Does Castrol 10W 60 have an expiration date?

[03SG///M3]

I just bought a quart of Castrol 10W 60 from the dealership. There appears to be an expiration date (04.05.09) although when i asked the dealership, they said they didn't think there was an expiration date. Does anyone know for sure if this in fact the expiration date? Thanks

[JCtx]

That must be the 'production' date. You will expire before oil does , so don't worry. Good day.

[03SG///M3]

Ok - thanks. I was thinking that might be the production date. Thank you

I read somewhere that the shelf life for the 10w60 was about a year or two. Also, BMW requires you to change your M3 oil once a year regardless of the miles according to the user manual.

Can someone chime in and correct or validate the above response?

[Georgeair]

The "shelf life" of oil would be a new one to me, but may be a part of some more clever marketing by an enthusiastic sales force!

The oil in your bottle is sealed and uncontaminated. The oil in your engine picks up contaminants, water, gas, etc. each time the car is run, thus the annual change recommendation. If you poured it into a brand new engine and never started it, it would probably last forever there, too!

Don't sweat oil expiration on the shelf. Note - this does not apply to that opened bottle of brake fluid from 1992 you're thinking about using!!!