Oil question

[Crybert]

So a friend asked about topping up his oil on his car. Apparently it’s used some and the light is on, fine.

i tell him to get the exact same as what’s already there. He tells me he doesn’t know and has no way of finding out. According to the manufacturer it should be 5w30.

he goes out and buys standard 5w30 stuff. I told him to just get a full oil service done so that all the oil is the same. Am I being too picky? I was always under the impression it should be the exact same oil.
Am I just an obsessed b*****d?

car is just an older e90 320i

 

[JamesBryan]

If the light is on, it's used more than 'some' surely...

May as well do an oil change as you say, for what it costs and peace of mind.

 

[Crybert]

If the light is on, it's used more than 'some' surely...

May as well do an oil change as you say, for what it costs and peace of mind.

I’d agree with that although I’m predominantly I’m asking about the oil brand. I’m sure I’ve been told they don’t mix the same if they are different brands or something along those lines

 

[Brigsy]

I would change it myself as could have anything in.

Usually no issues mixing semi/fully synth together regardless of brand and grade though, only have issues mixing synthetic with mineral, but f**k all modern runs mineral so wouldnt be too concerned.

 

[JamesBryan]

I’d agree with that although I’m predominantly I’m asking about the oil brand. I’m sure I’ve been told they don’t mix the same if they are different brands or something along those lines

All manufacturers will claim their oil does this and that, but they will all meet the car makers spec one way or another.

Topping up with a different brand won't make a great deal of a difference.

 

[Crybert]

I would change it myself as could have anything in.

Usually no issues mixing semi/fully synth together regardless of brand and grade though, only have issues mixing synthetic with mineral, but f**k all modern runs mineral so wouldnt be too concerned.

Cheers. Learn something new every day

 

[R3k1355]

What does he mean by the oil light? Is it saying low oil level or is it the low pressure light?

 

[Brigsy]

Cheers. Learn something new every day

Used to be a major issue if you mixed synthetic and mineral in the early days but i believe its not too bad now, id never try it though.

My ocd says that in something decent id use same brand and grade exclusively, however if its drinking oil then anything is better than none at all for people who never maintain their cars until the light is on.

 

[charltjr]

What does he mean by the oil light? Is it saying low oil level or is it the low pressure light?

The E90 has an oil level sensor so will bong at you when it needs a top up, but yes, valid question if we're dealing with someone who thinks they have no way of finding out what oil their car takes......

 

[Krarl]

I sometimes used to mix oil on my old dCi, I was a student and would just bang a litre of everything flavour of 5w40 I had🤣

If I use 4l of oil changing the oil of a neighbour's car you better believe I was keeping that litre🤣

 

[JamesBryan]

I sometimes used to mix oil on my old dCi, I was a student and would just bang a litre of everything flavour of 5w40 I had🤣

If I use 4l of oil changing the oil of a neighbour's car you better believe I was keeping that litre🤣

5w40 is 5w40 😂