Oil type vs. Engine Mileage

[Flametail]

Just for curiosity. I would like to know your mileage and what kind of oil you are using (brand, synthetic, weight and whatnot)

252K Castrol Syntec 10W-15 (I think)

[tiFreak]

125k Mobil 1 0w-40, I change it before I put it away for winter so it's less than 3k between oil changes

[Flametail]

I have some engine noise and someone suggested that it might be because I am running full synthetic so I figured I would throw this up to see what everyone else is running.

[tiFreak]

synthetic shouldn't do that, the only downside to using synthetic is that if you're engine has been using conventional oil for a while, changing oils to synthetic may make your seals leak around the oil pan and maybe other places

[Flametail]

well I haven't seen oil in weird places or drips on the ground so I think i'm good to go.

[Flametail]

Well I replaced the timing chain tensioner last Thursday and that quieted the engine a little and took out the rattle of the timing chain...had to put some 5W-30 in the car before I drove to Houston (Pennsoil) and that quieted the car down too. When I get back I'm gonna put High Mileage 5 or 10W-30 or 40...not sure which one though. My dad talked to a BMW mechanic and he said not to put synthetic in it.

Any high mileage or oil suggestions?

[Mallard]

full synthentic has a longer life span

mineral or semi syn is an "old skool" oil, and can be replicated now in full syn format,

Choose a good quality full synthetic everytime.

thickness or viscosity is a matter of opinion

In higer milage models, a thicker oil will compensate for wear between bearings and crankshaft shells. Although to thick an oil will take too long to come around the engine and lead to more wear ultimately

climate and driving style are also important factors. thinner oils in colder climates compared to thicker in warmer, and higer W numbers for those who like to really push their engines