oils and filters
 

Now that the 48,000 mile mark has arrived, the dealer will no longer provide standard service free of charge.
I'm wondering what OEM filters are available, and I'd like to know opinions on oil types vs. performance and engine wear for the 323 series.

Thanks!

I don't really know about the filters for sure, but I would definitely stay away from Fram. They seem to be really cheap and somewhat flimsy in construction... I've been using Purolator or Wix for my "other car", and OEM (Mann, Mahle, Knecht, Bosch) for my 914.

As for oil, I use "dino" oil in my older motors, mostly because they tend to leak and synthetic will generally leak faster than dino oil. (I use Kendall dino oil in my 914 and my "other car".) But for a newer motor like in the E36 cars, I would strongly consider a synthetic or "hydro-cracked" oil. I would not use the full extended oil change interval, though that may be because I'm paranoid due to my 914's air-cooled engine.

Mobil-1 is a good hydro-cracked oil, though I've heard that there is a Valvoline fomulation that also uses hydro-craked oils (I think they're called Group III stock?) that is less expensive and seems to be as good. Some claim it's better, as M1 has reduced their additive package in the past couple of years.

Full synthetics tend to be very pricey--Torco, Redline, etc. But if you can stomach the expense, they are a very good way to go.

--DD

check ebay. i bought OEM quality oil filters (Mann i believe) from a guy on the there some time ago . he usually sells them in batches of 5 and includes all the o-rings for about $20 shipped

I bought from the same guy - those filters are fine:)

Mann or Mahle filter & Mobil1 0W40 or 15W50.

mahle is

actually they were Mahle

Mann and Mahle are both good. I purchase my filters at www.ips-parts.com or www.performancemotorcars.com. There are hundreds of online seller there. You can find these filter everywhere online.

What is that thing with strips running up and down it... the filters I have for the porsche are what I think of as regular / smooth and cylindrical on the outside. I'm confused about whether this is a cooling device for the outside of the filter, or if it's the actual filter.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploads/weird look.jpg

Here's a blow up of the THINGY in question:
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...0249919MAN.jpg

Thanks for helping the ignoramus!

This is only filter element, metal casing comes with car and it is not replaced with filter like on some other cars. I hope I answered your question.

REALLY!!!
Who Knew?!
That's interesting, thanks.

Yes, on my 96 328i I have 36 mm socket, remove round black cylinder and replace filter element & O-ring and re-install cylinder. You realy shoud buy Bentleys manual it's very helpfull.

See www.logun.org there is a lot of DIY's with pics.