Engine Oil

For the past several years I have been using and very happy with Mobil 1 15W-50 full synthetic in my 1983 400i. Oil pressure at good revs is 6 kg/cm2 and around 5 at idle, both right on the specs in the workshop manual.

Normally this oil sells for about $8/qt. at NAPA or Autozone but I have found it in 5 quart jugs at Walmart for $25/jug, a substantial savings when you need 18 qts. for an oil change!

 

I use this one http://www.commaoil.com/productsguide/view/6/247/SON5L
The fact that it's not the most expensive is a bonus.

Pics shows oil press gauge at almost idle and at normal use.
Please note that these gauges are not exactly precise and calibrated instruments, I have noticed substantial change of values with change of transmitter. So directly comparison between vehicles may fool you quite a bit.
What's a good idea is to make a note of your baseline values and monitor changes over time.

Regards
Harald
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Castrol 20w50

 

Amzoil 20/50. Amsoil synthetic auto tranny fluid.

 

Darren
I use RedLine 15W50. After an incident with my Lotus I am forever committed to RedLine for my best cars; that oil save an expensive Cosworth motor.

Why this weight? The owners manual says to use Shell 10W50.
Ken

 

Don't believe everything you read. I have castrol 10X40 in every car I own....it just makes it easier.

 

Because I live in Texas. In January it is 70 degrees. In August it is 105.

 

Brad Penn (as in Bradford, Pennsylvania, the old Kendall Refinery) 20W50 for its increased levels of zink. I figure if it is good for solid lifter pushrod engines it ought to be good for OHC engines too.
Greg

 

Just wanted to add to my post on Amzoil 20/50..this particular blend is specifically formulated for our cars with tappets..it includes the required zinc levels..When I fire my 400i up, the tappets make the usual noise...however the tappets quiet down amazingly quickly. I'm very picky about my motors. After all, spending so money for nearly 20 quarts of oil is just about the least expensive thing we do on these cars. Good luck, all. Jq.

 

Mobile 0 W 40 is their European formula which has better additives is closer to what Ferrari recommends.European oils need to meet a higher standards. You will notice it is 1 of the few oils that is recommended by the German car makers.

I use it in my car and it has no affect on oil pressure

 

I use this : http://www.millersoils.co.uk/automotive/tds-automotive.asp?prodsegmentID=244&sector=Classics

This is a semisynthetic oil as Ferrari recommended for these engines and contains all the periodically correct additives an older high performance engine needs,and most modern synthetic oils lack. Using modern synthetic oils in older high performance engines is not a good idea in my book due to possible camwear etc. Millers have several other oils for classic cars so everyone should have a chance to find an oil for their use.

My 400 is only used in the summer so 20W/50 is perfect for my use. High viscosity at high temperatur ensures good oilpressure under stress and thats never wrong either

 

Mobil 1 synthetic 15-50 also has the required zinc additive for nonroller cam applications. I use it not only the Ferrari but also my old Ranger and 1984 Olds (along with lawn mower etc). I buy the stuff at Walmart in the 5qt jugs, usually buy 6 or 7 at a time.

 

Me too. It has like some other brands, very high zinc level for the cams. For me after an oil analysis, it scored higher than Castrol 20/50, that was used in the past.

Bottom line, oils can be a very easy topic to debate. Best as we know, get engine warmed before driving hard, avoid short stops and starts, and change oil regularily. If want to get down to the weeds, do an oil analysis, or visit this site. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/