they're paying for service.

And no, I don't own a Porsche or an S2000 but an E92 M3; I just don't happen to be blind with brand 'loyalty' with anything. But since most of us (including me) will keep using TWS at least for fear of losing our warranty, this discussion is pretty much over . Good day.
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      07-26-2010, 09:06 AM   #17
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A friend of mine is a tribologist. I could ask her what her thoughts are on the different Castrols are. She provided a TON of good information about oils for VW 1.8T motors on my VW forum.
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      07-26-2010, 08:46 PM   #18
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According to the forum and BMW, Castrol TWS 10W60 and Castrol Edge 10W60 (not Edge Sport) are approved for our M vehicles.

I have been worried as I can only get Edge Sport and not Edge or TWS around here, and I am concerned Edge Sport might not be the right oil for my car. Any ideas if composition-wise or film strength, Edge Sport is different than TWS or Edge?

Thanks very much!
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      01-09-2011, 11:21 AM   #19
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I wouldn't touch the sport. It is VERY different. I believe it's not even a synthetic if memory serves me.
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      01-09-2011, 02:32 PM   #20
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Garage List
Castrol has been marketing the heck out of Edge that last couple months (TV ad with guy's hair blowing back when he picks up a bottle). On tha main Castrol USA website it is listed as an "Advanced Formula" lubricant, above their "Performance" category. Here is the website: http://www.castroledgeusa.com/.

It claims 8X better wear protection than Mobil 1, and at least equal to Mobil 1 Extended Performance. Only 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 & 10W-30 are listed for the US, however. In Europe it also comes in 0W-30, 0W-40, 0W-30 Turbo Diesel, 0W-40 Turbo Diesel and our favorite, 10W-60. The Edge US website says, "Watch out for other Castrol Edge viscosity grades coming in the future."

They are touting extended drain intervals of 15,000 miles/1 year, which is of course, what the M3 recommended change interval is.

Last edited by GregW / Oregon; 01-10-2011 at 11:51 AM..
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      01-09-2011, 02:35 PM   #21
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There is one good reason to use non approved oil, and that is its good for your engine! When BMW approves an oil, it compromises engine longevity with CATALYST longevity. Now guess which one government regulations require them to warranty for longer? Yup, the cat. Most manufacturer specified oils are good for cats and recently mileage and not good for the engine. Look at the latest oil standards - SN, etc. The is the crap ford is using 0W20! Obviously 10W60 is not MPG focused oil, the M division has a say here. But that is why I would consider using the boutique NON approved oils, as they are likely to be good for the engine and eat your cat over 50,000 miles. But many here run cat less.

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      01-20-2011, 09:38 AM   #22
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Castrol TWS only sold at BMW dealerships is an Ester base oil. The other Castrol 10w-60's available retail are PAO base. Castrol Edge 10w-60 may be TWS in markets where TWS isn't available. You'll have to look at the API rating.

TWS is no joke.

Search Doug Hillary on BITOG. He was party to the development of the precursor of Castrol TWS going back to the late 70's and has a tremendous amount of experience with the development/testing of Castrol and Mobil lubricants.

Last edited by F32Fleet; 01-20-2011 at 09:44 AM..
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