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      09-15-2012, 06:46 PM   #1
sensi09
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Adding oil when Castrol TWS 10w-60 is not available

Needed to add a quart last night and of course 10w-60 is not readily available.

Stopped by a walmart which was the only place open and the options were:

Castrol Edge w/Titanium 5W30 (gold bottle)
Castrol Edge w/Syntec 5W30

Mobil 1 0W40
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W30

Ended up with the gold bottle of Castrol Edge as I've read it's the same as TWS.

Anything negative from using a different weight? And any tips on what oil to use when OEM or 10W60 is not available?
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      09-15-2012, 06:48 PM   #2
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You may use another oil with similar specs. BUT, very small amounts for topping off purposes only. The manual states this, but I'm not sure what weights exactly you can top off with.
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      09-15-2012, 06:48 PM   #3
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A small top off isnt a big deal but you should always strive to use the correct weight..I know of only 2

Castrol TWS 10W 60
LiquiMoly 10W 60
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      09-15-2012, 06:51 PM   #4
sensi09
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I have an appointment for an oil change on wednesday and will pick up a bottle of OEM then. And try to get it free as it seems some have done.
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      09-15-2012, 06:54 PM   #5
sensi09
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Per the manual:

Approved oils belong in the following viscosity classes: SAE 0W40, SAE 0W30, SAE 5W40, and SAE 5W-30.

Actually see no mention of the 10W60 weight in the manual.
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      09-15-2012, 07:04 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sensi09 View Post
Per the manual:

Approved oils belong in the following viscosity classes: SAE 0W40, SAE 0W30, SAE 5W40, and SAE 5W-30.

Actually see no mention of the 10W60 weight in the manual.
You're looking in the manual for the general 3 Series cars. You need to be looking in the M3 Supplement, which DOES specify 10W-60 as the ONLY approved oil class, but under "Alternative oil types" says:

You can add small quantities of other synthetic oils. Only use oils with the following specifications:

VISCOSITY:
Preferred: SAE 10W-60;
Alternative: SAE 10W-40, SAE 5W-50 or SAE 10W-50

SPECIFICATION:
API SJ/CF, API SK/CF or higher


So OP, it looks like none of those weights you found at Walmart would be good. I agree with others, just ask your SA for a bottle of OEM next time; many give you one for free, considering it part of Ultimate Service. And also for next time, before posting here, . Just make sure you read the RIGHT manual.

Last edited by jphughan; 09-15-2012 at 07:20 PM..
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      09-15-2012, 07:26 PM   #7
sensi09
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Yeah just figured that out http://www.m3post.com/goodiesforyou/e92-m3-manual.PDF

Thought I downloaded the 2010 M3 manual last night with the correct weights, but I guess not. http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...modelcode=1054

Should of added 10W40 which I'm pretty sure they had, but was looking for the wrong stuff.....oh well
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      10-04-2012, 08:49 AM   #8
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Just grab an extra bottle or two at the dealer to keep at home or in the car. No reason to have to deal with putting non-spec oil in. The dealer even sells a handy case with gloves and a funnel to carry in the car.
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      10-04-2012, 10:48 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by THE TECH View Post
Just grab an extra bottle or two at the dealer to keep at home or in the car. No reason to have to deal with putting non-spec oil in. The dealer even sells a handy case with gloves and a funnel to carry in the car.
+1. here's a link to the case-
http://www.bavauto.com/shop.asp the link didn't work all the way,just search for bmw oil travel container

it sticks to the side of the trunk,then you've always got one when you need it.
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      10-04-2012, 10:52 AM   #10
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Two things:

1. Never go ATM
2. Always keep a spare quart in the trunk

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991 GT3, Sold: '11 e92 M3 SG/FR ZCP|ZCV|ZP2|2MK|494|415|6NR|752
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      10-04-2012, 11:05 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tibra1 View Post
A small top off isnt a big deal but you should always strive to use the correct weight..I know of only 2

Castrol TWS 10W 60
LiquiMoly 10W 60
Redline makes a 10w60 specifically for use in BMW M cars.
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      10-22-2012, 03:43 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tlp View Post
Two things:

1. Never go ATM
2. Always keep a spare quart in the trunk

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      02-11-2017, 08:43 PM   #13
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I'm in this exact predicament right now. Just bought a used E92 M3 out of state and got the "add a qt" warning about 300 miles in. Frustrating.

It's Saturday night and no one is open, and tomorrow is Sunday and it appears most BMW dealers are closed. Currently stuck in Toledo OH trying to make it to Virginia tomorrow.

Any ideas? I'm thinking of calling around to Indy shops tomorrow to try to find some, but if I can't, what's the best compromise that's available from AutoZone, Walmart, etc?

Thanks in advance.
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