HALOO!

it's nearly time to change oil in my 92 745 who is now approaching the 250k mark. I'm just curious and i'd like to know what most folks use in their b230's..
Main concerns are oil weight and what type. Is 15-40 still recommended in warmer environments?

Personally, I'm stuck between Royal Purple HMX 10/30 for high mileage and Royal Purple 15/40..
Will probably go with a wix filter..
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12 month unrelated repairs/maintenance include: cylinder head, head gasket, belts, water pump, spark plugs, harmonic balancer and cleaning of throttle bodies

 

I use Rotella 15W40 conventional oil. As for the oil filter, I use either an original Volvo oil filter, a Mann oil filter which is the same, or a NAPA gold which is made by Wix.

 

10-30 is the recommended weight, "high mileage" is a scam. Mann filter is best, or any reputable brand. I like to use full synthetic, particularly for turbos, never blends.

 

I could've swore 15-40 was recommended for warm climate.
What makes high mileage oil a scam?

Also, I must add.. I live in FL where summer temperature is always right around 100f in addition to extreme humidity.
However, I consider anything over 30 miles a ''long drive.'' I take frequent short trips, often less than 5 miles at a time. 95% city.
What should be taken into more consideration.. Driving Habits or Ambient Temperatures?

 

In hot weather, a little heavier oil is recommended--just follow the Volvo manual.
What makes "high mileage" a scam is that they push it on cars with over 100k, and modern engines are nowhere near in need of help at that point. At any rate, HM oil is just heavier oil anyway, for which they charge more.

 

15w40 is also recommended for severe use.

 

It's written kind of strange in the book, to be perfectly honest..

An ambient temperatures chart is displayed. Without going into exact temperatures...
SAE 5w/30 for cold climate
SAE 10w/30 for moderate climate
SAE 15w/40 for hot climate

SAE15w/40 is probably would fit my ambient temperature as I'm in hot/humid central FL.. However...

This is also displayed...
''NOTE :
SAE 15 W/40 oil is recommended for use in severe driving conditions which involve high oil temperatures or excessive oil consumption e.g. mountain driving with frequent deceleration, or high-speed driving. SAE 15W-40 must not be used at ambient temperatures below 5°F (-15°C).''

As stated above, I take frequent short trips and very rarely in a position that would require high speed driving. And ofcourse, no mountains on the way to work and the grocery store, lol..

 

IMO, skip the Royal Purple, unless you have a turbo. Dino oil of 15W-40 would be perfect for your locale; I use whatever is on special of the name brands in my 240. Wix filters are good; Mann or Volvo are best. You may consider a high-mileage formula; it may stop or reduce leaks from old, worn seals.

 

Actually just picked up Royal Purple 15/40 and NAPA Gold filter for a few cents over $38 yesterday


I think the next thing I'll look into is Transmission Fluid.. Any ideas?

 

Is high mileage a scam or is what the oil is doing and what measurable not feasible and so minuet?

My auto tech book from school simply say to run a higher viscosity oil. maybe a 10w40. or a 5w40.

My opinion is that if you've been doing oil changes religiously your probably fine just using regular oil. then you switched over. I can see that.

No if a care hasn't been maintained and and there's sludge and now you want to use the higemileage stuff I don't think there's going to be a difference.

 

I've been using 10-30 Mobil 1 in my turbo and non-turbo red bricks here in central california, where temps range from 100F (inland in the summer) to deep freezing (the Sierra in the winter). and Mann filters. one of them has 400K miles, and the engine is still rock solid.