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Oil Changes

3390 Views 26 Replies 17 Participants Last post by  MotorDaddy79
Any ideas what the oil change frequency should be and what type of oil to use? Also, any information on kits for the LT oil change would be appreciated.
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You're going to get at least a dozen different opinions on each issue... Use the search function to see what I mean. Or are you trolling for a dogpile? ;) - and I just took the bait.

And then there's what filter to use (or not use)...

It really depends on where you are on the spectrum of saving money vs. peace of mind.

Not to blow off your question: I use Pennzoil 20W-50 and the Bosch 72161 filter (with the decal peeled off). I change the oil once a year, but I average only maybe 5000 miles or so per season.

Many prefer synthetic oil. Some swear by 3000 miles per change.

And I see you have a fairly new low mileage LT. Many folks here like to run regular oil for several thousand miles before switching to synthetic. I've never used synthetic, so someone who knows more can chime in, or again, just search. You won't find a lack of information here concerning things like oil, tires, batteries, etc.

Welcome!
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JGroves said:
You're going to get at least a dozen different opinions on each issue...
That few you think?

I decided to stop chaning my oil. Since there is so much disagreement on the issue I don't know what to do and so I have defaulted to doing nothing :)
copperstatetour said:
That few you think?

I decided to stop chaning my oil. Since there is so much disagreement on the issue I don't know what to do and so I have defaulted to doing nothing :)
Well, if you're using ****** you don't HAVE to, right?

(Just kidding, ****** guys. Really...)

Edit: OMG they blanked it out. That says it all!!
JGroves said:
Well, if you're using ****** you don't HAVE to, right?

(Just kidding, ****** guys. Really...)

Edit: OMG they blanked it out. That says it all!!
:histerica That's what ole Toad has used since 2000. I keep forgetting how to spell it, so I just ask for ******!!!! :histerica
dukester said:
Any ideas what the oil change frequency should be and what type of oil to use? Also, any information on kits for the LT oil change would be appreciated.
r_figueroa said:
Has anyone had experience replacing the original Metzlers (which I believe are bias-ply) with radials such as the Bridgestone Battlax? Any changes in handling, etc? Suspension is stock, no changes (at least not yet).
A new oil thread AND a new tire thread in the SAME day... You guys have already made my week.
Come on...somebody has to say what Popeye uses.
ibbones said:
Come on...somebody has to say what Popeye uses.
Spinach? Really? :histerica
Beemerick said:
A new oil thread AND a new tire thread in the SAME day... You guys have already made my week.
It's just like old times.
ibbones said:
Come on...somebody has to say what Popeye uses.

Who said that?!?
I don't need prompting. :) :histerica


Here ya go:

Popeye likes Olive Oil.
dukester said:
Any ideas what the oil change frequency should be and what type of oil to use? Also, any information on kits for the LT oil change would be appreciated.
BMW specifies crankcase oil changes at 6000 miles. Tranny and FD at 12K miles.

Your owner's manual will tell you what weight crankcase oil is appropriate for the operating temps in your area, and give specs on oil type (specs that just about any old crankcase oil will meet). After that, you have to take the advice of everyone on this site and use what they tell you to. ;)

I've used everything from Mobil 1 to WalMart Tech brand oil.

I'm sure my gas mileage is better with Mobil 1 but not so much that I can tell. And I just know my KLT engine is going to last much longer with synthetic, I'm sure of it. My wallet mileage is much better with WalMart Tech brand.

Popeye likes Olive Oil.

Beemerboneyard.com has service kits.

Don't worry, be happy.
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Yep, you'll get 10,000 replies and opinions on this, but there are 2 comments that i believe are justified - 1. Don't use the bike for short runs (short = less than 20 minutes), particularly in cold climates as this severenly impacts the conditions inside the crankcase due to condensate accumulation in the oil, and water is not a good lubricant and neither is oil with water in it. 2. HD stands for high detergent (Not Harley Davidson), and this is important for the starter sprag clutch. Diesel engine oils, especially those rated for turbocharged engines meet this spec and are kind to the starter sprag. Your choice whether to run them always or sometimes.
If you don't use Castrol 20W50 your engine will explode................ :kaboom:
dukester said:
Any ideas what the oil change frequency should be and what type of oil to use? Also, any information on kits for the LT oil change would be appreciated.
Frequency is 3.17E-8 Hz
Type and viscosity as specified in the owner's manual for your climate
BeemerBoneYard for the kits
rattler50 said:
If you don't use Castrol 20W50 your engine will explode................ :kaboom:
Dino or synthetic?
Dino won't explode 'cause it's already been in an explosion when the Big Bang killed all the Dinosaurs, or was that before ,............. anyway they're all dead and that oil is from their pooh, and it's good enough for the job. I think it needs to be tipped back into the ground when you're finished with it, 'cause that's where it came from. Hope this all makes sense to someone.
K100Dennis said:
Dino won't explode 'cause it's already been in an explosion when the Big Bang killed all the Dinosaurs, or was that before ,............. anyway they're all dead and that oil is from their pooh, and it's good enough for the job. I think it needs to be tipped back into the ground when you're finished with it, 'cause that's where it came from. Hope this all makes sense to someone.
Around here you can't even put a floor drain in a garage anymore on a new build!
That's because when the EPA recruits, they look for sour faced people who are way too serious, no sense of humour any more. Not allowed to put sump oil on gravel roads anymore, not allowed to tip oil in the sewer anymore, not allowed to take a dump in a toilet if you've eaten heaps of olive oil,............ woops, went a bit far !
K100Dennis said:
Dino won't explode 'cause it's already been in an explosion when the Big Bang killed all the Dinosaurs, or was that before ,............. anyway they're all dead and that oil is from their pooh, and it's good enough for the job. I think it needs to be tipped back into the ground when you're finished with it, 'cause that's where it came from. Hope this all makes sense to someone.
O.K. I' ll switch to synthetic ASAP!
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