Any reason to NOT switch to 5w30?

[EvilMKV]

My '23 3.0 premium is due to arrive at the dealer the first week of May in Tennessee. I'm in Florida, so will be making a trip of it and driving it home after spending several days at Tail of the Dragon to break it in properly.

Once I get it home it will no doubt have over 1200 miles on it so I plan to pretty much immediately change the oil once it's home.

I planned on switching it over to liquid moly 5w30 and just running that indefinitely as I feel like 0w20 is a little thin for this motor and how I drive. Car will likely see occasional autocross and track days as well.

Is there any reason I shouldn't make the switch to a slightly heavier weight oil right from the start?

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[calmeda1]

Only thing I can think is if something happens to your engine (not necessarily oil related), and the dealer identifies that you're not using 0W-20, they can try to blame the engine failure on you. This also depends on how shitty your dealer is.

This is just my assumption.

 

[EvilMKV]

Only thing I can think is if something happens to your engine (not necessarily oil related), and the dealer identifies that you're not using 0W-20, they can try to blame the engine failure on you. This also depends on how shitty your dealer is.

This is just my assumption.

I was thinking that as well, but I don't think that would ever be an issue, plus, they would have to do a full oil analysis to even see that was the case. Plus, I believe 5w30 falls within the recommended oil weights in the owners manual based on climate conditions.

 

[calmeda1]

I was thinking that as well, but I don't think that would ever be an issue, plus, they would have to do a full oil analysis to even see that was the case. Plus, I believe 5w30 falls within the recommended oil weights in the owners manual based on climate conditions.

I agree, chances of that happening are very low. There's just some few dealers that will look up any excuse to not work on a car. Other than that, I'm not really sure if there's another reason not to switch.

 

[J29DB03]

I was thinking that as well, but I don't think that would ever be an issue, plus, they would have to do a full oil analysis to even see that was the case. Plus, I believe 5w30 falls within the recommended oil weights in the owners manual based on climate conditions.

0w-30 is listed in the manual, not 5w-30. But to answer your question, take every reason people say to change to 5w-30 and reverse it for the reasons not to change. Translation: use what you would like.

 

[PikkaGTR]

Castrol edge European formula 5w30
You're welcome

 

[BigRon]

Afaik 5w30 is not available in API SN+ or SP which reduces the change of lspi.

And you can check your engine oil temperature.
If it stays below 120C (240F) there is no reason to go for a thicker oil.
Which it is without a tune or even a Stage1 unless you drivin on track in the desert

 

[Axix23]

My '23 3.0 premium is due to arrive at the dealer the first week of May in Tennessee. I'm in Florida, so will be making a trip of it and driving it home after spending several days at Tail of the Dragon to break it in properly.

Once I get it home it will no doubt have over 1200 miles on it so I plan to pretty much immediately change the oil once it's home.

I planned on switching it over to liquid moly 5w30 and just running that indefinitely as I feel like 0w20 is a little thin for this motor and how I drive. Car will likely see occasional autocross and track days as well.

Is there any reason I shouldn't make the switch to a slightly heavier weight oil right from the start?

Why not switch to 0w30?

 

[Evolution]

The difference from 0w to 5w is basically nothing in summer months. Once warmed up, it's the same oil.

 

[Axix23]

The difference from 0w to 5w is basically nothing in summer months. Once warmed up, it's the same oil.

That maybe true but I rather have the turbo get oil right away on a cold start even in summer temps. It’s personal preference. First number is for cold temp. Second number is for when the oil is hot.

 

[Evolution]

That maybe true but I rather have the turbo get oil right away on a cold start even in summer temps. It’s personal preference. First number is for cold temp. Second number is for when the oil is hot.

At summer temps, at least out here, the difference of the W # is like 1-2 in viscosity as the oil is already 100°f during "cold start". Literally makes no difference if you use a 0w30 or 5w30 in summer out here.

The biggest difference in the oil is that the 0w30 has more additives to make the split bigger so technically it will break down sooner.

 

[CrimsonSupra]

So many people going against manufacturer recommended oil viscosities just because they “feel” the recommended oil is too thin because they do occasional autocross or track days.

I’ll start by saying I have no problem with anyone using whatever oil or other products they want in their vehicle. That said, I think changing oil viscosity based on “feelings” or anecdotal Internet comments is a waste. The recommended oil viscosity is selected based on the bearing clearances and oil flow characteristics specified for the engine. Unless you’ve changed engine internals or seen through oil analysis that your oil is shearing down to a lower viscosity then I don’t really see a need to change oil viscosity on a stock engine. Even if you do, it’s probably better to change it before and after each track session if you’re really pushing the powertrain since you could do oil analysis to get early warning signs of excessive wear, damage, or how well your selected oil is performing.

 

[Joebednar4]

It's getting hot as shit here, in VA. I switched over to LiquiMoly MolyGen 5w/40 that's recommended for the Z4. Zero issues whatsoever.

 

[XtremeMaC]

So many people going against manufacturer recommended oil viscosities just because they “feel” the recommended oil is too thin because they do occasional autocross or track days.

I’ll start by saying I have no problem with anyone using whatever oil or other products they want in their vehicle. That said, I think changing oil viscosity based on “feelings” or anecdotal Internet comments is a waste. The recommended oil viscosity is selected based on the bearing clearances and oil flow characteristics specified for the engine. Unless you’ve changed engine internals or seen through oil analysis that your oil is shearing down to a lower viscosity then I don’t really see a need to change oil viscosity on a stock engine. Even if you do, it’s probably better to change it before and after each track session if you’re really pushing the powertrain since you could do oil analysis to get early warning signs of excessive wear, damage, or how well your selected oil is performing.

Don't forget though, like every other component and decision in automotive, it boils down to common man and everyday driving situations, cost and availability and how thick you want your user manual to be. [edit] and obviously emission impact of oils..
If you're doing shenanigans, you'd best be equipped for it. Oil, oil coolers, brakes, engine cooling, etc. all that, right?

For oil viscosities and other stuff there are area/country maps where based on historical weather/temp data they suggest going with A or B. Well, temps ain't what it used to be. People know their habits and temps they're in. With bit of advice from internet gods and people with experience, the 0-5-10W change can be evaluated.
If we all strictly followed what's in the manual while spirited driving/tracking/AutoX then things would break down a lot sooner (idiots and blatant ignorant decisions excluded).
Lastly even the brand of oil matters, right. You put Liqui Moly or whatever and it's night and day difference in temps, etc..

Obvious extreme example. Do I go with 0W-20 in Antarctica ?

2020 Manual:

 

[bushido]

So many people going against manufacturer recommended oil viscosities just because they “feel” the recommended oil is too thin because they do occasional autocross or track days.

lol

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