MINI2

roadsleeper · Sep 15th, 2004, 03:06 AM

Hi all,

Am expecting to be running a MCS within a few weeks and was wondering whether anyone had any suggestions as to the best engine oil grade for tropical (read mean temperature of 27 degrees C / 80 degrees F) weather.

I used to run Valvoline Synpower Synthetic in my Mk. IV Golf VR6 in the States, with a summer weight of 10w30, so I am planning to use the same oil for my incoming MCS.

However, I'm now stuck with the problem of living in the jungles of Singapore, so I'm wondering what grade to use. Instinct tells me 20w50 would suit me fine, any other suggestions?

JCIP · Sep 16th, 2004, 12:22 AM

My insticts suggested the 5-50, but I have been running the 5-30 with no problems. I am in Hawaii, and ambient air temps can range from 50 to 90 degrees F, depending on altitude. I regularly travel from sea level to 2500+ feet. The 5-30 is doing fine. I like the 5w lower to be sure that the SuperCharger and everything has a good initial oil supply at start-up.

roadsleeper · Sep 17th, 2004, 10:15 AM

Interesting reply, especially given that you're encountering somewhat similar climatic conditions as I am. Did you go with such a light weight because you thought it would expedite lubrication of moving parts?

I was using this chart (courtesy of www.chris-longhurst.com) as reference:

Anyone else want to share their experiences?

JCIP · Sep 17th, 2004, 06:41 PM

Yes Roadsleeper. I definately like the 5w so that there is a lightweight component to the oil on start-up and cool conditions. I change my oil @ 3000 miles anyway, so I don't worry about it breaking down. On some of my other cars I do run 10-50 or 20-50, but these are bigger cars with different engines. I don't think those motors have the tolerances of the Mini engine, and perhaps don't need the thinner oil component for good lubrication.

GordonD · Sep 17th, 2004, 07:34 PM

We get big temperature range in Torornto -30C to +30C and there have been no reported problems by anyone using the factory recommended 5W30 synthetic all year round

roadsleeper · Sep 23rd, 2004, 09:31 AM

Cheers for the information guys, much appreciated. Looks like I'll most likely go with the 5w30 once the break in is over.

Sep 15th, 2004, 03:06 AM	#1
roadsleeper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Singapore Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 39 Offline	Recommended engine oil grade for tropical weather? Hi all, Am expecting to be running a MCS within a few weeks and was wondering whether anyone had any suggestions as to the best engine oil grade for tropical (read mean temperature of 27 degrees C / 80 degrees F) weather. I used to run Valvoline Synpower Synthetic in my Mk. IV Golf VR6 in the States, with a summer weight of 10w30, so I am planning to use the same oil for my incoming MCS. However, I'm now stuck with the problem of living in the jungles of Singapore, so I'm wondering what grade to use. Instinct tells me 20w50 would suit me fine, any other suggestions?

Sep 17th, 2004, 07:34 PM	#5 (permalink)
GordonD MINI2 Master Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Mississauga, Ont, Ca Local Time: 03:19 PM Posts: 781 Offline	We get big temperature range in Torornto -30C to +30C and there have been no reported problems by anyone using the factory recommended 5W30 synthetic all year round aka KWKSLVR Member: Southern Ontario MINI Club BMW Club of Canada - Trillium Chapter

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Sep 16th, 2004, 12:22 AM	#2 (permalink)
JCIP MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Local Time: 09:19 AM Posts: 142 Offline	My insticts suggested the 5-50, but I have been running the 5-30 with no problems. I am in Hawaii, and ambient air temps can range from 50 to 90 degrees F, depending on altitude. I regularly travel from sea level to 2500+ feet. The 5-30 is doing fine. I like the 5w lower to be sure that the SuperCharger and everything has a good initial oil supply at start-up.

Sep 17th, 2004, 10:15 AM	#3 (permalink)
roadsleeper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Singapore Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 39 Offline	Interesting reply, especially given that you're encountering somewhat similar climatic conditions as I am. Did you go with such a light weight because you thought it would expedite lubrication of moving parts? I was using this chart (courtesy of www.chris-longhurst.com) as reference: Anyone else want to share their experiences?

Sep 17th, 2004, 06:41 PM	#4 (permalink)
JCIP MINI2 Regular Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Kailua-Kona, Hawaii Local Time: 09:19 AM Posts: 142 Offline	Yes Roadsleeper. I definately like the 5w so that there is a lightweight component to the oil on start-up and cool conditions. I change my oil @ 3000 miles anyway, so I don't worry about it breaking down. On some of my other cars I do run 10-50 or 20-50, but these are bigger cars with different engines. I don't think those motors have the tolerances of the Mini engine, and perhaps don't need the thinner oil component for good lubrication.

Sep 23rd, 2004, 09:31 AM	#6 (permalink)
roadsleeper MINI2 Newbie Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Singapore Local Time: 03:19 AM Posts: 39 Offline	Cheers for the information guys, much appreciated. Looks like I'll most likely go with the 5w30 once the break in is over.

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