Oil Analysis - Anyone do them?

[jvr826]

I've had two done on my car, has anyone else? I sure would like to compare with you if you have. I will post the PDFs, but was thinking about it tonight and wanted to shout out to the board to see if anyone else has any to share.

[MrMaico]

I had one done last spring after it sat all winter. That's the reason for the low miles when I had the analysis done.

http://mrmaico.smugmug.com/Cars/BMW-ZHP-misc/04-07-2010-064242PM/830593507_wJ3we-XL.jpg

[danewilson77]

Yup..........I don't have a record.....but I do have a record of someone who recently had there oil analyzed after some issues (going 60k without changing oil....for one)

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1374046&highlight=oil

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maintenance%20and%20Misc/oilreport.jpg

Ima get one done on the zhp soon.

[Washburn]

I got one done on my Tbird once - to rule out a coolant leak - (it was negative - good news).
I might get one done on the ZHP at a later mileage - just for kicks. I am not 100% sure which version of ELF oil I have in mine right now, but when i get it changed in about 2k miles, I will have BMW OEM oil in it, and I might do a 8k analysis with that....

[jvr826]

So here's mine... different wear than the others and has been this way since early on. I followed break-in as directed. I do more mountain twisties than freeway driving living where I do.

I've run BMW Synth except for two times. Once Castrol 5w30, the other Mobil 1 0w40. When that was in I did a track weekend that ended with a seized lifter and scored exhaust camshaft, both replaced under warranty. Dealer did not have an explanation, but their first resolution attempt was to change the oil. They did not know M1 was in there at the time.

[shadowpuck]

i've used blackstone on all my cars.....i'll post some up when i get a chance.

[billschusteriv]

Last time I did an oil analysis is when I did them myself in the Navy.

Anyone have a recommendation on how to get started? Companies to look for? Where to send? Kits to buy?

[MsRN]

I'm doing one on my ZHP this week (8k on BMW 5W30, longer than I like to go). I'll post it once it's done.

I'm using Blackstone Labs for the engine oil analysis, and will do the same for my diff oil, which has 68k on the original oil (I bought the ZHP at 40k, as a former lease car and service loaner. Risky, I know, but I believe in preventive maintenance, and for $17900, not a huge risk).

Has anyone here used Blackstone for their transmission fluids? I'm thinking to do that, too.

[Washburn]

I've run BMW Synth except for two times. Once Castrol 5w30, the other Mobil 1 0w40..
But BMW synth IS Castrol 5w 30 syn.! Just relabeled as "BMW"

[Washburn]

Blackstone labs here:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

[Washburn]

Last time I did an oil analysis is when I did them myself in the Navy.
Anyone have a recommendation on how to get started? Companies to look for? Where to send? Kits to buy?
Blackstone labs here:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

I'd pay the extra $10 or so and also get TBN included - can say a lot about how the engine is treating the oil; I think it's worth it.

[danewilson77]

Speaking of oils.....just noted (actually noted a long time ago) and finally verified, available, that Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30 is available for about $25.00 (5 qt jug), and meets LL-01 spec.

I am a pretty faithful M1 user....but I can almost get my oil changes down to $40.00/change by going this route.

Think protection is the same? I would guess if it meets the spec..it would be gtg.

[jvr826]

But BMW synth IS Castrol 5w 30 syn.! Just relabeled as "BMW"

German Castrol is, from the ongoing debate, but not regular old Castrol. After my issue I just decided BMW oil was the only choice for me. I have fairly easy access and recently, a friend of mine buys it 100 quarts at a time and gives me a deal on it.

[Washburn]

Oh i know - sorry I should've been more specific: I didn't mean that the syntec 5/30 that you can buy here in the USA is being relabeled as BMW. What I meant was that the BMW oil is a syn 5w-30 made for BMW by Castrol. (probably Castrol Edge or Softec in Europe). But there's no evidence that this is a superior syn 5w/30 than the "regular" syntec 5w/30, so the difference between "BMW" oil and the Castrol might not be that big...

My plan is to go with "BMW" 5w/30 also. The indep. BMW shop that I plan to go to, uses BMW 5w/30 and switches to a LL01 spec. 5w/40 when the cars hit 100k miles.

[MsRN]

Speaking of oils.....just noted (actually noted a long time ago) and finally verified, available, that Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W-30 is available for about $25.00 (5 qt jug), and meets LL-01 spec.

I am a pretty faithful M1 user....but I can almost get my oil changes down to $40.00/change by going this route.

Think protection is the same? I would guess if it meets the spec..it would be gtg.

Dane: See the following: http://www.bimmerfile.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/bmw-ll-01_ll-01-fe-recommended-synthetic-oils.pdf

[danewilson77]

Yeah...that info comes directly from the BMWUSA website.

Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk

[MsRN]

Another fascinating thread...

http://bimmer.tribe.net/thread/cf7e78ff-0840-46cd-af6a-d7c8ab637182

My guess, Dane, is that if the oil you want to use meets ACEA A3 specs, and is LL-01 certified, it's probably safe to use. That said, I'd suggest an oil analysis at 7-8k, just to be sure.

FWIW, I consider BMW-labeled oil to be cheap insurance, and not too pricey at $50-$60 (including stock filter) for routine oil changes. Over the lifetime of the car (300000 miles, if I'm REALLY lucky), that's perhaps an additional $400-$800 over 15-20 years. Then again, I tend to buy for keeps, so I look at oil changes as long-term investments...

[Maximus57]

I remember seeing the word "Castrol" on the cars oil cap. I've also seen on an M3 oil cap as well.

[billschusteriv]

Thanks Washburn. I'll check these guys out. I have about 1k miles to go before I hit 7500 on this oil change.

[danewilson77]

Another fascinating thread...

http://bimmer.tribe.net/thread/cf7e78ff-0840-46cd-af6a-d7c8ab637182

My guess, Dane, is that if the oil you want to use meets ACEA A3 specs, and is LL-01 certified, it's probably safe to use. That said, I'd suggest an oil analysis at 7-8k, just to be sure.

FWIW, I consider BMW-labeled oil to be cheap insurance, and not too pricey at $50-$60 (including stock filter) for routine oil changes. Over the lifetime of the car (300000 miles, if I'm REALLY lucky), that's perhaps an additional $400-$800 over 15-20 years. Then again, I tend to buy for keeps, so I look at oil changes as long-term investments...

Agree. I am pretty M1 faithful though...and it is approved at the BMW website...so all is good.

[billschusteriv]

Blackstone labs here:
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

I'd pay the extra $10 or so and also get TBN included - can say a lot about how the engine is treating the oil; I think it's worth it.

From http://www.blackstone-labs.com/do-i-need-a-tbn.php:
"A TBN (total base number) measures the amount of active additive left in a sample of oil. The TBN is useful for people who want to extend their oil usage far beyond the normal range."

I don't know that I would want to extend the oil usage beyond the "normal range", but after listening to their explanation of TBN, it would be nice to know the state of our oil as it approaches or when it is in the 7,500-15,000 mile range.

I just ordered a kit - for FREE from Blackstone Labs. No payment until I send in the sample. Then its $25 for the standard analysis and $10 additional if I opt to do the TBN (which might not be a bad idea).

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/free-test-kits.php

I've got less than 500 miles until my next oil change... should change it this weekend - but things are hectic since we leave for FL next wednesday. May have to wait until we get back, which is not what I'd prefer, but have to get the house and things for our trip in order.

Will update this thread with analysis results when I get them (turnaround time can be up to a month - eep! :blink).

[shadowpuck]

i test fairly often with blackstone - it's never taken a month for my results.

using their TBN testing, i was able to extend my change interval on our 5 series and save a little bit of money.
they were quite helpful also in deciding which oil to run in my track car.

ever want to know more about oil than you ever thought one could possibly learn? check out bob is the oil guy - just google it - or, call blackstone. amazing depth of knowledge.

[jvr826]

When I sent in my last sample (Jeep) I checked the "send more kits" box and they arrived yesterday... a dozen of them! I'll never use those up and they're pre-printed with my info on the slips.

[MsRN]

I sent in the Blackstone kit by First-class mail Friday, and received an email back with the analysis today. So, here it is...

243


I'm a little concerned about the copper and lead values. As backstory, I should mention that when I bought the car, I had it taken in for inspection at a local BMW dealership, and was told that oil had been changed around 9k miles, and then again at Service Inspection I. After I bought the car, the data regarding the first oil change were nowhere to be found, and the Service Inspection was revealed to have been performed at about 39k miles, shortly before I purchased the car. Given the cars history, first as a service loaner, then as a lease, I became somewhat more concerned that perhaps the car had been less-well-treated than I had thought prior to purchase. I had my local dealership inspect the car, and they found nothing of concern, except that the summer tires were approaching end-of-life, and one of the rims had a small dent that should be repaired.

Soooo...I guess this car might really have gone 39k without an oil change, and these numbers could represent 'sludge washout', as is hopefully also the case with Danes friend Toms car. Fortunately, I'm a little more conservative with my oil change frequency (5,000-7,500 miles), so I'm hoping that will extend the life of the engine.

Finally, the 'dumb blonde' question (no, I'm not, BTW): What exactly are the bearings to which Blackstone refer in their report?

[jvr826]

The copper is kinda high, but lead is similar to mine. I've owned mine since new and have done 7500 mile oil changes since new too. Well, I let the SI count down to 7500 remaining and do a change then. It ends up being more often than 7500 since I track the car and go thru tons of fuel during those weekends. I can see the SI lose 1000 miles after two days at the track.

My wear is consistent between the two samples I've sent in, but more than I'd expect. I did one on a 1999 F150 4.6 truck I purchased used with unknown history. The sample was taken about about 117k miles, 20k I've put on. It is wearing better than the BMW. So is my motorcycle for that matter... 15 years old, 112k miles, barely any wear on the report.

[danewilson77]

I sent in the Blackstone kit by First-class mail Friday, and received an email back with the analysis today. So, here it is...

243


I'm a little concerned about the copper and lead values. As backstory, I should mention that when I bought the car, I had it taken in for inspection at a local BMW dealership, and was told that oil had been changed around 9k miles, and then again at Service Inspection I. After I bought the car, the data regarding the first oil change were nowhere to be found, and the Service Inspection was revealed to have been performed at about 39k miles, shortly before I purchased the car. Given the cars history, first as a service loaner, then as a lease, I became somewhat more concerned that perhaps the car had been less-well-treated than I had thought prior to purchase. I had my local dealership inspect the car, and they found nothing of concern, except that the summer tires were approaching end-of-life, and one of the rims had a small dent that should be repaired.

Soooo...I guess this car might really have gone 39k without an oil change, and these numbers could represent 'sludge washout', as is hopefully also the case with Danes friend Toms car. Fortunately, I'm a little more conservative with my oil change frequency (5,000-7,500 miles), so I'm hoping that will extend the life of the engine.

Finally, the 'dumb blonde' question (no, I'm not, BTW): What exactly are the bearings to which Blackstone refer in their report?

I recommend for the next 7500 miles..you change out only filters every 1500 miles....then have oil reanalyzed.

[kayger12]

MS- Bearings could either be referring to the connecting rod bearings (parts 5/6 below)
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/b/z/1.png

Or the half-moon shaped parts in the crankshaft diagram below
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/diagrams/d/k/8.png

If it were me, I would want to get the valve cover off and see what it looks like in there. If you have a sludge problem, there are some aggressive steps that you could take to address it similar to what Dane went through with Tom's car.

Short of that, I would shorten up your oil change interval and get another analysis. Also like Dane's idea of changing out the filter frequently.

[jvr826]

If you have a sludge problem, there are some aggressive steps that you could take to address it similar to what Dane went through with Tom's car.

What would those aggressive steps be? I have a Jeep I6 that's seriously sludged up. I've run Sea Foam thru it, but Blackstone suggested i drop the pan and clean it out after seeing pics of what the head looked like when I opened it up. I need to psych myself up for that job as I may have to drop the exhaust to get to it.

[kayger12]

What would those aggressive steps be? I have a Jeep I6 that's seriously sludged up. I've run Sea Foam thru it, but Blackstone suggested i drop the pan and clean it out after seeing pics of what the head looked like when I opened it up. I need to psych myself up for that job as I may have to drop the exhaust to get to it.

Aggressive would be opening her up, cleaning out what sludge you can get to by hand, and then running some Auto RX treatments and oil flushes similar to what Dane did with Tom's car (link here for those who aren't familiar) (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1374046&highlight=oil+sludge)

Really aggressive would be a complete engine tear-down and cleaning-- but I don't think that's a realistic option for most people.

[jvr826]

HOLY SMOKES! 60k miles! FWIW, my Jeep's motor looked just like that and the PO claimed 3k changes with dino. Maybe he did, but the owner before him certainly did not. I am going to drop the pan, clean it out and anything I can reach under there too. I used Sea Foam and a toothbrush to clean up the rods and rockers when I had the head off for replacement. It did an amazing job.

Not to hijack, but some photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8733184@N05/sets/72157624819322263/) of how Seafoam worked in case anyone wants try it.

[danewilson77]

HOLY SMOKES! 60k miles! FWIW, my Jeep's motor looked just like that and the PO claimed 3k changes with dino. Maybe he did, but the owner before him certainly did not. I am going to drop the pan, clean it out and anything I can reach under there too. I used Sea Foam and a toothbrush to clean up the rods and rockers when I had the head off for replacement. It did an amazing job.

Not to hijack, but some photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8733184@N05/sets/72157624819322263/) of how Seafoam worked in case anyone wants try it.

:rofl...I love the reaction.

So....have fun lifting the tranny when you drop the pan.

[danewilson77]

Aggressive would be opening her up, cleaning out what sludge you can get to by hand, and then running some Auto RX treatments and oil flushes similar to what Dane did with Tom's car (link here for those who aren't familiar) (http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1374046&highlight=oil+sludge)

Really aggressive would be a complete engine tear-down and cleaning-- but I don't think that's a realistic option for most people.

That one thread got Bf.c 361,000 views....lol

[kayger12]

Not to hijack, but some photos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/8733184@N05/sets/72157624819322263/) of how Seafoam worked in case anyone wants try it.

Nice work on that!

[jvr826]

I was really impressed with the stuff, but it didn't do anything just soaking. It needed to be agitated to work.

[billschusteriv]

Results of my latest oil analysis:

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad185/bill_schuster/E46060-1.jpg